[ad_1]
The first Audi in a trio of autonomous electric concept cars, signifying the future direction of the brand, will welcome the public as part of Monterey Car Week. The Skysphere is a sporty roadster that, with the push of a button, physically transforms into a grand touring car that drives itself while passengers relax, at least in theory.
“The experience we wanted to recreate with Skysphere is grand touring,” says designer Gael Buzyn, director of Audi’s new design studio in Malibu, California. “In the 1930s there was a technological leap that made cars more comfortable and easier to use. Today we are also entering a new era of driving, also driven by technology, so we tried to project it into the future and see how we could take that experience to a new level. We did this by creating two driving modes with two distinct personalities.
Audi’s Skysphere concept car.
Photo: courtesy of Audi AG.
The Skysphere features classic proportions with a long axle dash, short overhangs, huge wheels and sleek lines. But it’s also decidedly modern, with a new take on Audi’s single-frame grille that also serves as a light signature, communicating the drive mode as well as the car’s state of charge.
Intricate textures and patterns can be found throughout the vehicle, including the 3D printed daytime running lights and taillights. Side mirrors are replaced with cameras, and at the rear where an engine normally sits, a see-through hatch showcases tailored luggage that nestles neatly into the Skysphere’s sleek shooting brake-style trunk.
The Skysphere presents a new interpretation of Audi’s single-frame grille that doubles as a light signature.
Photo: courtesy of Audi AG.
Buzyn says the Skysphere was inspired by the Horch 850 roadster and the shorter wheelbase model 853, an example of which won the Best Show award at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2009. “We got the idea. of two sizes very early. on. I love to drive, so I wanted to make a car that I would love to drive but at the same time meet the requirements for level 4 (range).
The cabin itself also reconfigures itself based on the driving mode: in autonomous touring mode, the driver and passenger sit side by side while the large display screens show artwork or other entertainment. In sport mode, a steering wheel emerges from under the dashboard, the driver’s side screen moves forward and the driver’s seat is positioned slightly forward of the passenger for better control of the road. In addition, art deco elements that pay homage to the Horch are found in the interior as well as on the design of the wheels.
The cab is reconfigured according to the driving mode selected.
Photo: courtesy of Audi AG.
Notably, the entire Skysphere was digitally designed in Audi’s studio in Malibu, without the milling of clay models traditionally used during the development process. The designers “met” in virtual reality to review and refine the design, which only took six months. (In the past, developing and building a concept car could take years.) The physical model was made in Germany within two months, then shipped to California before its public debut.
A see-through hatch showcases tailor-made luggage designed to fit in the stylish Skysphere trunk.
Photo: courtesy of Audi AG.
Audi’s Skysphere and subsequent concepts come at a time when the brand, along with much of the automotive industry, is shifting to electric powertrain setups and continuing to move towards self-driving vehicles. At the end of last year, Audi, owned by the Volkswagen Group, announced that it would invest $ 12 billion in electrification and, more recently, said it would stop the development of new combustion engines to ‘by 2026.
In autonomous touring mode, the driver and passenger sit side by side while the large display screens provide a variety of entertainment.
Photo: courtesy of Audi AG.
Yet the brand that produces performance motorsport-inspired models like the V-10-powered R8 and RS Q8 is not looking to reduce the thrill level of its cars to that of automatic toasters. Instead, it shows a new vision of an electrified future where, while machines can drive themselves, enthusiasts can still get behind the wheel and take control of the open road.
The entire Skysphere was digitally designed in Audi’s studio in Malibu.
Photo: courtesy of Audi AG.
“The car [Skysphere] fits perfectly into our VW group strategy, as we believe new and existing customers will be reminded of a forgotten experience, a glamorous automotive experience, ”said Buzyn. “I hope this resonates with a lot of people.”
The Audi Skysphere Concept will appear at the Quail, a powersports gathering on August 13 in Carmel Valley, and will then honor the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours of Elegance on August 15.
Learn more about Robb ReportCar of the Year 2022 at the Napa Valley event here and in Boca Raton here.
[ad_2]
Source link