Audi flies high, next car to drive on the moon

Audi is aiming to fly high with its new vision. The German carmaker has decided to set its foot on the moon and is participating in Google’s Lunar XPrize competition. Audi will be the first carmaker to build a rover christened Audi Lunar Quattro that will scroll the lunar surface.

The group called Part-Time Scientists will get access to Audi's signature four-wheel drive technology, lightweight construction expertise, electric mobility and piloted driving for this futuristic venture.

The competition involves building, launching and landing the rover on the surface of the moon by December 2017. The criteria for the competition is that the rover should make it safely, must then travel 500 meters while taking high-definition pictures along the way.

Commenting on the mission, Luca de Meo, Audi Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said, “The concept of a privately financed mission to the moon is fascinating and innovative ideas need supporters that promote them. We want to send a signal with our involvement with the Part-Time Scientists and also motivate other partners to contribute their know-how."

Named the Audi Lunar Quattro, the rover uses a solar panel to collect electricity for a lithium-ion battery pack. An electric motor in each wheel gives the rover all-wheel drive traction. Lunar quattro houses two stereo cameras upfront and a scientific camera to examine materials. The top-speed of the rover is estimated at 3.6kmph.

The competition is presently in its final round and there are still more than a dozen teams competing.