Say the name Audi, and simple, contemporary sedans likely leap to mind. But every few years, the company’s designers like to kick up a fuss and remind you that they can produce a compelling vehicle too. The latest? The all-electric Concept C targa-style convertible concept that draws from the company’s past designs.
Audi’s new all-electric Concept C has tongues wagging about a return of the Audi TT.
The company took the covers off its latest design exercise, the Concept C, and immediately many observers thought, “Oohhh! A new Audi TT!” And while the two-seat with a power hardtop does evoke that memory, Audi officials say the inspiration comes from elsewhere.
“Inspired by the Auto Union Type C (1936) and the third-generation Audi A6 (2004), it has a clear, upright form that conveys presence and identity,” the company noted in a release. “It is a progressive interpretation of Audi’s legacy, showcases the Audi rings, and integrates forward-looking technology.”
Not so fast! (Not the car, but the idea) Ok, perhaps the ’30s-era race car played a role, but midsize sedan? Nein. That’s a future version of the TT if there ever was one. To be clear, Audi officials claim it’s a design exercise, but it’s not so futuristic that it wouldn’t look at home on the road right now.
What is it?
Well, it’s minimalist, for sure. There is nothing extraneous inside or out. The squared-off front end is clearly designed to accommodate the “central battery layout.” It also gives the nose a slightly angry feel appropriate for a small sports car — think angry hornet.
The squared-off front also allows for a high shoulder line, allowing both passengers to feel like they’re sitting in a cocoon.
That squared-off front also allows for a high shoulder line, allowing both passengers to feel like they’re sitting in a cocoon. The sloping roof only adds to that experience, and the widened wheel wells contribute to the aggressive and athletic look of the Concept C. The electric hardtop would be a first for Audi if it makes past the concept stage.
The Audi Concept C introduces a new light signature featuring four horizontally arranged elements in each headlight and rear light. This design element will define Audi’s visual identity during both day and night, ensuring an unmistakable presence on the road.
The exterior of the Audi Concept C is presented in the color Titanium. It evokes warm, technical elegance and is inspired by the luster of its namesake metal — a material that embodies precision, lightness, and strength.
What it’s not
Gas powered. It’s all electric, but Audi declined to provide any details about the battery or provide performance numbers.
The cabin is simple and clean with basically a steering wheel and a touchscreen.
It’s also not fussy, especially on the inside. The cabin is simple and clean with basically a steering wheel and a touchscreen, if you look at the provided photos. The materials mirror the look of the outside with anodized aluminum balanced against “natural materials” designed to create a “refined, warm, and elevated environment.”
The steering wheel forms the core of the refined tactile experience: its characteristics — the round shape, the sophisticated haptic elements, and the Audi rings made out of real metal in the center — are crafted with the utmost technical precision. Every material contributes to the pure and sophisticated atmosphere of the interior.
While the cabin’s not loaded with a massive set of screens, stretching from pillar to pillar, it does come with the latest in technology. Much of that tech is accessible through a 10.4-inch touchscreen that folds neatly into the dashboard. It “provides users with relevant information in an intuitive way and in context — tailored to every situation.”
What it could be
Could the Concept C be the next-generation of the Audi TT? Possibly.
The next Audi TT, which last rolled off the line for the 2023 model year. When it hit the U.S. for the 2000 model year, it was an immediate hit. Its popularity came despite an underwhelming powertrain. However, it did provide some competition for the immensely popular Mazda Miata.
The Miata, which was often characterized as a “happy” car with its pop-up headlights and rounded fascia, finally had a foil in the TT. As time went on, two more generations of the TT arrived, each better than the last — especially on the powertrain front.
The initial model featured a 148-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, but by the end of its run a 247-hp version gave mavens something to celebrate. However, that wasn’t enough to keep Audi cutting it from the lineup due to sluggish sales.
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