Audi Skysphere: Audi Unveils Autonomous Electric Roadster Concept
A SHAPE-SHIFTING EV CONCEPT THAT CAN TRANSFORM FROM SPORTS CAR TO GT
Audi has unveiled an autonomous electric roadster concept, the Audi Skysphere. It is the first of the three new concept cars Audi has in mind. It is capable of lengthening the wheelbase at just one push of a button. Here are the details.
The Audi Skysphere is an all-electric two-seat convertible that is fitted with Level Four autonomous driving technology. It draws visual inspiration from the Horch 853 roadster that came in the 1930s.
According to Audi, the Audi Skysphere is a show car that will not be put into production. However, it will have a sharp design with LEDs which will be adopted by the next-gen of production cars. The key aspect of the concept is a variable wheelbase system that makes use of sliding metal panels and electric motors to extend or shorten the wheelbase of the car by about 250mm. Thus, it varies the car length from 4940mm to 5190mm.
The occupants of the Audi Skysphere will get to choose from two driving experiences. The first is Sports mode that shortens the wheelbase and uses rear-wheel steering to offer a sportier drive that is controlled by a driver. In contrast, the second is a Grand touring mode which retracts the steering wheel and pedals under the dashboard. It also pulls the instrument panel back and lengths the wheelbase so that the passengers can “[enjoy] the sky and scenery, maximum legroom, and the services offered by a seamlessly integrated digital experience.”
The Audi Skysphere will also “give passengers the maximum amount of freedom.”
The Audi Skysphere concept is powered by a single electric motor that is placed on the rear axle and develops 465kW and 750Nm. The 0-100km/h sprint time can be achieved in just 4.0 seconds. In addition, it has an 80kWh battery that enables a range of more than 500km in GT mode.
Inside the Audi Skysphere, you can find 1415mm touchscreens that stretch across the dashboard. In GT mode, they display everything from several internet applications (streaming services, video conferencing, etc.) to key vehicle metrics.
The Audi Skysphere
The Audi Skysphere will debut in California this Friday. Though it will not go into production, the Audi executives have confirmed that some design language might inspire future Audi models that will go on the road.
Elsewhere, there will be a delay in the production and deliveries of Tesla Cybertruck.
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