TITANIUM R : Limited Edition Concept Car Based on the Audi A6 Avant
The Idea
The goal in developing the IMAGINEERING TITANIUM R was to create a limited-edition vehicle based on the Audi A6 Avant that distinguished itself from the production car through a clearly defined image, individualized design and professional technical modifications.
The Project
The results of market research conducted to determine the desires of buyers of station wagons in the DM 100,000 range were transformed by experts at IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed into the IMAGINEERING TITANIUM R project.
While IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed marketing specialists were busy checking on the availability of the TITANIUM R label, registering the trademark with the patent office and developing logos and brochures, designers, technicians and engineers worked on generating ideas and implementing them in the car.
The Development
The IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed team was able to take the findings of various study groups and turn them into a concept car suitable for small-series production on short notice.
Based on design renderings elegant aerodynamic parts and accessories were built. At the same time IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed technicians conducted extensive tests to find the best wheel/tire combination and sporty yet comfortable suspension settings. The color design team selected the perfect combination of colors for the car's exterior and interior from an infinite number of shades.
The purchasing department solicited bids from renowned suppliers whose work meets the required OEM quality, thus laying the foundation for a modern just-in-time series production.
During the entire development phase IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed cooperated closely with the German Technical Inspection Agency to ensure compliance with EU guidelines.
All IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed developments meet the strict quality standards of the DIN EN ISO 9001 norm.
The Body
IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed emphasizes the lines of the Audi A6 Avant with elegant aerodynamic parts that harmonize perfectly with the appearance of the station wagon. The front and roof spoilers of the TITANIUM R also reduce lift at high speeds. Both components are manufactured from high-quality PUR-R-RIM.
A special TITANIUM R grille accentuates the front of the A6.
All TITANIUM R body panels are painted a carefully chosen titanium color which complements the light silver metallic paintwork of the Audi perfectly.
All standard chrome trim was replaced by titanium-colored elements that give the limited edition vehicle the distinctive TITANIUM R look.
The Wheel / Tire combination
The custom wheel/tire combination was selected for visual as well as technical reasons. 17-inch wheels on the A6 seem almost too small, while 19-inch wheels deliver a stunning appearance but seriously impede ride comfort.
IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed therefore decided on 18-inch tires for the TITANIUM R project. The design of the titanium-colored multi-spoke wheels consciously reflects the wheel design of the Audi sports prototype for the 24-hour race at Le Mans. The TITANIUM R sports wheels in sizes 8Jx18 on the front and 9Jx18 on the rear axle.
Testing done by IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed proved the German high-performance Conti Sport Contact tire to be the best. The tire, which has an asymmetrical profile, is mounted in size 235/40 ZR 18 all around. It delivers exceptional grip on dry and wet pavement, exemplary low noise and exceptionally high ride comfort.
The Suspension
A moderate lowering emphasizes the sporty appearance of the car and offers advantages in driving dynamics. The A6 in IMAGINEERING TITANIUM R trim is lowered by about 25 millimeters using a custom-matched set of springs. By combining these springs with the standard shocks driving comfort remains on the accustomed high level of the production original.
The Sport Exhaust
Contrary to the growing trend in production cars to hide the exhaust tailpipes almost completely behind the rear apron, many car owners want a sport exhaust with striking, visible tailpipes.
IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed therefore developed a fully stainless-steel exhaust system for the A6 Avant. Since the production original features quattro drive and a twin exhaust with a muffler right and left, the rear of the TITANIUM R sports two tailpipes of characteristic TITANIUM R design.
Even though the TITANIUM R sport exhaust system conforms to strict EU noise limits it produces a much more exciting sound than the production version.
The interior
The interior of a production original was transformed by IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed into an exclusively appointed cabin in the TITANIUM R concept car.
Seats and door panels were covered with masterful precision in titanium-colored leather. In addition the standard wood trim on dashboard, doors and center console is replaced with color-coordinated TITANIUM R components.
The customization of the TITANIUM R interior also
includes titanium-colored aluminum foot pedals, foot rest, gearshift and
emergency brake levers and tread plates.
TITANIUM R velvet floor mats with silver cord complete the custom outfit.
The Multimedia Package
Multimedia is a buzzword of the new millennium and no exclusive car can be designed without allowing for it. IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed equips the A6 with a telephone system with custom console and a new PLAY BOX-X game console - developed jointly with SONY - that makes short and long trips a pleasure even for youngsters in the backseat.
The Badging
IMAGINEERING by Rinspeed creates a unique identity for the Audi not only with technical and visual modifications. Part of the TITANIUM R concept is also unique badging of the limited edition.
The custom-designed TITANIUM R logo is placed on the front fenders, the B-pillars and the tailgate. The TITANIUM R emblem also adorns the center hubcaps of the light-alloy wheels and the gear-lever grip.
The TITANIUM R plaque on the center console shows the serial number of the limited edition automobile.