The Audi skysphere concept shows that it's not just about driving dynamics, but to offer passengers first-class and unique experiences during their journey.
In order to provide maximum freedom to passengers, the concept model has been designed with two different driving modes, Grand Touring and Sports, thanks to its variable wheelbase. A sophisticated mechanism that includes electric motors, interlocking body structure and frame components allows to change the wheelbase and exterior length of the car by 250 millimetres. At the same time, the vehicle's ground clearance can be adjusted up to 10 millimeters to increase comfort and driving dynamics.
It is possible to choose between two different driving modes at the push of a button. The driver can either drive the 4,94-meter-long e-roadster vehicle in “Sports” mode with a reduced wheelbase, with an agile drive; He can choose to travel in a 5,19-metre GT in autonomous “Grand Touring” driving mode, while enjoying the services offered by the seamlessly integrated digital ecosystem, whether he is watching the sky and scenery. In GT mode, the steering wheel and pedals move into an invisible space. Audi skysphere automatically pays attention to the road and traffic with its sensor system and takes passengers safely to their destinations.
In the interior design, where a new and contemporary interpretation of luxury is presented, the digital ecosystem offers an unprecedented world of freedom and experience for the vehicle's passengers. There is an almost endless amount of experience in the model, in which Audi has integrated different digital services as well as its own services. Passengers can share their impressions of the road, along with interior and environmental images, via social media. The concept model also takes on daily tasks that go beyond driving: the autonomous Audi skysphere concept receives its passengers by receiving information about their destination, and also handles parking and charging itself.
Audi skysphere's active suspension plays an important role in the versatility of the vehicle's handling characteristics. While driving, the wheels are individually selected, raised or lowered to compensate for unevenness and undulations in the road surface.
Connects with legend without pretending to be retro
The track width of the Audi skysphere is reminiscent of the legendary Horch 853 Convertible: 5,23 m long and 1,85 m wide against the legendary model's 5,19 m long and 2,00 m wide. However, there is a significant difference in height values: the legendary Horch with its iconic design rises to 1,77 m, while the autonomous Audi skysphere leans more towards the road. In sport mode, its height is 1,23 m, with an optimized center of gravity and aerodynamics. The concept car connects with the legendary classic model without imitating the retro model.
In design, besides the dimensions, it is the lines that make the real difference. The skysphere, with its trademark wide curved and wide fenders, emphasizes the track width, a testament to its dynamic capabilities. Viewed from the side, the skysphere's fenders and front hood are curved surfaces, the proportions of which are extremely impressive, with a long hood and a short rear overhang. The rear, developed in the wind tunnel, resembles a traditional modern speedster design.
Located at the front end of the vehicle, although it no longer serves as a radiator grille, the brand's typical Single Frame includes the illuminated logo designed in three dimensions. The entire bezel, as well as the adjacent surfaces on the sides, are designed with white LED elements that literally act as a stage for visual effects. These offer both functional effects and animated welcome sequences when the vehicle is turned on and off. The rear end is also dominated by a digitally controlled LED surface that stretches across the entire width of the vehicle. Numerous red LEDs are scattered across the vertical rear surface like rubies. When the wheelbase, and thus the operating mode, is changed from GT to Sport, the light signature also changes, giving a clear indication of the changing character of the Audi skysphere concept, especially in the area around the Single Frame.
One interior, two different spaces
Audi, three concept models of the upcoming period; In the Audi skysphere, Audi grandsphere and Audi urbansphere, the 'Sphere', which surrounds the passengers and becomes an experience for them, puts the interior at the center of the journey.
All three concept models designed for level 4 autonomous driving are models that can take full responsibility of the driver in certain road and traffic situations and no longer need to intervene.
As a result, control elements such as the steering wheel and pedals can be rotated to an invisible position and passengers, including the passenger in the front left seat, can enjoy a new freedom: to relax, enjoy the view or interact with the Internet and the world through an Internet connection.
The interior, free from controls, stands out as a bright, spacious environment inspired by Art Deco. The comfortable seats with the visual elegance of designer furniture also fulfill the functions of a vehicle seat in driving mode.
When the Audi skysphere is used in driver-controlled mode, the interior transforms into an ergonomically perfect driving machine cockpit. Along with the chassis and body, the instrument panel and monitor panel in the center console also move to the rear. The driver finds all controls, including the steering wheel and pedals, in the most convenient position.
Large touchscreen surfaces, 1415 mm wide by 180 mm high, on the instrument panel and the upper part of the center console are used to operate the vehicle and infotainment systems. In Grand Touring mode, the screen can also be used for internet, video conferencing or movie content. Small touch panels on the doors operate the air conditioner.
Electric motor providing 465 kW of power
Thanks to new technologies such as electrification, digitalization and autonomous driving, Audi skysphere, which offers an experience far beyond the experience offered by known roadsters, gets its power from the electric motor placed on its rear axle. A total of 465 kilowatts of power and 750 Nm of torque are very efficient with this roadster weighing only around 1.800 kg. A weight distribution of around 60 percent on the reinforced rear axle provides ample traction and, if necessary, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just four seconds.
The Audi skysphere's battery modules are placed primarily behind the cabin to provide an ideal configuration for the vehicle's center of gravity and agility. However, more modules can be found in another position chosen in favor of vehicle dynamics, namely between the seats in the middle tunnel of the interior. The battery capacity, which is expected to be more than 80 kWh, gives the vehicle a range of more than 500 kilometers in economy GT mode, according to the WLTP standard.
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