Audi Concept C Debuts in Milan, Signaling a Bold New Design Era

Vision Ignite - On the streets of Milan, where fashion and design often set the tone for the future, Audi chose the perfect stage to unveil something more than just a car. The arrival of the Audi Concept C is not simply another product launch—it is a declaration that Audi is ready to redefine its place in the sports car world. After years of shifting strategies, declining sales, and the quiet farewell of icons like the TT and R8, the brand is now putting forward a vision that blends history, technology, and bold design thinking into one striking machine. 

The Audi Concept C embodies clarity while paying tribute to the legendary 1936 Auto Union Type C racing car, serving as a bridge between the brand’s storied past and its bold “radical next” chapter. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

The Concept C takes inspiration from the spirit of the Audi TT but refuses to be seen as its replacement. Instead, it carves its own path, standing confidently between the TT and the R8, as confirmed by CEO Gernot Döllner. What makes this debut even more symbolic is the timing: it’s been over two decades since Audi has had a true sports car in its lineup, and now, with production scheduled for 2027, the Concept C is poised to fill that void in a way that feels entirely fresh. 

The Audi Concept C displays a sleek, minimalist rear profile with sculpted metallic surfaces, bold geometric wheels, and a refined open-top design. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

A major reason the Concept C looks the way it does is Massimo Frascella, Audi’s new head of design, who previously shaped icons at Jaguar Land Rover. His design language is built on simplicity—stripping away unnecessary details while creating forms that are both timeless and bold. That approach is evident here. The car is clean yet characterful, futuristic yet deeply rooted in Audi’s DNA. Even its name carries layers of meaning: “Concept C” is a nod to clarity and a respectful tribute to the legendary 1936 Auto Union Type C racing car. It’s a bridge between Audi’s history and its “radical next” chapter. 

The Audi Concept C extends its philosophy of simplicity into the cabin, featuring essential anodized aluminum controls with the signature mechanical “Audi click” and a 10.4-inch display that emerges only when needed to maintain its minimalist character. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

From a technical perspective, the Concept C is every bit as forward-thinking as its design. Riding on the PPE platform developed with Porsche, the car uses a central battery layout rather than one mounted on the floor. This choice creates a balanced weight distribution and a remarkably low center of gravity, ideal for delivering the nimble handling expected from a sports car. The concept version comes with a single rear-mounted motor, while the production model will expand to include a dual-motor setup for those craving more power. And for the first time in Audi’s convertible history, the Concept C introduces a retractable hardtop, blending the thrill of open-air driving with modern practicality. 

The Audi Concept C draws inspiration from the spirit of the Audi TT yet confidently forges its own path, positioning itself between the TT and the R8.. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

Audi has made it clear that this car will exist solely as an electric roadster, no internal combustion option in sight. The intention isn’t to create a track monster, but rather a machine that thrives on winding roads, bringing emotional connection back to driving. To enrich the experience, Audi is even exploring features like synthetic sound and a virtual gearbox to emulate the visceral feel of traditional sports cars—an idea sure to spark curiosity among enthusiasts longing for the sensations of a manual transmission. 

The Audi Concept C showcases its forward-thinking engineering on the Porsche co-developed PPE platform, featuring a centrally mounted battery that ensures balanced weight distribution and a low center of gravity for agile, sports car–like handling. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

Step inside, and the Concept C’s philosophy of simplicity continues. The cockpit focuses on the essentials: physical anodized aluminum controls with that satisfying mechanical “Audi click,” and a 10.4-inch display that only appears when necessary, preserving the minimalist vibe. The classic round steering wheel carries a genuine metal Audi logo, reminding the driver that this car was built with authenticity in mind. Frascella himself recalls the moment he first saw the Audi TT in 1998, noting how it stood out not through loudness but through purity and courage—values he has carried into this new creation. | 7lDTQDQZyDU |

Seen in this light, the Audi Concept C is far more than a stylish prototype shown under the Milan spotlight. It is a statement of revival, an answer to the absence left by the TT and R8, and a glimpse into what Audi believes a modern sports car should be. With mass production set for 2027, the Concept C is poised not only to redefine Audi’s sports car identity but also to show that electric performance can still be deeply emotional, timeless, and exciting. For a brand with such a rich history, this debut feels less like a beginning and more like a powerful return. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUDI | CARANDDRIVER | CARVAGANZA ]

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