Audi Skysphere : Luxury Without Limits

The first member of a new family of concept vehicles, a stunning roadster, has been revealed by Audi. The Audi skysphere concept is a two-door electric convertible with lines that go directly to the Audi design of the future. It demonstrates the brand’s vision for the progressive luxury segment of the future, in which the interior becomes an interactive area and the vehicle serves as a platform for exciting experiences. Autonomous driving, a new interior overhaul, and a seamless digital ecosystem have all made this feasible. 

 
The Exterior 

The skysphere highlights the broad track with its wide curved and flared wheel arches, which are trademark of the brand. This is a visual sign of its dynamic abilities. From the side, the proportions are striking, with a tall hood and a short overhang, especially in the front. The wheel arches and front hood have organically curved surfaces. In a wind tunnel, the rear end was designed to blend features of a speedster and a shooting brake with huge glass surfaces in a traditional streamlined shape. 

Although it no longer serves as a radiator grill, the front end clearly displays the brand’s signature Singleframe as well as the three-dimensionally created, lighted symbol with the four rings. White LED elements are used throughout the Singleframe, as well as neighbouring surfaces on the sides, to act as a stage for visual effects, both functional and moving welcome sequences when the car is opened and closed. 

An elegant appearance is created by gentle dimming and a structured, regularly pulsating light. The lighting units are given a strong, focused “gaze” by the daytime running lights in the side front parts. The LEDs in the front and rear display a specially prepared dynamic sequence when the wheelbase is altered. A digitally controlled LED surface that spans the entire width of the vehicle likewise dominates the rear end. Countless red LEDs are strewn throughout the vertical back surface like rubies. When the lighting units are turned on and off, reflections create dynamic lighting and shadow effects.  The light signature changes as the wheelbase and thus the operating mode is changed from GT to Sport, indicating the Audi skysphere concept’s changed character, particularly in the area around the Singleframe. 

The rocker panels, which appear to protrude into the rear wheel arch in the side view, are an essential element when altering the wheelbase really pushes it backwards. The rocker panel is attached to the front end of the automobile and glides to the rear under the fixed door as it moves. 

The Audi skysphere concept features two distinct personalities: a GT and a luxury sports vehicle. The fundamental contrasts, on the other hand, can only be appreciated inside the Audi skysphere, which delivers profoundly contrasting experiences behind the rear-hinged and wide-opening doors. 

The Interior 

The brand is putting the space that surrounds the passengers (“sphere”) and becomes an experience for them – the interior – at the core of its designs for the three future concept cars Audi skysphere, Audi grandsphere, and Audi urbansphere. This is because all three vehicles are built for level 4 autonomous driving, which means the driver can surrender total responsibility to the car and no longer have to intervene in certain designated road and traffic circumstances. 

As a result, control parts like the steering wheel and pedals can be swivelled into an unseen position and removed from the cabin completely. Passengers in the front left seat, in particular, can enjoy a new kind of freedom: the ability to relax in the open air, take in the scenery and the breeze, or interact with the Internet and the world owing to the Audi skysphere’s connection to the digital ecosystem. 

The interior appears to be a light, expansive space, free of restrictions and inspired by the Art Deco universe in many ways. The plush seats have the outward appeal of designer furnishings, yet they perform all of the tasks of a car seat in driving mode without sacrificing comfort – side support and safety measures are included. They’re upholstered in environmentally friendly microfiber fabric and, thanks to their adjustable position in the cabin, provide the kind of mobility and legroom that can only be found in first class on an aircraft. Other sustainably manufactured elements that contribute to providing an exceptional experience in the vehicle’s interior include environmentally certified eucalyptus wood and synthetically generated imitation leather. 

In driver-operated mode, the Audi skysphere concept’s cabin changes into an ergonomically perfect driving machine cockpit. The instrument panel and monitor panel on the centre console relocate to the back, together with the chassis and body. All of the controls, including the steering wheel and pedals, are at the ideal position for the driver. 

Even while the vehicle is in motion, a high-grade sound system – suitable of this luxury convertible – produces music hall audio clarity. The speakers are concealed behind the door panels, with a couple more in the back interior wall providing surround sound. The headrests’ design avoids turbulence as well as unpleasant wind noise. 

The three concept cars that the four-ringed brand is employing to display its vision of progressive luxury are the Audi skysphere, Audi grandsphere, and, coming in 2022, Audi urbansphere. Audi is building a vehicle experience that extends well beyond simply getting from point A to point B, and even beyond the driving experience itself. 

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