Audi’s Concept Cars and Design Studies at Museum Mobile
A look at Audi’s previous dreams.
by Jordan Aquistapace – March 31, 2026
Since its start, Audi has been known for pushing the envelope of automotive design with extremely cool, unique concepts, whether it’s the Aztec from 1988 or the Audi quattro concept from 2010. And while most never left Audi’s concept phase, never to touch public roads as production cars, concept cars still serve a purpose for the brand’s future. In honor of those innovative and inspirational creations, Audi’s Museum Mobile is proud to showcase an all-new exhibit of eleven concept cars and design studies titled “Design Legends”.
Exhibit Special Features:
Aztec from 1988
Audi quattro Spyder from 1991
Audi Avus quattro from 1991
Audi TT show car from 1995
Audi A8 Coupé concept car from 1997
Audi Steppenwolf from 2000
Audi Nuvolari quattro from 2003
Audi Shooting Brake concept from 2005
Audi e-tron Spyder from 2010
Audi quattro concept from 2010
Audi PB 18 e-tron from 2018
It’s been 20 years since Audi museum mobile devoted an entire exhibition to design studies. Since then, our guests have repeatedly asked for a revival of this theme – and now the time has come. Concept cars like the Audi quattro Spyder and Audi Avus quattro have returned to our museum, joined by a few studies we’ve never hosted before, such as the Audi e-tron Spyder and the Aztec.” Beyond the concept cars themselves, the exhibition also features special pieces from Audi’s model workshop, offering insights into the creative process behind the designs. Sketches, renderings, and clay models provide a glimpse inside Audi’s creative studio – “showcasing the designers’ ideas, methods, and the journey from vision to form,” – Curator, Stefan FelberUntil July 12th, visitors will have the chance to get upclose and personal with an automotive timeline of distinctive Audi eras at its museum headquarters in Germany. And for those who will not be making a trip to the Audi Forum Ingolstadt, the Audi Tradition App brings the museum to the screen of your smartphone. The Audi Tradition app offers deep dives into historic models through text, audio guides, 360-degree views, and even engine sounds.
Jordan Aquistapace
Audi’s Hall of Fame: A Celebration of Visionary Engineering at Museum Mobile
Since its inception, the Audi brand has established a dominant reputation in the automotive market as a trailblazer in automotive design and engineering. While its modern lineup is known for cutting-edge technology, electric vehicles (EVs), and sophisticated performance, Audi’s historical footprint is defined by a consistent willingness to push the envelope of design. The company has a long-standing tradition of showcasing bold, avant-garde concepts that foreshadow future trends and establish new benchmarks for luxury and innovation.
This legacy is not just confined to the archives; it is vibrantly displayed at Audi’s Museum Mobile, a state-of-the-art facility located in Ingolstadt, Germany. This iconic venue serves as the premier showcase for the history and future of the Audi brand, featuring a comprehensive collection of vehicles that span from its earliest origins to its most recent innovations. A cornerstone of this experience is the “Design Legends” exhibition, which highlights the visionary spirit of Audi’s design department.
A Journey Through 60 Years of Automotive Innovation
The current installment of the “Design Legends” exhibition at Audi Museum Mobile is a celebration of automotive design and engineering, offering a compelling visual narrative of the brand’s journey over the past sixty years. This exhibit serves as a unique window into the minds of the designers, engineers, and strategists who shaped Audi’s identity during periods of transformative change.
As an automotive insider with over a decade of experience in automotive innovation and electric vehicle development, I can attest that these concepts are far more than just futuristic prototypes. They are the foundational pillars upon which modern Audi models are built. From the aerodynamic sleekness of the Audi quattro Spyder to the groundbreaking utility of the Audi Shooting Brake concept, these vehicles embody the DNA of the brand’s continuous pursuit of excellence.
The Evolution of Audi’s Aesthetic Identity
Audi has long been recognized for a distinctive design philosophy centered on clean, minimalist aesthetics, often summarized by the slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Advancement through Technology). This philosophy is prominently featured in the “Design Legends” exhibition through an array of vehicles that showcase distinct eras and styles.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is the Audi Aztec from 1988. This two-door concept car represented a bold deviation from traditional automotive styling and was characterized by a focus on durability and versatility. Though it never reached production, the Aztec concept influenced subsequent Audi designs by demonstrating a willingness to experiment with different body styles and market segments.
Another iconic inclusion is the Audi quattro Spyder from 1991. Often cited as a visionary predecessor to the Audi TT, this sporty concept featured revolutionary design language that combined classic sports car proportions with advanced aerodynamics. The Audi quattro Spyder perfectly encapsulates Audi’s commitment to blending high performance with elegant aesthetics.
The Audi Avus quattro from 1991 is another highlight of the exhibit. This lightweight, rear-engine supercar represented a bold vision of the future, utilizing advanced materials and aerodynamic performance to set new benchmarks for speed and handling. The Audi Avus quattro is remembered for its striking design and its influence on Audi’s later supercar development.
Pioneering Electric Mobility with Audi’s Concept Cars
The “Design Legends” exhibition also provides a fascinating look at Audi’s early exploration of electric mobility. Decades before electric vehicles became mainstream, Audi was experimenting with electric car concepts that foreshadowed the electric vehicle revolution.
The Audi e-tron Spyder from 2010 is a prime example of this foresight. This concept car integrated a V6 diesel engine with a hybrid powertrain, showcasing an innovative approach to electric vehicle efficiency and performance. The Audi e-tron Spyder demonstrated Audi’s commitment to developing sustainable automotive solutions while maintaining the brand’s signature luxury and driving dynamics.
The Audi quattro concept from 2010 is another highlight of the exhibit, celebrating the legacy of the Audi quattro all-wheel drive system. This concept car featured a sleek design and advanced technology that honored the brand’s rallying heritage while looking forward to the future of performance driving. The Audi quattro concept is remembered for its bold styling and its enduring influence on the Audi brand.
Modern Masterpieces of Design
The exhibition extends into the 21st century with the inclusion of the Audi PB 18 e-tron from 2018. This radical concept car showcased a cutting-edge design that prioritized electric vehicle performance and aerodynamics. The Audi PB 18 e-tron is a testament to Audi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and innovation.
These concept cars serve as a powerful reminder of the continuous evolution of automotive design at Audi. By regularly updating its exhibitions and showcasing new models, Audi Museum Mobile ensures that visitors remain engaged with the brand’s heritage and excited about its future.
A Destination for Enthusiasts and Collectors
For those in the automotive industry, collectors, and enthusiasts, Audi Museum Mobile is an essential destination. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the historical context of Audi’s design evolution and understand the strategic decisions that have shaped the brand’s identity.
Audi Museum Mobile also provides digital resources for those who cannot attend in person. The Audi Tradition App offers a comprehensive mobile experience, featuring text, audio guides, 360-degree views, and even engine sounds. This app ensures that the “Design Legends” exhibition is accessible to a global audience, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to explore Audi’s heritage from the comfort of their homes.
The Strategic Importance of Concept Cars
Concept cars have always played a critical role in Audi’s automotive innovation strategy. While many never reach production, they serve as platforms for testing new technologies, experimenting with bold design languages, and exploring new market segments.
For automotive designers and engineers, concept cars are invaluable tools for pushing creative boundaries and challenging existing norms. They allow for risk-taking and experimentation that would not be feasible in production vehicle development. By showcasing these concepts, Audi inspires its team and demonstrates its commitment to innovation.
Furthermore, concept cars help Audi engage with its audience and build excitement around the brand. They generate buzz, attract media attention, and create a sense of anticipation for upcoming models. For collectors and enthusiasts, concept cars represent the cutting edge of automotive design and innovation.
A Legacy of Influence and Inspiration
The “Design Legends” exhibition at Audi Museum Mobile is more than just a display of past concepts; it is a celebration of the ongoing legacy of automotive design and engineering at Audi. These vehicles have inspired generations of designers, engineers, and enthusiasts, and continue to influence the future of the automotive industry.
By bridging the gap between history and the future, Audi Museum Mobile showcases Audi’s commitment to continuous innovation and leadership in automotive
