It looks like Audi does not only roll out high quality rides here on terra firma, they also do the same when it comes to the moon. Yes sir, it looks like the German automobile manufacturer will be offering technical support for the part-time scientists team that are working on the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition, incorporating Audi know-how into what is deemed to be the “Audi lunar quattro” moon rover.
According to Luca de Meo, who is a Board Member for Sales and Marketing, “We want to inspire others to partner with the project.” This technology from Audi will range from quattro all-wheel drive as well as lightweight construction, leading to electric mobility and piloted driving. Luca de Meo continued, “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.”
There is only one German team that is competing for the Google Lunar XPRIZE, and what they have been working on ought to be launched into space in a couple of years’ time, where it will remain on board a launching rocket before taking a 380,000 kilometer trip to the moon – approximately five days in total, with hopes of making it north of the moon’s equator. [Press Release]