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A couple of months ago someone inquired to the forum about the Audi RSQ concept traction spheres. Well, as the pictures show, the conversion can be done on an ur quattro. It took a lot of calls, many puzzled engineers, and a few "you are f---ing nuts" comments, but the work paid off. Several of the prototype spheres, carrier assemblies and brake sets were left over from the filming of I, Robot and got all that the production company had. I can't imagine how much they much have cost to manufacture. Seeing that they take up a fair amount of room, and there is no sequel planned, they were more than willing to part with these rare bits of history.

So, what does it take to fit them? Well, LOTs of fabrication. Since the spheres by nature are self damping, the stock struts and springs were removed and replaced with inboard brakes bolted to simple bearing carriers with mounts welded directly to the chassis. I did make sure that everything could be returned to stock with minimal effort.

How does it ride? The ride is a bit bouncy, but I think that increasing the sphere pressure up to 70 or so PSI will help. Traction is INCREDIBLE.

Downsides? Replacement spheres will be difficult to come by unless the manufacturer (I signed a huge release form which forbids me from mentioning the manufacturer's name) decides to put them in series production. The increased width makes it easy to rub curbs. The "spare" requires special large spanners and a compressor to inflate (it is too big to fit in the trunk when inflated). I don't carry a spare now, as the kevlar construction makes the spheres extremely puncture resistant.

Benefits? Slightly better fuel economy due to the high inflation pressure and low rolling resistance. Incredible traction. Incredible cornering ability. Unique appearance. I am ALWAYS ready for a game of dodge ball...
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22057/rsqwheels2.jpg">

 

LOL Does the extra buoyancy allow for cross-water travel?

 

These are the tarmac spheres. The M&amp;S spheres that I have might have enough "tread" to move the water. From my calculations, the spheres should have enough bouyancy to keep the waterline just below the door opening.

 

Just make sure you either cover your rockers in marine paint or hot dip them. I'd love to see an all wheel drift in light chop on the lake.

 

You are thinking of the Mud Bog radials. Those don't fit the RSQ carriers.

 

I guess you'll have to wait to find out if Sweden will end up exporting the spheres you currently have. The cool thing is that at pit stops, you can exersize after snacking if you rinse a sphere off with a hose.

 

yah thats me .but no really-info?

 

Steve - Just good to see you making progress, what is the offset?

 

The offset is 0. Anything else and they would come apart.

 

IME, I would say the chance of finding more traction spheres is slim to none. YMMV.<ul><li><a href="http://www.rsqaudi.com/">Here is the official link.</a></li></ul>