Audi has officially pulled the covers off the Concept C, a radical new show car that serves as the launching point for a new design language that will influence its entire line of future vehicles. Unveiled at an exclusive event in Milan, the concept is a masterclass in blending the brand’s rich heritage with a bold, forward-thinking vision. And in a surprising move, Audi has already confirmed that the car is headed for production.
The most striking feature of the Concept C is its new face, which introduces a design element Audi calls the “vertical frame.” Top designers for the brand explained that the strong, boxier new grille structure traces its lineage back to two key moments in the company’s history: the towering vertical grille of the legendary 1936 Auto Union Type C race car, and the 2004 Audi A6, which was the first model to prominently stage the Four Rings emblem within the grille. The result is a powerful and distinctive new look for the brand.
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Beyond its new face, the spirit of the iconic Audi TT is heavily present throughout the Concept C. The car is a sleek two-seater with a retractable hard-top roof that maintains its coupé silhouette. Wide rear fenders and a set of 21 inch wheels with a memorable six spoke design are a direct and intentional nod to the original TT. The wheels themselves are a modern update, featuring hollow spokes and a two toned paint scheme for added depth. The car’s aggressive stance is further enhanced by a front splitter, rear diffuser, and deep side skirts, all composed of forged carbon fiber.
Inside the cockpit, the design philosophy is guided by the keyword “clarity.” The minimalist and uncluttered dashboard features a fixed digital gauge cluster and a clever infotainment “tablet” that neatly folds away when not in use. Buttons on the steering wheel and center stack utilize haptic touch feedback with a patented “Audi Click,” blending clean aesthetics with satisfying functionality. The materials, including fiber seats and a supple synthetic leather, reinforce the clean, modern look, while indirect ambient lighting provides a warm and inviting glow.
The Audi Concept C is a bold statement of intent, offering a tangible preview of the brand’s next chapter in both design and engineering.
