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Experience the Future: Audi's Electric Roadster Redefines Performance

The Concept Car on the Open Road: A Rare Sight

Unlike typical concept vehicles relegated to exhibition halls, Audi's Concept C has been granted street legality, a notable achievement. To achieve this, the high-performance coupe was equipped with all necessary road-compliant features, including turn signals, windshield wipers, and a functional horn, showcasing its readiness for real-world driving. This is a significant departure from the norm where most concept cars are static displays or possess limited mobility.

Performance Beyond Expectations: Speed and Power in a Concept

While many concept vehicles are known for their aesthetic appeal rather than their driving capabilities, the Audi Concept C defies this convention. Powered by a rear-mounted electric motor, this concept can achieve speeds of approximately 90 mph. Although its 2027 production counterpart is anticipated to be considerably faster, this initial performance level is impressive for a car that many initially perceived as a static showpiece at the recent IAA Mobility Show.

Shared Innovations: A Platform for Future Electric Models

Audi remains guarded about the full technical specifications of the Concept C as its official debut is still several years away. However, it is confirmed that the vehicle operates with a single electric motor powering its rear wheels. Daniel Schuster, a spokesperson for Technical Development, revealed that the Concept C is built on a brand-new architecture designed for shared use across the Volkswagen Group. This suggests a potential link to Porsche's forthcoming electric Boxster and Cayman models, hinting at collaborative engineering efforts. Plans also include a more powerful, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version.

Engineering and Design: A Glimpse into the Production Model

Weighing in at 3,725 pounds (1,690 kilograms), the Concept C matches the weight of a rear-wheel-drive R8 V10 Spyder. Its battery pack is strategically placed behind the driver and in front of the rear axle, mirroring a mid-engine configuration for optimal balance. Reports from Autocar, following a test drive in the Italian Dolomites, indicate that Audi developed a bespoke suspension system for this model, rather than adapting existing components from the TT or R8. Furthermore, Audi's Chief Creative Officer, Massimo Frascella, has stated that approximately 87 percent of the exterior design seen in the concept will carry over to the final production version. Uniquely, the electrically retractable hardtop will be the sole body style offered, with no fixed-roof coupe planned.

Market Expectations and Strategic Vision

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner projects annual sales for the new sports car to be in the "very low five-digit" range, yet he expresses confidence in its profitability. The sharing of development costs with other Volkswagen Group electric vehicles, such as the electric 718, could contribute to achieving economies of scale. While the Boxster and Cayman are expected to eventually reintroduce gasoline engine options, Audi's new sports car will be exclusively electric. This decision represents a significant step for the brand in its electric vehicle strategy.