Overlook The New Tesla Roadster

• The Audi Idea C “exemplifies a brand new design philosophy” on the struggling German luxurious model.
• It echoes various basic Audi sports activities vehicles, together with the R8, TT, Rosemeyer idea and the long-lasting Auto Union Kind C racing automobile, which can have impressed its identify.
• Particulars about its powertrain weren’t launched, however it’s believed to be a counterpart to the brand new electrical Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster.

This may really feel like a distant reminiscence as we speak, however there was as soon as a time when there have been two gamers within the automobile design recreation: Audi, and everyone else.

Automotive design is at all times subjective, after all. However in my humble opinion, Audi had a run of vehicles from in regards to the mid-to-late Nineties to the early 2010s that have been just about unmatched within the appears division. The primary couple of A4 sedans, the second-generation A6, the unique TT, the primary R8, the A7… house runs, all of them.

It is a totally different story at Audi as we speak, sadly. Take the brand new Audi Q6 e-tron: it is a first-rate electrical automobile, however visually, it is busy and complicated but one way or the other indistinctive too. The sedan remedy for the A6 e-tron is a bit of higher, however I would not name that automobile a looker, both.

Photograph by: Audi

That scenario looks like it might be altering quickly. Meet the Audi Idea C, which ushers in a more recent, higher period for Audi design. And most certainly, it reveals us what we might anticipate from an upcoming EV sports activities automobile effort.

Photograph by: Audi

Photograph by: Audi

Photograph by: Audi

“With a design that focuses on readability, Audi is taking a daring step in the direction of a lowered and timeless aesthetic that can proceed to distinguish the corporate in occasions of elevated competitors,” the automaker mentioned in a information launch. Chief Artistic Officer Massimo Frascella, who joined the model final 12 months, calls the thought “radical simplicity.”

Photograph by: Audi

I would say the plan is off to a superb begin. Gone is the fussiness we have seen from different trendy Audis, changed by a sleekness that calls again to the unique TT, the R8 and unused designs just like the Rosemeyer idea. Audi additionally mentioned it echoes the Auto Union Kind Can iconic racer from the early Grand Prix period. In the meantime, the entrance finish extra resembles the brand new China-only Audi E5 Sportbackwhich I do not suppose is a foul factor in any respect; I’ve seen that automobile in individual and it is fairly gorgeous.

Photograph by: Audi

One particularly notable function—or reasonably omission—is the shortage of a rear window. Aping vehicles just like the Polestar 4, the Idea C has no glass behind the driving force. Presumably, cameras take its place, though the targa-style roof panel seems to be retractable.

Photograph by: Audi

All of this leads us to what we expect this factor previews: Audi’s counterpart to the upcoming electrical Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster. In its information launch, Audi makes no point out of what might energy a manufacturing model of the Idea C. However take a look at this factor: no bodily gear controls, no obvious tailpipes… if I needed to put cash on it, it is an EV.

And because it’s clearly not some R8-level supercar successor, and a gasoline automobile platform just like the outdated TT feels unlikely, that is the apparent selection—and one thing we all know Audi has been engaged on anyway. Plus, constructing this platform throughout two Volkswagen Group manufacturers will assist unfold prices round, simply as the corporate has executed for the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT.

And each of these are completely first-rate electrical efficiency vehicles. If a manufacturing model of this Idea C has even an honest fraction of their energy, we’re in for one thing very enjoyable. Plus, whether it is due for manufacturing, it might arrive earlier than the bordering-on-vaporware Tesla Roadster does. And it will not even want rocket thrusters to be up for a superb time.

Is that this a return to type for Audi’s design crew? Tell us what you suppose within the feedback.

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Supply: Audi

Contact the writer: patrick.george@insideevs.com