Audi’s concept cars and design studies at Museum Mobile
For over 100 years, Audi has stood at the forefront of automotive innovation, pushing the boundaries of design and performance. From the radical 1988 Audi Aztec to the stunning 2010 Audi quattro concept, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has consistently unveiled vehicles that challenge conventions and inspire future generations. While many of these concept cars never reach production, they play a vital role in shaping Audi’s evolution.
In recognition of these extraordinary creations, the Audi Museum Mobile has launched a new exhibition titled “Design Legends.” This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Audi’s most significant concept cars and design studies, showcasing the brand’s commitment to pushing the envelope of automotive design.
Exhibit Highlights
The “Design Legends” exhibition features a selection of Audi’s most iconic concept cars and design studies, including:
Audi Aztec (1988): A pioneering mid-engine sports car that combined the practicality of an SUV with the performance of a supercar.
Audi quattro Spyder (1991): A lightweight, all-wheel-drive roadster that redefined the sports car category.
Audi Avus quattro (1991): A stunning V12-powered supercar inspired by Audi’s racing heritage.
Audi TT show car (1995): A retro-modern design that foreshadowed the production TT and became a cultural phenomenon.
Audi A8 Coupé concept car (1997): A luxurious, four-seater coupé that showcased Audi’s commitment to design and technology.
Audi Steppenwolf (2000): A rugged, off-road convertible that combined luxury and performance with off-road capability.
Audi Nuvolari quattro (2003): A sleek, V10-powered grand tourer that combined performance and luxury in one stunning package.
Audi Shooting Brake concept (2005): A stylish, family-oriented shooting brake that blended luxury and performance with practicality.
Audi e-tron Spyder (2010): A lightweight, hybrid roadster that showcased Audi’s commitment to electric mobility.
Audi quattro concept (2010): A powerful, all-wheel-drive sports coupé that paid homage to the original quattro.
Audi PB 18 e-tron (2018): A high-performance electric sports car that showcased Audi’s commitment to electric performance.
It has been 20 years since the 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 Felber. Until July 12th, visitors will have the chance to get up close 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.
Historical Context
Audi’s history of innovation is deeply intertwined with its commitment to design. In the 1980s, Audi challenged the automotive status quo with the 1988 Audi Aztec, a mid-engine sports car that combined the practicality of an SUV with the performance of a supercar. This groundbreaking design paved the way for the modern SUV category and remains one of Audi’s most memorable concept cars.
In the 1990s, Audi continued to push the boundaries of design with the 1991 Audi quattro Spyder and the 1991 Audi Avus quattro. The quattro Spyder was a lightweight, all-wheel-drive roadster that redefined the sports car category, while the Avus quattro was a stunning V12-powered supercar that paid homage to Audi’s racing heritage.
In the late 1990s, Audi unveiled the 1995 Audi TT show car, a retro-modern design that foreshadowed the production TT and became a cultural phenomenon. This design showcased Audi’s ability to blend retro-modern aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, resulting in a car that remains a timeless icon of automotive design.
In the 2000s, Audi continued to innovate with the 2000 Audi Steppenwolf, a rugged, off-road convertible that combined luxury and performance with off-road capability. This design paved the way for the modern SUV category and remains one of Audi’s most memorable concept cars.
In the 2010s, Audi continued to push the boundaries of design with the 2010 Audi e-tron Spyder and the 2010 Audi quattro concept. The e-tron Spyder was a lightweight, hybrid roadster that showcased Audi’s commitment to electric mobility, while the quattro concept was a powerful, all-wheel-drive sports coupé that paid homage to the original quattro.
In 2018, Audi unveiled the Audi PB 18 e-tron, a high-performance electric sports car that showcased Audi’s commitment to electric performance. This design remains one of Audi’s most memorable concept cars and continues to inspire future generations of designers and engineers.
Design Process
The “Design Legends” 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 Felber.
These pieces offer a unique perspective on the creative process behind Audi’s designs. They showcase the designers’ ideas, methods, and the journey from vision to form, providing a glimpse into the creative studio where these iconic cars were conceived.
Exhibition Details
The “Design Legends” exhibition runs until July 12th. Visitors can experience the exhibition at Audi’s museum headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany. For those who cannot attend the exhibition in person, the Audi Tradition App offers a virtual tour of the exhibition, providing deep dives into historic models through text, audio guides, 360-degree views, and even engine sounds.
Conclusion
The “Design Legends” exhibition is a testament to Audi’s commitment to innovation and design. It showcases the brand’s most significant concept cars and design studies, providing a glimpse into the creative process behind these iconic creations. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to learn about Audi’s history of innovation and to see how the brand has evolved over the years.
The Future of Audi Design
The “Design Legends” exhibition is not just a showcase of past achievements; it is also a glimpse into the future of Audi design. Audi is committed to pushing the boundaries of automotive design, and this exhibition provides a preview of the exciting innovations that are yet to come.
Audi is investing heavily in electric mobility, autonomous driving, and sustainable materials. These technologies will shape the future of the automotive industry, and Audi is at the forefront of this transformation.
Audi is also committed to developing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and making a positive impact on the environment.
Audi’s commitment to innovation and design will continue to drive the brand forward. The company will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, creating cars that are both beautiful and sustainable.
The Significance of Concept Cars
Concept cars are more than just futuristic fantasies; they are vital tools for automakers to explore new ideas, technologies, and design directions. For Audi, concept cars like the Audi quattro Spyder (1991) and Audi Avus quattro (1991) were crucial stepping stones in their journey to becoming a design leader.
These visionary studies often introduce revolutionary technologies, such as all-wheel drive and lightweight materials, that eventually find their way into production vehicles. They also allow designers to experiment with bold aesthetics and form languages that challenge conventional norms.
The Role of Museum Mobile
The Audi Museum Mobile plays a critical role in preserving and celebrating the legacy of these extraordinary designs. By showcasing these concept cars and design studies, the museum reminds us of Audi’s continuous drive for innovation and excellence. It offers visitors a chance to trace the evolution of Audi’s design philosophy over the decades.
Innovative Exhibits
In the “Design Legends” exhibition, guests have the opportunity to revisit some of Audi’s most iconic concept cars. The exhibition includes the groundbreaking 1991 Audi quattro Spyder, a lightweight roadster that redefined the performance roadster category, and the stunning 1991 Audi Avus quattro, a V12-powered supercar inspired by Audi’s racing heritage.
Visitors can also explore newer designs that reflect Audi’s commitment to electric mobility and digital innovation. The exhibition features the Audi PB 18 e-tron, a high-performance electric supercar concept that showcases the future of electric performance, and the Audi e-tron Spyder (2010), a hybrid roadster that pushed the boundaries of sustainable mobility.
The Creative Process
