Key points
- Audi’s Concept C previews a new generation of EVs and hybrid vehicles. The design draws inspiration from the 1930s Auto Union Type C race car.
- The interior features a minimalist design with physical controls and a hidden touchscreen.
- The car boasts a unique folding hardtop convertible design and lacks a rear window.
- Audi confirms rear-wheel drive for the concept, hinting at future Quattro all-wheel-drive variants.
Audi has unveiled the Concept C in Milan, signaling a radical shift in its design language and a renewed focus on electric and hybrid vehicles. The concept car, inspired by the brand’s iconic 1930s Auto Union Type C race car, boasts a striking retro-futuristic aesthetic.
This design departure marks a “radical next” for Audi, moving away from the large touchscreen-dominated interiors seen in recent models.
The Concept C’s interior is a minimalist masterpiece, prioritizing physical controls over large touchscreens. While a 10.4-inch touchscreen is integrated, it cleverly retracts behind the dashboard when not in use, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look.
The focus is on tactile, high-quality physical buttons and rotary dials, providing a strong sense of weight and feedback. This design philosophy, described by Audi as the “Audi click,” prioritizes a driver-centric experience.
Externally, the Concept C echoes the sleek lines of the classic Auto Union Type C, featuring an upright grille and a tapered silhouette. Interestingly, this design choice results in the omission of a rear window, echoing the Polestar 4’s unconventional design.
However, the inclusion of digital rear-view mirrors, side mirrors, and windshield wipers suggests a production-ready orientation. The Concept C is also noteworthy for its folding hardtop convertible roof, a first for Audi.
While details on the powertrain remain scarce, Audi confirms the Concept C is a rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle. The company hints at future variants incorporating its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a potential range of powertrains, including hybrid and internal combustion engines, reflecting the brand’s strategic approach to the transition to electric mobility.
Speculation suggests potential underpinnings shared with Porsche’s upcoming electric 718, but Audi remains tight-lipped about production plans and potential launch dates. The Concept C, however, strongly suggests a future production model that could recapture the magic of the beloved TT roadster.
