The electric transition has been underway for some time now and has required manufacturers to continuously modify their cars to accommodate the new propulsion systems and at the same time renew the aesthetic aspect of the more traditional solutions. More or less, each player has spent himself to introduce on the market increasingly refined and different models from those to which we are accustomed in the last few years; the slits and all the aerodynamic appendages necessary for endothermic cars have gradually disappeared, making room for an increasingly “full” front section and style languages that are sometimes drastically different from tradition.
In this regard, some brands have preferred to maintain their presence on the market by offering battery-powered cars that are completely similar to endothermic ones, while others have done their utmost to offer a completely new package. A real breath of fresh air. Audi is among these and, in addition to providingintroduction of new concept modelsis working on extremely futuristic concept cars dedicated to premium, electric, next generation mobility.
On the occasion of the Monterey Car Week motor show a couple of years ago, the Ingolstadt brand presented a new family of concept cars known as the “-Sphere” and designed to cover different segments of the Audi house. Whether it’s a sedan, a flagship or a sports car, Audi already has the answer ready to interpret the premium mobility needs of tomorrow with a different interpretation.
Audi has developed all the prototypes by researching unique lines and important technological innovations, also placing the emphasis on on-board habitability, thus offering an entire ecosystem of services within the passengers’ reach.
According to Audi, the car is no longer just a means of transport but a 360-degree tool, capable of entertaining people on board at all times. The Sphere concepts are therefore Audi’s vision of premium electric mobility of the future, which finds its dimension in four different models:
- Grandsphere;
- urbansphere;
- Skysphere;
- Activesphere.
Audi Grandsphere – first-class luxury
The Grandsphere concept is meant to be anewly developed premium flagship capable of taking the place of the current A8, in production since 1994 and now in its fourth iteration. It will be an ecological, silent and extremely comfortable car. The interiors are luxurious, true first class, with an advanced technological level: fourth level autonomous driving is foreseen and the possibility, therefore, of eliminating the steering wheel and pedals.
The high-end Audi lounge will have a total power of 720 horsepower, with a torque of 960 Nm, with a 120 kWh battery capable of covering 750 km.
Audi Urbansphere: the super spacious MPV
Primarily aimed at urban mobility, Urbansphere aims to ensure a world-class experience, hi-tech services and fully automated driving. Designed to be perfect for high-traffic metropolises, Audi’s solution will be a small 5.51-metre-long living room equipped with OLED screens extending along the entire length of the dashboard (and beyond!). Expected a 401 horsepower powertrain, 120 kWh battery and a range of 300 km. The recharge will be from 270 kW, therefore capable of restoring the battery to 100% in just under 10 minutes.
Audi Skysphere: the electric supercar of the future
After a flagship and an SUV, it could only come the turn of one top-of-the-range supercars. Judging by the first sketches, it will be an elegant technological and high-performance two-door electric convertible. Among the technologies proposed by Audi for Skysphere, the management of the predictive set-up, the variable wheelbase, the integral steering with the possibility of changing the track and the wheelbase with a simple button.
Taking advantage of these technologies, the Audi Skysphere can vary from a length of 4.94 meters to 5.19 meters, while the height from the ground can be changed by 10 cm. A 632 horsepower rear powertrain, 750 Nm of torque, and a 0-100 of just under 4 seconds are expected. The battery will be 80 kWh with a range of about 500 km.
Audi Activesphere: the coupé SUV
On the occasion of the “Celebration of Progress” appointment scheduled for the end of January 2023, Audi will unveil the fourth concept, however, devoted to outdoor use. Activesphere will have a massive body, with a high waistline and an exclusive look. The details for the moment remain top secret even if it is easy to imagine that we will find key elements of the “Sphere” family, such as electric propulsion, essentially autonomous driving and all-wheel drive.
