The Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro is a concept car that combines the all-round qualities of a fully-fledged SUV with that of a dynamic soft-top convertible. The concept vehicle’s design is classic, elegant, powerful and sporty.

Exterior design of the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro:
The car creates remarkable effects, regardless of whether the top is covered or in convertible mode. All combined without compromise are classic Audi Cabriolet hallmarks, such as the presence of an SUV, the dynamic lines of a sports car, aluminum A-pillar surface and the elegant fabric hood.

The Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept vehicle is very sporty and has clearly-defined lines. To maintain optimal weight balance, the longitudinally-mounted engine is placed down the center-line of the car. It features a basic drivetrain and chassis, derived from those of the Audi A4 and Audi A5 models, measuring 4.62 m in length and 1.91 m across. But the similarities end right there! The Cross Cabriolet Quattro has an SUV-style height of 1.63 m that makes it to captivate onlookers. A sporty silhouette is created by the dynamic lines of the prototype. The pronounced styling of the wheel arches combines with the large 21-inch wheels and 265/35 R21 tires to enhance that positive effect.

The concept car is equipped with Audi’s innovative lighting technology. It flaunts electronically-controlled swivel-cornering lights and all-LED headlights that emit the characteristic strip of daytime-running lights.

Innovative hood system – the concept uses a fabric hood which has become the trademark of all Audi’s open-top designs. The hood automatically lowers itself at the touch of a button in a Z-fold behind the rear seats in only seventeen seconds. Converged at the short-stepped boot lid are the convertible design and SUV functionality. When it’s closed, it becomes a continuation of the hood’s coupé line. On the other hand, it lifts high enough when open, with the glass rear window automatically lifting simultaneously, to yield a surprisingly-large space.

Interior design of the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro:
Enter the Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept, to behold its ergonomically-perfect and sophisticated interior that pays greatest attention to smallest details. The soft, smooth surfaces and naturally-matching colors give an impression of comfort and space.

The Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro’s Infotainment:
Just like you’d find in every modern Audi design, this concept is loaded with and Internet radio, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and three-dimensional atlas of the world complete with Google Earth navigation. This design marked the first time Audi incorporated the Internet to a built-in navigation system, for a wide range of features, such as user-friendly graphics.

The driving technology of the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro:
Audi touts the convertible as having the cleanest diesel engine in the world, and truthfully, its several innovative engine designs deliver an outstanding drive.

The 240 PS 3-liter TDI engine generates the dynamics of sporty driving. Its very low CO2 emissions from the exhaust meet the European Union limits. Generally, the high-tech chassis combines with the quattro permanent 4-wheel drive system and electric ride height adjustment to deliver an unblemished driving experience on all terrains.

While we were busy ogling the Urban SUV concept in Detroit, Honda quietly rolled out another new concept car: meet the Gear, a subcompact showcar that was recently revealed at the Montreal auto show, of all places.

According to Honda’s brief release, the Gear is inspired by fixed-gear bicycles, but we can’t help but see cues cribbed from a handful of Hondas mixed throughout. The front clip has a retro vibe much like the new N-One microcar sold in Japan, but appears draw its inspiration more from the first-generation Civic than it does the N360. Moving to the side, the cab-forward profile screams Honda Fit, but the lack of rear doors, the kick-up in the quarter windows, and slanted C-pillars recall the last European Civic Type R. ?Squint had, and the smoked wrap-around tail lamps could remind you of the third-generation Civic hatchback.

Despite all these old-school Civic cues, there’s a good chance this car is considerably smaller than today’s Civic. Honda provides no dimensional detail, but the Gear is described as a subcompact – it could potentially be Fit-sized, but there’s also the possibility the car is even smaller. Honda says the Gear is an approach “to providing the automotive answer for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles” – a phrase we’ve heard used to describe the likes of the Chevrolet Spark and Scion iQ.

We haven’t heard much about Honda looking to pursue such a vehicle in these parts of the world other than the retro-cute N-One wasn’t designed for North American consumption, and likely couldn’t be re-engineered for this market even if Honda were interested in offering a stylish, subcompact laden with personality. If nothing else, the Gear suggests Honda could very well be interested in a vehicle for our shores – but nothing is certain at this point in time.

You tell us: does the Gear speak to you? Could it play in the sub-compact niche here in North America, and serve as formidable competition to the Fiat 500, Chevy Spark, and Scion iQ, among others? What would this car need in order to succeed in North America?

Source: Honda

The 2013 North American International Auto Show has come and gone, leaving in its wake a trail of futuristic concept cars intended to stop show-goers in their tracks. Though this year’s Detroit show had far more production-ready concept cars than years past, there were still a few boldly styled concept cars at the show, as well. We’ve already shared with you our favorites, now we want to know yours.

Acura MDX Prototype: This Acura MDX is so production-feasible that Acura didn’t even bother with the concept moniker. The MDX prototype rather underwhelmed us — especially considering its design isn’t significantly different from the current model.

Acura NSX Concept: Looking just as good as it did last year, the Acura NSX concept was displayed at the Detroit show wearing a new interior the automaker is considering for the production car.

BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept: BMW uses the word “concept” lightly when it comes to the 4 Series concept. The sharp-looking 4 Series will see production in a year’s time as the replacement for the 3 Series Coupe.

Ford Atlas Concept: The Ford Atlas concept is the truck that turned the whole auto show on its side, taking the wind out of GM’s sails. The Atlas concept is our first preview of the next-gen F-150 and is full of innovative new features not yet seen in other vehicles in its class.

Honda Urban SUV Concept: The Fit-based Urban SUV concept is going to be Honda’s jab at the Nissan Juke. With the Urban SUV, Honda hopes to win market share with younger buyers in the growing compact CUV market.

Hyundai HCD-14 Concept: The HCD-14 was one of the most controversial concepts of the show, with styling most diplomatically described as ‘polarizing.’

Lincoln MKC Concept: The production variant of the Lincoln MKC concept is going to be huge for Lincoln. A thinly veiled production car, the MKC might just be one of the most stylish vehicles in its class, along with the Range Rover Evoque.

Nissan Resonance Concept: The Resonance concept is our first look at the next-gen Nissan Murano. Though arguably the most ‘concepty’ vehicle on this list, the Resonance features an attractive design language that’s a further evolution of the Juke.

Toyota Corolla Furia Concept: Corolla buyers: here’s your next car. The Corolla Furia may preview the next-gen Corolla’s huge leap forward in styling.

Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept: The un-offensive VW CrossBlue concept is Volkswagen’s attempt to get a piece of the midsize crossover action. The three-row crossover features a surprising amount of interior space and an innovative plug-in diesel hybrid powerplant.

Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept: The Passat Performance concept is a hot version of the Passat. The Performance concept features a sporty interior, a lowered stance, and a 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4 making 250 hp.

Which Detroit auto show concept is your favorite? Sound off below.