Skysphere concept: a spectacular roadster from Audi
Audi AG, the German luxury carmaker, recently unveiled the Audi skysphere concept. The new concept is a fully electric two-door convertible. The design of the skysphere concept represents the future of Audi design. Additionally, the brand itself highlights a vision for the progressive luxury segment of the future.
Furthermore, The skysphere concept has interiors as an interactive space. So, people can communicate and control cars effortlessly. The whole platform will create a captivating experience. The new experiences are possible by using technologies like a digital ecosystem, revolutionary changes in interiors, and autonomous driving.
In addition, the Audi skysphere concept also highlights the future of customer experiences. It is not only about driving; it is also about world-class experiences. The concept features two different driving experiences in the same car – a grand touring experience and a sports car experience. Additionally, this concept has a variable wheelbase. Sophisticated components, electric motor, and slidable frame components can change the wheelbase by 250mm. It is also possible to change the ground clearance by 10mm. Thus, you can enhance comfort and driving dynamics. With a simple touch of a button, you can change the entire experience from touring to sports.
The Exteriors
The exteriors of the concept clearly emphasize more on lines. The lines make the real difference. The skysphere has a clear emphasis on a wide track with agility. In the front, the long hood and a short overhang give impressive proportions. Curved surfaces of wheel arches and the hood give distinct looks. Besides, the rear of the vehicle looks more like a speedster. The large glass surface of the rear adds to the elegance.
Furthermore, the front of the Audi skysphere concept highlights a single frame. The single frame and other adjacent surfaces have white LED elements. These LED lights also serve as functional visual elements during the opening and closing of the vehicle. In addition, the daytime running lights provide some gaze to lighting units.
In addition, the rear of the vehicle also has lots of LEDs that extend along the width at the rear. They create dynamic lighting sequences. So, when you change the mode, it means from grand touring to sport, the light signature changes accordingly. Hence, the lights clearly indicate a difference in the overall character and stance of the vehicle.
The Interiors
The name skysphere itself highlights the whole design concept. The sphere means the area around passengers. So, the design has a clear and prominent emphasis on interiors. In addition, the skysphere concept has Level 4 autonomy. Hence, the driver can hand over the entire controls to the car in certain situations. So, the driver doesn’t intervene. As a result, this situation creates more opportunities for path braking experiences.
So, you can hide all the control elements like brake, steering, and accelerator. The controls can entirely be in an invisible position. Thus, you create more roomy interiors. Meaning you can enjoy the different forms of freedom. It’s a more relaxing experience.
In addition, Audi skysphere concept interiors without controls create spacious environments. Large leg rooms add to more comfort. You can also interact with the internet and communicate with the world. Thanks to the digital ecosystem. The world-class roominess and the use of sustainable materials in the fabric add to more welcoming interiors.
Furthermore, in case the driver wants to drive the car. The interiors transform into ergonomically perfect driving machines. The driver can find all the controls in the best position possible. Large touch surfaces, 1415 mm wide and 180 mm high, gives easy access to infotainment systems. So, you can video conference, stream movies, or surf the internet on the go. The high-quality audio system provides concert hall-like audio quality. In addition, the surround sound effect is possible.
The vehicle experience never seen before
The Audi skysphere concept is a new experience around the occupants. It is not at all only related to driving from point A to point B. It goes beyond that. The sheer disappearance of controls and the expanse of the cabin in Grand touring mode create a different experience in itself. It’s not only limited to change in wheelbase. This mode also allows you to create beautiful routes with excellent restaurants on the way. So, your drives are more memorable and relaxing.
Furthermore, you can also link to on board streaming service for infotainment. Audi is also thinking about new personalized experiences like invite-only concerts and events. So, it’s a platform of experience that goes beyond just driving from point A to point B.
In addition, in sports mode, all visual aspects change. The rocker panels on the side protrude into the rear wheel arch. Varying wheelbase pushes it backward. The rocker panel is attached to the front end of the car. When the panel moves, it slides to the rear under the fixed door. As a result, you will get a more compact wheelbase. So, visually it makes lots of difference. This difference is not just technical. It also changes the entire driving experience. Hence, undoubtedly Audi skysphere concept has two personalities embodied in one car.
The Steering and Suspension
The concept features a steer-by-wire system. With this system, you can control all the wheels by steering without a mechanical linkage. The no mechanical connection means you will have different steering settings and ratios. You can control the steering from direct to comfortable. The variable wheelbase, along with steer-by-wire, creates a small turning radius.
Furthermore, Audi’s new adaptive air suspension provides dynamic suspension capabilities. The suspension system features three air chambers. You can activate and deactivate individual chambers. So, you can do sporty rides on the go. You can lower or raise individual wheels independently. The suspension system automatically compensates for undulations on the road. The active chassis, along with digital prediction by the navigation system, creates a more comfortable experience. You can transform your riding style from comfortable to aggressive driving.
The Audi skysphere concept performance:
The electric motors at the rear provide power to the car. These motors offer 465 kilowatts of power and 750Nm of torque. This much power is enough for an 1800kg car. The weight distribution is about 60% on the rear. Such arrangement creates ample acceleration and traction. The concept can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just four seconds.
The Autonmous driving, digitization and electrification gives opportunity that creates experiences that goes beyond typical roadster.
Gael Buzyn, Project Director.
In addition, the batteries are located behind the cabin. As a result, you will get more agility. Few battery modules are located inside the central tunnel between the seats. It means good placement for excellent dynamics. The battery capacity of the Audi skysphere concept is 80kWh. As a result, you will get a range of 500kms in one charge in economical charge.
In conclusion, The Audi skysphere concept will change the way how interiors are designed. The design concept highlights, It’s all about experiences rather than just going from point A to B.
