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New Delhi: Since Audi retired the TT and R8, the brand’s lineup has lost its charm and glamour, not selling a single sports car, a coupe or a convertible. With the new Concept C, this is probably going to change all of this in 2027 when a production version is likely to reach the market. Audi have reassured that the one going on the road will differ very little from the one they have shown, aside from having door handles, sensors and a few tweaks here and there.
The Concept C has managed to refresh the whole design language of the brand, and it is the one that will be rolled out across their lineup under Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella, having taken over in the role since June 2024. The German carmakers are embracing “radical simplicity” by putting only essential elements in both the interior and exterior.
Audi is taking hints from the TT, but Concept C is a nod to many iconic cars that have been built by the brand over the years. It is a nod to the R8 supercar, the 1991 Avus concept, Auto Union race cars and even a 2000 Rosemeyer concept. At a glance, it looks like a coupe, but it doubles up to be a roadster as well.
In concept, the two-seater comes with an electrically retractable roof with two panels, a first for Audi. If it comes to production is unknown. Much like the recent concept like the Jaguar Type 00 and production cars like Polestar 5, there is no back window. Audi have instead fitted three horizontal slats, one of which merges with the third brake light.
In size, it is much more like the R8 than the TT, with Audi noting that it measures 178 inches in length, 78 inches in width and 50.3 inches in height and has a wheelbase of 101.1 inches. The vertical grille is inspired by the 1936 Auto Union C and the third generation of A6, and is being called the “central element” of Audi’s looks. This, along with the new four-element light signature, is likely to move across the lineup.
It gets two-tine 21-inch wheels and weighs around 1690 kgs, much like the R8 Spyder. Audi says that it can be configured as both rear and all-wheel drive, and an 800-volt electrical system means it will have ultra-fast charging.
On the inside, Audi continues the uncomplicated design from the outside, which Audi have called shy tech. The 10.4-inch tablet rising from the dashboard can be tucked away into the dashboard, much like the older Audis. Real controls are made from anodised aluminium, which means that the screen isn’t required for every command. The badge on the steering wheel is crafted from real metal instead of plastic.
Porsche have an upcoming electric Boxster and Cayman, and it is yet to be seen if the Audi C will compete with them. The new 718s are set to arrive in 2026 with a greater focus on driver engagement than Audi. It is known that both Audi and Porsche will be selling their new products as EVs only. For Audi the 2026 will see them launch an entry-level EV and new RS performance models from Audi Sport. Whether the design language of the Concept C goes to mainstream body styles is still unknown.
