Overview
The Audi Concept C is a groundbreaking all-electric, two-seat sports car concept that represents a profound shift in design philosophy for Audi. Unveiled to signal the beginning of a new styling era dubbed 'The Radical Next', it marks a return to athletic minimalism and pure mechanical luxury. Positioned as a spiritual successor to the iconic Audi TT roadster and the flagship R8, it introduces a highly focused driver-centric vision designed to breathe fresh emotional energy back into the brand's identity.
Key Features
- A two-element electrically retractable targa hardtop, representing a first for an Audi roadster.
- A highly upright, rectangular vertical single-frame front grille, reinterpreting historical design hallmarks.
- 'Shy' dashboard technology featuring a fully hideaway 10.4-inch digital display screen.
- High-quality haptic control elements manufactured from genuine anodized aluminium to deliver a precise mechanical Audi Click sound.
- Signature four-element horizontal LED matrix lighting clusters on both the front and rear assemblies.
- Mid-mounted central-battery architecture optimizing low-slung sports car handling.
Design & Interior
The exterior is full of blockiness and uncluttered, clean surfaces. It is finished in a special Titanium paint designed to convey lightness and structural strength. The front profile features a bold, vertical rectangular frame inspired by the 1936 Auto Union Type C racing cars and the 2005 Audi A6, which also serves to integrate driver-assistance sensor arrays behind the flush panel. Muscular shoulder lines travel along the flank toward a distinctive rear equipped with horizontal cooling slats, a fully integrated light bar, and no traditional rear window.
Inside, the cabin features a geometric layout focused entirely on reducing driver distraction. Materials are everything other than cheap plastics, such as premium fabrics, leather, and solid metals in a tone-on-tone harmony. Rather than dominating the dashboard with massive screens, technology is deeply integrated but hidden until needed; the main infotainment panel folds completely flat into the dash assembly. Tactile operation is brought back through physical switches on the steering wheel and centre console that are very satisfying.
Other Technical Specifications
Built on an 800V architecture, the concept is capable of ultra-rapid DC charging speeds. Power is generated from a rear-mounted electric drive motor that channels over 500 bhp and 500 Nm of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. The floorpan is engineered to hold a central battery pack tightly within the wheelbase, creating a balanced weight distribution that mimics a mid-engined layout. This architecture allows the roadster to sit exceptionally low to the ground while keeping the total target kerb weight down to an agile 1,700 to 1,800 kg.
Production Plans
Audi has explicitly confirmed that the Concept C provides a direct preview of a series production model expected to arrive within the next 2 years. The production version will transition this design language onto a dedicated electric sports car platform. It is anticipated to share its underlying high-performance architecture with other EVs within the Volkswagen Group, such as Porsche's upcoming generation of electric 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars.