Audi has long been recognized as one of the pioneers of premium automotive design and performance. In recent years, the German automaker has shown a measured approach toward electrification, balancing its internal combustion lineup with new electric models. However, with the unveiling of its Concept C in Milan, Audi has made a definitive statement about the future direction of its vehicles. Positioned as a showcase for the next generation of electric and hybrid cars, the Concept C highlights a radical design philosophy that Audi executives are calling “the radical next.”
This bold concept car is not only a technological exploration but also a design reboot. It redefines both the exterior and interior aesthetics while paying homage to Audi’s historic roots in motorsport. The Concept C represents Audi’s attempt to blend heritage with innovation, functionality with emotion, and tradition with futuristic technology.
A Radical Interior Redesign
Back to Basics
One of the most striking elements of the Concept C is its interior. Unlike most modern Audis that feature expansive digital dashboards with dual touchscreens, this concept takes a more minimalist and tactile approach.
The dashboard itself is pared down to its essentials. At the center, there is a subtle illuminated vertical slot, which serves as a focal point without overwhelming the cabin. Physical controls are deliberately emphasized, designed to provide a satisfying sense of weight and tactility. Audi designers describe this as the “Audi click” a sensory feedback mechanism ensuring every interaction feels substantial and intentional.
Hidden Technology
Though it celebrates simplicity, the Concept C does not abandon modern conveniences. A 10.4-inch touchscreen is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. Instead of being permanently visible, it remains hidden until summoned, swiveling into position when needed. This creates a clean, distraction-free environment when the screen is not in use.
Adding to this futuristic design, the vehicle features touch-sensitive surfaces and backlit controls that only appear when required. This dynamic approach allows the driver to engage with controls intuitively without cluttering the cabin with unnecessary interfaces.
Summary Table
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Model Name |
Audi Concept C |
Unveiled |
Milan, 2025 |
Design Philosophy |
“The radical next” – simplified interior, heritage-inspired exterior |
Interior Highlights |
Minimalist dashboard, physical controls with “Audi click,” hidden 10.4-inch touchscreen, backlit dynamic controls |
Exterior Inspiration |
Audi TT (2000s), Auto Union Type C Grand Prix (1930s) |
Unique Feature |
Folding hardtop convertible |
Powertrain Philosophy |
Future EVs, hybrids, and flexible options including combustion |
Official Website |
Exterior Design: Inspiration from History
Echoes of the Audi TT
On the outside, the Concept C continues its theme of blending heritage with modernity. Audi enthusiasts may notice hints of the beloved Audi TT, which concluded its production run in 2023. The Concept C borrows some of the TT’s compact, athletic proportions while advancing its design with sharper lines and a more expressive form.
Tribute to the Auto Union Type C
The true design inspiration, however, stretches back to the 1930s. Audi explicitly references the legendary Auto Union Type C, a Grand Prix race car that competed from 1936 to 1937 during the pre-Formula One era. The Concept C echoes the Type C’s upright grille and muscular stance, projecting a sense of power and performance heritage.
Unlike its racing predecessor, though, the Concept C brings something entirely new: a folding hardtop convertible. This feature injects a sense of leisure and practicality, turning the concept into not just a track-inspired vehicle but also a road-going car designed for versatility and lifestyle appeal.
A Balanced Future: EVs and Beyond
While many automakers are committing exclusively to electrification, Audi has chosen a more flexible approach. Executives have stated that the company will continue producing internal combustion vehicles for as long as market demand remains strong. The Concept C reflects this philosophy it is a platform that can inspire EVs, hybrids, and potentially other powertrain types.
This adaptability ensures Audi remains competitive across markets where infrastructure or consumer preference still leans toward combustion engines, while also pushing the envelope in electric vehicle innovation.
What the Concept C Means for Audi
The Concept C signals a fresh chapter for Audi’s brand identity. By stripping down the interior, reintroducing physical controls, and drawing inspiration from both recent icons and historic racing legends, Audi is creating a design language that feels grounded yet forward-thinking.
It represents more than just a concept car. It embodies Audi’s strategic reboot: honoring its past, embracing its present, and boldly redefining its future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Audi Concept C?
A. The Audi Concept C is a design study that previews the brand’s next-generation vehicles, including EVs, hybrids, and potentially combustion-powered cars. It reflects Audi’s new “radical next” design direction.
2. When was the Concept C unveiled?
A. It was unveiled in Milan in 2025.
3. What makes the Concept C’s interior unique?
A. The interior is minimalist, featuring physical controls with tactile feedback, a hidden 10.4-inch touchscreen, and backlit controls that appear only when needed.
4. What inspired the Concept C’s exterior design?
A. The design draws from both the iconic Audi TT and the 1930s Auto Union Type C Grand Prix cars.
5. Does the Concept C have a convertible option?
A. Yes, the Concept C features a folding hardtop convertible, a first for a vehicle inspired by Audi’s racing heritage.
6. Is the Concept C fully electric?
A. The Concept C is not tied to one powertrain. It represents Audi’s adaptable strategy, which includes EVs, hybrids, and continued support for combustion engines depending on market demand.
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