These pictures would possibly appear to be they arrive from a generative synthetic intelligence program, however they’re the true deal. Audi has engineered a bonkers off-roader primarily based on one among its many unassuming electrical SUVs. This wild one-off idea began as a Q6 Sportback E-Tron, after which it obtained a whole makeover, which concerned including portal axles. That is proper–an Audi with portal axles.

However what are portal axles anyway? A system of gears housed on the ends of the axles or management arms close to the wheels boosts floor clearance beneath the axle. This design elevates the axle’s centerline, lifting the differential increased relative to the wheel mounting floor whereas concurrently decreasing the wheels in relation to the differential and axle tubes or management arms. Audi does not element its high-riding contraption, nevertheless it does say the portal axles symbolize a brand new growth.

Photograph by: Audi

Portal axles on a manufacturing car are fairly uncommon. Mercedes has the best-known fashions, particularly the G500 4×4², the G63 AMG 6×6, and the Unimog. It is price noting that the Toyota Mega Cruiser and Hummer H1 additionally had this suspension expertise. Portal axles are sometimes present in army automobiles.

Photographs shared by the Audi Sport efficiency division present the Q6 Sportback E-Tron sitting excessive on Venom Energy Terra Hunter X/T all-terrain tires. The go-anywhere EV flaunts bulging arches and a roof rack with additional lights. Beneath the principle headlights, extra LEDs appear to be they got here from a Volkswagen Golf GTI. It seems Audi shaved off the entrance bumper a bit to extend the method angle much more.

Photograph by: Audi

Audi does not say whether or not its off-roader is predicated on the common Q6 E-Tron or the spicy SQ6 E-Tron. In manufacturing guise, the new one pumps out 483 horsepower from a dual-motor setup and does 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds when utilizing launch management. Flat out, it will do an electronically restricted 143 mph (230 km/h). The SQ6 has all-wheel drive and a 94.4-kWh battery pack with sufficient juice for 377 miles (607 kilometers) within the WLTP cycle.

We’ll see extra of this idea quickly, ideally with full technical specs. A manufacturing Audi with portal axles can be neat, however that is simply wishful pondering at this level.