Audi doesn’t typically embrace outrageous styling, but the Audi Concept C might show a new direction for the brand as it competes in the high-end EV market.
Audi’s calling their new Concept C the most important vehicle they’ve built in decades. That’s a pretty big statement, but looking at the design, they might be onto something. The concept shows where Audi’s headed with their styling and technology as they try to win over younger buyers and compete with the flood of new EVs hitting the market. It’s got some wild aerodynamic features and a look that’s way more aggressive than what we’re used to seeing from Audi.
Conservative styling is out the window
The new Audi Concept C embraces its role as the future of Audi design and a concept car that could bring new looks and qualities to the brand. Filled with German automotive innovation, the Concept C will likely be the foundation of many next-generation Audi vehicles, but you probably shouldn’t expect it to bring too many changes to the SUV lineup. Still, among luxury car concepts, the C could be the most forward-thinking and aggressive car that has come out of the four-ring brand in decades.
The Audi Concept C could change the brand’s game
What do you think of when Audi enters your conversation? This German luxury brand has been hallmarked not by styling excellence, but by incredible interiors, advanced electronics, the Quattro AWD system, and impressive acceleration. Audi has been at the front of the line in terms of winning rallies and tackling Pikes Peak, but has always been left behind in terms of style and design when put up against BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While Audi’s position in the market was strong, the brand seemed to always be in an uphill battle against its domestic rivals.
The new Audi Concept C shook Milan
The Concept C is the most aggressively designed Audi since the Le Mans Quattro appeared in 2003. This new concept car brings pure pleasure to the road and was quickly developed in only five months under the watchful eye of new Audi CEO Gernot Dollner. Dollner was the project manager for the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept, which means he knows how to deliver a special project for the Volkswagen Group. Building the Concept C became a strong team-building exercise for the in-house team, but it should also provide insight and inspiration into future Audi styling.
The Audi Concept C first appeared in Milan and then headed to the Munich Mobility Show. As a concept car, not many viewers expect to be able to drive the car, but the Concept C is an entirely driveable car, that only took the team five months to put together.
Launching on a new platform for 2027 and 2028
As you might expect, with any car that’s close to production but hasn’t been fully tested, Audi is extremely tight-lipped about the new car. It will be built on the new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) architecture, and it could be related to the new Porsche Boxster EV. The production versions don’t have a name yet, but Audi confirmed the new car will launch globally in 2027 and in the United States by 2028.
What is the Audi Concept C?
While details are scant, it’s easy to see that this new concept car is a two-seat hardtop convertible roadster. It’s larger than the TT but should slot under the R8. The name might sound like Audi is giving it an average grade, but in fact, they are calling out the brand’s racing heritage, which isn’t widely known, despite the new F1 team moving from the Sauber team into Audi for the 2026 season.
The racing link dates back to 1936 when four Silver Arrows were created by the Auto Union, which is now Audi. These Silver Arrows were called A through D, and the C was arguably the best looking and coolest model. The Type C was a single-seater with a 6.0-liter supercharged V16 engine behind the driver, making it a powerful racing car that was on the track. The new Audi Concept C honors that connection.
The Audi Concept C is pure electric joy
The Concept C has an 800-volt electric architecture and has a single motor powering the rear axle with at least 500 horsepower. While the details of the weight, battery, and other details aren’t available, Dollner claims the car is light for an EV, which makes it a true sports car using an EV powertrain.
The new car that comes from the Audi Concept C will arrive in a couple of years, giving us a newly designed and developed electric sports car that could be a lot of fun. Are you intrigued?
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