Audi has revealed the Concept C, which will spawn an all-new two-seater electric sports car confirmed for production in 2027. “The Concept C is not a successor to the TT...We will come up with a name once the car hits the road,” Audi CEO Gernot Dollner told Autocar UK, refuting earlier speculations. “It’s somewhere exactly in the middle of the TT and R8,” Dollner added. The unveiling comes nearly a week ahead of the prototype’s debut at the motor show in Munich next week.
- Minimalist design language followed for the exterior, interior
- Concept C’s retractable hardtop is a first for an Audi cabriolet
- Production car’s name will be finalised close to launch
2025 Audi Concept C previews new design strategy
Design rethink key to unique positioning
The Concept C references Audi’s renewed design strategy, with a renewed focus on 'clarity'. "We achieve clarity by reducing everything to the essential...This not only applies to the vehicles' exteriors, but also to their interiors," Audi design boss Massimo Frascella said. With the design rethink, the luxury carmaker aims to create differentiation in times of increased competition. Global Audi sales have been affected by late political tensions and increased Chinese competition, resulting in a 12 percent decline in deliveries and a 7.6 percent drop in overall revenues in 2024.
Exterior and interior details
Since the concept previewed a nearly production-ready car, many of the design details are expected to be retained. The front grille of the car resembles that of the third-generation Audi A6 (C6), housing cameras and sensors likely for ADAS. Also notable is the 3D logo, instead of the flat one seen in newer cars. Quad light elements for the slim headlights, as well as tail-lights, are inspired by the four rings in the Audi logo.
Traditional ORVMs, instead of camera units usually seen on concept cars, look production-ready, too. The long bonnet gives it a grand-tourer-like look, while the sloping roofline and a covered rear quarter glass section are reminiscent of the Audi R8. Note that the retractable hardtop of the sports car is a first for an Audi cabriolet. Changes to the door panels and wheel design, however, could be made. Overall, the Audi Concept C has a minimalistic design, a style that the carmaker is now going to use in its future cars.
The simplistic design philosophy is also carried over in the Concept C’s interior. Physical controls have been generously used in the cabin, ranging from the new round steering wheel and central console to the doors. A touch-sensitive bar for climate control is also present under the retractable 10.4-inch touchscreen, which can be tucked away when not in use. Sustainable upholstery may also be used in the final car.
Audi Concept C production version will be electric only
Dual-motor setup, battery placed in the centre of the chassis
Dollner also stated that the 2027 production car will feature an electric powertrain, with no plans for a combustion engine. He highlighted that the sports car is not meant for the race track, but for use on country roads and performance driving. Synthesised engine notes and gear shifts could be added to increase the EV's appeal. While a dual-motor setup is confirmed, power and torque details haven’t been disclosed.
As for the platform, the Audi sports car will likely be underpinned by Porsche’s Premium Platform Electric base, just like the 2026-bound 718 Boxster EV. The 'mid-engine' car-like design of the drop top, however, is a result of a centrally mounted battery pack layout shared with the Porsche sports car. Interestingly, Audi has placed the battery in the centre of the chassis instead of under the floor, aiding in mounting the seats closer to the ground, optimising weight distribution and keeping the centre of gravity as low as possible. With the new sports car, Audi will try to make a strong comeback in the segment after the discontinuation of the R8 and TT models.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
