Audi Cross Cabriolet

Crossover concept vehicles are nothing new at international motor shows, but the one being presented by Audi in Los Angeles this week is a bit out of the ordinary.

The Cross Cabriolet is an unusual fusion between a convertible and an off-roader. It's loosely based on the platform used for the A5 coupé and the new A4, but Audi has created a twin-layer floor to regain the structural stiffness lost with the removal of the roof.

To cope with off-road conditions, the suspension is height-adjustable, and can move through a range of 40mm in a maximum of four seconds. The shock absorbers settings can also be adjusted for different on-road requirements.

Under the bonnet there's a 237bhp three-litre turbo diesel engine which gives the Cross Cabriolet a top speed of 149mph and 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds. Combined fuel economy is aroud 38mpg, and there's an exhaust gas after-treatment system which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90%. Needless to say, the car also has quattro four-wheel drive with a 40/60 split between the front and rear axles, though for off-roading it self-adjusts through a range from 65/35 to 15/85 as required.

There's some clever stuff inside, too. The satellite navigation system uses Google Earth maps, the Bang & Olufsen audio system can pick up radio stations broadcasting online, and during open-top motoring the occupants' voices are picked up by four microphones and amplified through the car's loudspeakers, so no one needs to shout.

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