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The character of design

Marc Lichte, Head of Design at Audi, reveals what he regards as the iconic Audi skysphere concept’s¹ key personality traits.

Text: AUDI AG ― Photo: AUDI AG  Reading Time: 3 min

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

A detail shot of Marc Lichte and the A-pillar.
The Prestige Panel on the A-pillar plays a central role in bringing about the Audi skysphere’s¹ transformation.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

“In my almost 25-year career as a professional designer, I have given shape to a great many cars. This is definitely one of the most exciting show car projects I have ever had the pleasure of working on with my team.”

  

Side view of the Audi skysphere concept with open door.
To allow elegant entry to the Audi skysphere¹, its doors open to the rear.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

“The Audi skysphere¹ is inspired by the Horch 853, a 1930s roadster that showcased exciting ideas about driving dynamics and comfort. Those two features are given a contemporary, cutting-edge treatment in today’s Audi skysphere¹.”

  

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

The Audi skysphere viewed from the front.
Consummately Audi: The Audi skysphere¹ retains the brand’s trademark Singleframe in the digital future.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

“This car offers a glimpse of the future because it lends visual and functional shape to the progressive technology behind autonomous driving. While the Audi skysphere² is a bona fide sports car, it morphs into an autonomously driven lounge in mere seconds.”

  

²The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle. The automated driving functions shown are technologies currently under development, are not available for production vehicles and only work within system limits. All possible uses of the technical systems and functions shown represent only a possible concept and are dependent on the respective legal regulations in the relevant country.

²The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle. The automated driving functions shown are technologies currently under development, are not available for production vehicles and only work within system limits. All possible uses of the technical systems and functions shown represent only a possible concept and are dependent on the respective legal regulations in the relevant country.

Designer Marc Lichte in front of the virtual exterior mirror.
The virtual exterior mirror puts a gleam in the eye of Head of Design at AUDI AG, Marc Lichte.

The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

“The Audi skysphere’s¹ proportions are simply breathtaking. With its large wheels, long wheelbase, exceedingly stretched, low bonnet but very short overhang and a speedster’s roofline, it’s an absolute dream."

  

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

Designer Marc Lichte next to the Audi skysphere concept.

The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

“Pairing a supremely muscular body with very elegant lines is the pièce de résistance because it’s such a progressive combination. You get an extremely sporty, athletic car that is also surprisingly sleek and elegant. The Audi skysphere¹ treats the roadster to a highly progressive reboot.”

  

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

The Audi skysphere concept in the virtual design process.

Digital design

The Audi skysphere concept¹ was created using a virtual design process.

Learn more

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

¹The vehicle shown is a concept vehicle that is not available as a production vehicle.

Concept cars Vision Design Creativity

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* The stated consumption and emissions values were determined in accordance with the legally stipulated measurement procedure. The WLTP test cycle completely replaced the NEDC test cycle with effect from 1 January 2022. As a result, no NEDC values are available for vehicles with a type approval issued after this date.

The values do not refer to an individual vehicle and are not part of the offer; instead, they are solely for the purpose of comparing between different types of vehicles. Optional equipment and accessories (attachments, tyre formats etc.) may alter relevant vehicle parameters such as the weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics and, alongside weather and traffic conditions and individual driving behaviour, may influence the fuel consumption, electricity consumption, CO2 emissions and performance values of a vehicle.

Due to the more realistic test conditions, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values will in many cases be higher in accordance with the WLTP than in accordance with the NEDC. There may have been corresponding changes to vehicle taxation since 1 September 2018 as a result of this. You can find further information on the differences between the WLTP and the NEDC at www.audi.co.uk/wltp.

 

Further information on the official fuel consumption and the official, specific CO2 emissions of new passenger car models can be found in the “Guide on the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and power consumption of all new passenger car models”, available free of charge from all sales outlets and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern, Germany or at www.dat.de.