by Thanos Pappas
- Audi has shared new photos and videos of the Concept C.
- The concept is street-legal and previews a production EV.
- It will hit the road in 2027 and ride on Porsche underpinnings.
The Audi Concept C was one of the undeniable highlights of the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, standing out not just for its presence but for what it represents, a preview of a production model slated for 2027 that also unveils the brand’s next phase of design language.
More: Audi A4 Returns As EV With Concept TT Styling To Give BMW Something To Worry About
After its debut, Audi released more images and footage of the concept in motion. Most concepts cars live quiet lives as static displays or move only at walking pace, powered by small electric motors for demonstration. Audi’s engineers, however, went further.
Street Legal Vision
The Concept C has earned official road approval, as evidenced by its German license plates, a small but telling achievement that signals the prototype’s real-world capability.
Obtaining that certification was no small feat. Meeting street-legal requirements meant addressing a complex list of technical standards and safety systems.
Design DNA
The styling draws together threads from several Audi icons: the TT’s form, the R8’s supercar stance, and the flowing lines of the Auto Union Type C racer. At the front, slim horizontal LEDs flank a new interpretation of Audi’s grille, flanked by upright air intakes that lend visual depth and purpose.
Along the sides, the bodywork is uncluttered and taut, with proportions that lean toward the exotic side of sports car. The tail slopes downward, replacing the rear glass with louvers and finishing in slim LED taillights above a pronounced diffuser.
Audi says that the concept offers a preview of a future production model described as “a breathtaking all-electric sports car with exceptional driving dynamics that puts design, speed, and emotion at its core”.
Company officials have indicated that much of the Concept C’s design will carry over to the production EV, though some details will inevitably evolve. Audi has also confirmed that the yet-unnamed model will keep the concept’s removable roof, giving it dual identities as both a coupe and a roadster.
The Concept C also introduces a fresh approach to interior design, balancing advanced technology with clean, minimal aesthetics. A 10.4-inch infotainment display folds neatly into the dashboard and is paired with a digital instrument cluster that maintains the cabin’s uncluttered look.
Also: VW Drivers Say They’re Terrified Of Touching Their Steering Wheels, So They’re Suing
Audi has also fitted several haptic controls beneath the central touchscreen, along with a touch-sensitive button for opening the doors.
Apparently, the brand hasn’t learned its lesson from VW’s recent retreat from similar interfaces in favor of proper physical buttons. Still, since this is a concept, there’s time to see if these quirks make it to production.3
Powertrain Blueprint
Audi hasn’t shared detailed specifications, but it has confirmed a rear-mounted electric motor and batteries positioned behind the seats. This layout allows a notably lower seating position than EVs with underfloor battery packs, creating weight balance reminiscent of a mid-engined sports car.
More: Porsche’s Next 718 To Borrow 911 Power But Purists May Not Approve
The production version is expected to share its underpinnings with the upcoming Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster. While Porsche will reportedly offer internal combustion options for high-performance trims, Audi plans to go fully electric.
The lineup could include a rear-wheel-drive model alongside Quattro versions featuring dual-motor setups for added power and traction.
