Audi RS-Q

By Oliver Marriage

August 2004

That might seem a bit far fetched, but to find out how it could work, we were given an exclusive opportunity to drive the unique Audi RS-Q - the concept car seen in the summer movie featuring Men In Black star Will Smith.

With the one-off prototype only in the UK for 24 hours, we were directed to a secret location just outside the M25 for the chance to get to grips with the futuristic machine. The RS-Q came about when Audi was approached by the film's director, Alex Proyas, to design a sports car for the year 2035.

The result is the stunning two-door inspired by the Nuvolari concept which appeared at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. Audi's designers let their imaginations run wild, giving the RS-Q spheres instead of normal wheels and an engine that's so hi-tech it hasn't been invented yet. The car is controlled by voice activation and computer, unless you select a manual override, and is intended for polished glass roads.

At least that's what the film would have you believe. The reality is much more mundane. Under the skin of this ΂£300,000 car are normal wheels and an ordinary engine - although Audi is coy about saying which model donated the powerplant, as performance is not the RS-Q's strong point.

However, it is fully operational, complete with hydraulics to work the rear-hinged butterfly-wing doors and an advanced interior layout. But it's the fibreglass body that's really distinctive. From the aggressive nose right to the hunched tail and covered wheelarches, this vehicle is a head-turner.

And if you think the car has little relevance to the Audis you can buy, take note that some of its details may make it through to production. The company is considering adopting the four-ringed rear badge, which doubles up as the brake light, for more everyday models. From the driver's seat, the view is panoramic - the glass area sweeps up over the roof, while the aircraft-style steering wheel is easy to control. The sculpted seats are comfortable, too.

However, knowing this car is unique (the only other one was destroyed in a crash scene), we didn't take any risks. With less than cutting-edge origins, the driving experience isn't that sophisticated, especially since the RS-Q has to raise itself up 80mm on hydraulic jacks before it can be moved. But none of that matters, because it looked the part when it needed to - being piloted by Will Smith on the big screen.

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