This impressive concept study takes its name from Pikes Peak, a 4,300 metre high mountain that rises abruptly out of the Colorado Plain of the Rocky Mountains.

It is a gathering place for automobile enthusiasts thanks to the “Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Race”. Every year in June, up to 160 fearless drivers tackle this 21 km (12.4 mile) run, which has straights of up to 200 km/h (125mph) but also 156 corners with loose stone surfaces, unprotected by any form of crash barrier.

Three victories have made the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Race part of Audi’s successful motor sport history. In 1985 the race was won by Michèle Mouton, the first woman driver ever to win a world championship rally. A year later, the legendary American race driver Bobby Unser proved to be unbeatable, and in 1987 Walter Röhrl, driving the Audi Sport quattro S1, scored a much-admired overall victory by conquering the Peak in the new record time of 10:47.85 minutes.

Today, this four-door 4+2-seater is not only a draft design that indicates the possible evolutionary path for Audi design, but it also a physical demonstration of a concept that spans several segments in the premium automobile category.

The Audi Pikes Peak quattro is notable for the manner in which it combines the sheer power of the legendary Audi quattro and an advanced design concept that brings together elements from widely varying types of automobile. It is a true crossover model. From the luxury sport sedan it adopts dynamism and comfort, however, its off-road competence comes from its variable-height adaptive air suspension and quattro driveline. The Audi Pikes Peak quattro also benefits from an innovative seating concept, with numerous variable elements also found in luxury vans.

Finally, the Audi Pikes Peak quattro achieves the nod of approval as a truly forward-looking concept thanks to restrained but elegant proportions, a confident air of supremacy and styling that is full of character, yet set well apart from any clumsy attempts to interpret the theme of a ‘go-anywhere’ vehicle.

Generous curves, clearly defined outlines and muscular, taut surfaces are cleverly united with elegance and athletic tension to create an intriguing contrast. The outer surfaces, accented with swage-lines and interesting panel gap patterns, add vitality to the styling.

To strengthen this impression, a bright “Polar Silver” metallic paint finish has been chosen. Although the Audi Pikes Peak quattro conveys a strong impression of strength and security, it cannot be said to lack sporty elegance.

At the front, the Audi Pikes Peak quattro has a radiator grill divided into two sections horizontally, with a boldly shaped surrounding frame.

Many of the visible details of the Audi Pikes Peak quattro are equally striking. The Xenon Plus headlamps behind clear glass covers communicate the technical aspect of their design, and supply a magnificent spread of light for fast driving on the highway or to find the way along loose-surfaced tracks after dark. The use of LEDs as a light source permits the fog lamps to be extremely compact and permits boldly styled rear lights to be used.

The loop-pattern door handles on the Audi Pikes Peak quattro only extend when the proximity sensor on the advanced key has detected that an authorized key holder wishes to enter the car.

The outside mirrors are also used to illuminate the area close to the vehicle. A camera has been built into the mirror at the right, and focused on the right front wheel. This ‘dead area’ is then displayed on the MMI screen so that the driver can judge the clearance or the distance from the edge of the road more effectively when crossing difficult terrain.

Evidence of the dynamic properties of the Audi Pikes Peak quattro is provided by the massive wheels with 5-arm double spokes and the tyres with a specially developed tread pattern.

PAX wheels of size 295/770 R 560 A (equivalent to a visible wheel diameter of 20.6 inches) help to keep the vehicle controllable if there is a sudden loss of tyre pressure. Their ‘run-flat’ construction means that mobility is maintained if a tyre failure should occur, and the vehicle can be driven for up to 200 km (125 miles) at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).

The overall interior concept adopted for the Pikes Peak quattro creates a strong link with the sporty exterior styling. Matt-brushed aluminum and Japanese “Tamo” ashwood trim elements give the interior a sporty and technical look, softened by natural, welcoming accents fashioned from the finest materials. A glass roof offers the occupants a panoramic view and a sense of space and light.

The clear outlines featured in the driver’s area are emphasised by a raised centre console, adding to its sporty atmosphere. A novel 3D laser optical display makes the instruments brilliantly legible even when vision is otherwise poor.

The multifunction leather-covered sport steering wheel is of three-spoke design, with tiptronic transmission shift paddles behind it, allowing the driver to change gears without having to take a hand off the steering wheel.

For optimized occupant protection, two neatly housed additional “out of position” cameras identify the front passenger’s seated position and modify triggering of the airbag appropriately.

The gear shift gate and the Audi-MMI unit (Multi Media Interface) are located conveniently and ergonomically for the driver. By dividing the centre console asymmetrically in this way, additional space is created for the front passenger. A convenience package with two cup holders and a shelf for small items has been created, and there is a cold-store compartment under the split armrest.

The front centre console is arranged like a bridge from the fascia to the rear end of the front seats. Between the individual second-row seats there is a second, retractable centre console. It contains controls for the infotainment electronics and another cold-store compartment, shelf space and cup holders.

The ‘Caribou Beige’ decor chosen for the interior is the perfect accent for the green highlight elements of the interior. The boldly-contoured seats, for example, are upholstered in high-quality caribou-color nappa leather, with the seat backs highlighted in ‘Yukon Green’.

Six people can travel in the Audi Pikes Peak quattro on three pairs of leather-upholstered seats. The decision to adopt a 4 + 2 seating layout emphasises the concept’s premium character, with no cramped centre seat accommodation above the prop shaft tunnel, but instead a well-balanced blend of luxury and functional efficiency.

All seats in the Audi Pikes Peak quattro have a wide range of electrical adjustment. To simplify access to the rear seats, those in the second row have an easy-entry function.

When carrying bulky loads, the two rear pairs of seats can be folded down, extending the load area to a total capacity of 1,950 litres when needed. The rear seat is also folded electrically.

In the Audi Pikes Peak quattro, the MMI display is also available for the rear passengers. Two 6.8 x 5.1 inch screens fold down from a console in the roof lining to provide both information and entertainment for those sitting in the second and third rows. DVD and MD drivers in the retractable centre console, a separate MMI with Internet access and USB and headphone plug connections are provided so that the passengers have access to a varied selection of entertainment facilities.

For easy loading, the tailgate of the Audi Pikes Peak quattro extends into the rear side panels and is opened and closed electrically by remote control. Hand baggage can be placed in the load area through the rear window, which opens separately.

The twin pairs of exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper add visual highlights and deliver an impressive engine note.

Well known from the Audi RS 6, the Pikes Peak quattro’s V8 engine with twin turbochargers has been further developed to a power output of 500 hp. This has been achieved thanks to the advanced FSI direct fuel injection principle, first used on Audi’s mighty Le Mans-winning cars.

In the Audi Pikes Peak quattro, the eight-cylinder twin-turbo FSI engine is notable for its free revving and vigorous pulling power at all engine speeds. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.0 seconds and has a governed top speed of 250 km/h. Maximum torque of 630 Newton-metres is available from 2,000 rpm upwards and remains constant over a broad speed range. This supreme, massive pulling power is ideal for fast cross-country driving and for negotiating off-road sections of the journey.

When designing this versatile concept vehicle it was logical for Audi to integrate its in-depth knowledge of quattro and its experience with variable-height active air suspension. The development brief for the Audi Pikes Peak quattro was that it could tackle loose surfaces and poor roads just as supremely as fast sections of the highway.

In all driving situations and across all kinds of surface, quattro permanent all-wheel drive stands for optimum traction and dynamic stability.

The standard torque split between the axles is 50% to the front and 50% to the rear, but if wheelspin occurs at either axle the split is diverted to the axle with more grip.

The electronic differential lock (EDL) controls torque distribution between the two wheels on an axle. Then there is the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), which assists the driver when potentially critical driving situations close to the handling limit have to be mastered. Like all Audi quattro cars, the Pikes Peak quattro provides the best possible traction on all surfaces and in all conditions.

Variable-height pneumatic control at both axles responds automatically when the load carried by the vehicle increases, and restores its ride height to the standard level. The air springs support the entire load at each axle.

The lane departure warning system is a special function that actively supports the driver. By means of an optical sensor, this driver assistance system scans the road markings and issues an acoustic warning signal and a physical response in the form of steering wheel vibration if the driver departs from his or her chosen lane. A warning that an unintentional lane change is taking place is then given to the driver as a means of avoiding a possible accident.

The Audi Pikes Peak quattro also features adaptive cruise control, which not only performs the functions of a conventional cruise control system but also automatically maintains the desired distance from the vehicle in front.

A special feature of the Audi Pikes Peak quattro is its variable-height adaptive air suspension. Ample ground clearance of up to 280 mm for crossing rough terrain can be pre-selected at the MMI. At high speeds the body can be lowered to optimise aerodynamics. As road speed increases, the suspension is lowered and the shock absorber settings varied automatically, so that optimum dynamic stability is assured.

The concept chosen for the Audi Pikes Peak quattro unites the most varied demands that can be made of an automobile. It is part-sedan with abundant sporty style suitable for serious travel purposes; it is part powerful off-road vehicle, and it is a stimulating leisure vehicle with a versatile interior layout for passengers and loads.

The Pikes Peak quattro is further evidence of Audi’s proverbial technological lead as expressed in its slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik”. When developing new vehicle concepts, Audi deliberately goes beyond conventional limits.

Short-lived fashion trends are not the objective. Audi’s aim is to establish new milestones and the Audi Pikes Peak quattro is yet another example of this.

The Audi Pikes Peak quattro shows that the existing definition of the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) must be modified, and new values added. It extends the activity component in this definition to include such typical Audi attributes as the quattro driveline with variable-height adaptive air suspension, and matches the dynamic road performance of many a high-class sports car. With its 4 + 2 seating system, which is operated electrically and therefore needs no manual effort, it adds a new quality to the term versatility. And in addition, its sporty, elegant styling is visually satisfying.

The Audi Pikes Peak quattro is therefore more than another SUV, uniting the best characteristics of several different automobile worlds at the very highest level.