Audi has revealed teaser photos for the fourth and final member of a family of “premium mobility” concept vehicles.
The teasers show the Audi Activesphere concept, which will be revealed on January 26. It’s a coupe-like crossover designed for active lifestyles, Audi says, and it’s set to join the Grandsphere, Skysphere and Urbansphere in the concept family. The other concepts include a fastback sedan, sports car, and minivan.
All concepts, including the upcoming Activesphere, are electric vehicles based on the Volkswagen Group’s PPE platform, which Audi will use for the first time in a new Q6 E-Tron compact crossover due in 2023 or early the following year. The concepts also feature fully autonomous driving systems, giving the occupant the option to drive or sit back and relax during a drive.
Preview of the Audi Activesphere concept that will debut on January 26, 2023
Specific features of the Activesphere will include off-road capability, possibly a rugged design and, according to Audi, some communication technology that will create a unique experience beyond the vehicle itself.
The concepts were developed by Audi’s Artemis skunkworks team which was established in 2020 to help accelerate vehicle development in an attempt to compete with more agile startups in the EV race. Artemis’ responsibilities were scaled back considerably in 2021, but at least one of the vehicles it was developing is expected to hit production by mid-decade. The vehicle is expected to be a production version of the Grandsphere, which is rumored to serve as the A8’s replacement, though given the current crossover craze, the Activesphere may end up being the concept that gets the green light.
While the concepts are not destined for production, for the most part, elements of the vehicles are likely to influence the design of future electric vehicles. Audi will introduce multiple electric vehicles in the coming years, as the automaker has committed to introducing its final vehicle with an internal combustion engine starting in 2026.
Source: news.google.com