Audi’s highly anticipated Concept C sports car will enter production by 2027, earlier than previously projected. The announcement, made during the automaker’s annual conference, confirms a shift toward electric performance vehicles and marks a departure from traditional combustion engines.
Production and Heritage
The Concept C will be manufactured at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe facility – the same location that produced both generations of the R8 supercar between 2006 and 2024. This move signifies a continuation of high-performance vehicle assembly within Audi’s infrastructure, but with a distinct focus on electric powertrains. The upcoming model won’t replace the R8 directly, nor will it revive the TT, instead forging its own identity as a unique offering.
Electric Focus and Design
Audi has committed to an all-electric powertrain for the production Concept C, alongside an innovative electrically retractable targa roof – a first for the brand. This decision rules out combustion engine options and additional body styles, streamlining the model’s focus on a niche yet growing market segment. Despite earlier speculation about potential cancellations linked to Porsche’s EV strategy, Audi remains firm in its commitment to the Concept C.
Technical Specifications
The Concept C weighed in at 3,726 pounds (1,690 kilograms) during initial concept testing, measuring 178 inches (4520 millimeters) long, 77.5 inches (1970 mm) wide, and 50.5 inches (1285 mm) tall with a wheelbase of 101.1 inches (2568 mm). While specific battery capacity remains undisclosed, Audi’s engineers seem to prioritize performance over maximum range, suggesting a smaller pack to minimize weight. The car is expected to offer both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor Quattro all-wheel drive configurations.
Market Position and Pricing
Audi anticipates modest sales volumes for the Concept C, with CEO Gernot Döllner estimating “a very low five-digit number” of units sold. Pricing is expected to fall between the previous TT and R8 models, reflecting the car’s positioning as a premium, design-focused vehicle. More broadly, the Concept C showcases Audi’s new design language and commitment to physical controls over excessive reliance on touchscreen interfaces.
Why this matters: Audi’s move signals a broader industry trend toward electric sports cars. With the discontinuation of the TT and shifting consumer preferences, the Concept C fills a critical gap in Audi’s lineup. The decision to prioritize electric power over combustion engines highlights the brand’s long-term strategy of phasing out traditional powertrains in favor of sustainable alternatives.
The Concept C is set to arrive in 2027, offering a glimpse into the future of Audi’s design and engineering capabilities, while simultaneously testing the viability of a high-end electric sports car in a rapidly evolving market.
