Audi has officially showcased the Concept C, just ahead of its first public appearance at the Munich Motor Show. The stunning hardtop roadster previews the brand’s new design philosophy as well as a future production model that is expected to share its underpinnings with the redesigned Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman.
Embodying bold minimalism, the Concept C draws inspiration from the legendary Auto Union Type C racer and introduces the brand’s all-new “Audi brand face.” This radical departure features a portrait-oriented rectangular grille, flanked by angular accents that channel air into vertical curtains. Adding to the futuristic aesthetic are slender, four-element headlights, which Audi says will become a defining design hallmark during both day and night.
The sleek silhouette is further emphasized by a sharply raked windscreen, taut surfaces, and a pronounced shoulder line running the entire length of the car. Aerodynamic wheels and sporty side skirts enhance the roadster’s athletic stance, but the real highlight is its retractable hardtop. A first for an Audi roadster, the two-piece roof offers the open-air thrill of a convertible while retaining the coupe’s styling and security. The system operates in a manner similar to the Porsche 911 Targa, with the rear hatch lifting to stow the roof before closing seamlessly.
At the rear, the Concept C sports a clean design with a wide diffuser, four-element taillights, and no traditional rear window—replaced instead by a digital camera system. Inside, Audi carries the industrial design theme into a futuristic cabin that the brand describes as having the ambience of an airport gate. The driver sits behind a reimagined steering wheel and digital instrument cluster, complemented by a 10.4-inch infotainment system that tucks away when not in use as part of Audi’s “shy tech” philosophy. Additional highlights include digital climate controls, anodized aluminum accents, indirect ambient lighting, and cloth upholstery in place of traditional leather.
Although officially presented as a concept, Audi confirmed the vehicle is a “concrete preview of a production model,” set to be manufactured at the Böllinger Höfe facility with a launch expected in 2027. Beyond this specific car, the design language introduced by the Concept C will shape future road-going Audis. The company also announced plans to introduce an entry-level EV in 2026, produced in Ingolstadt, alongside new performance models such as the upcoming S6 and RS6 Avant.