The future of automotive design is being shaped in Ingolstadt. This year, the Audi Museum Mobile in Germany is featuring a special exhibition of eleven of Audi’s most daring and innovative concept cars and design studies, titled “Design Legends”. These vehicles are not mere prototypes; they are the architectural blueprints of Audi’s next generation of vehicles, showcasing the vision and ingenuity that define the brand.
For 20 years, the Audi Museum Mobile has not dedicated an entire exhibit solely to concept cars and design studies. The demand from Audi enthusiasts for a return to this theme has been overwhelming, and finally, the moment has arrived. It’s a journey back in time, but also a glimpse into the future.
The Exhibit: A Masterpiece of Automotive History
The “Design Legends” exhibition is a chronological journey through two decades of innovation, featuring some of Audi’s most iconic and groundbreaking concept cars. The lineup includes the groundbreaking Audi quattro Spyder from 1991, a vehicle that reimagined the sports car, and the revolutionary Audi Avus quattro from the same year, which pushed the boundaries of lightweight construction and aerodynamic design.
Joining these icons are newer studies that represent Audi’s evolution in electric and sustainable mobility. The Audi e-tron Spyder from 2010 demonstrates Audi’s commitment to performance without compromise, while the Audi quattro concept from the same year harkens back to the legendary rallying prowess that defined the brand.
For those who cannot make the trip to Germany, the Audi Tradition App offers a virtual experience of the exhibit. The app provides a wealth of information, including 360-degree views, audio guides, and even engine sounds of the featured concept cars.
Key Features of the Exhibition
Aztec from 1988: One of the earliest examples of Audi’s innovative design thinking, the Aztec foreshadowed many of the design elements that would define future Audis.
Audi quattro Spyder from 1991: This iconic roadster blended high-performance engineering with groundbreaking design, earning its place as one of Audi’s most celebrated concept cars.
Audi Avus quattro from 1991: A true engineering marvel, the Avus quattro pushed the limits of lightweight construction with its aluminum spaceframe chassis and stunning design.
Audi TT show car from 1995: The TT show car took the world by storm, inspiring a production model that would go on to become a design icon.
Audi A8 Coupé concept car from 1997: A luxurious reimagining of Audi’s flagship sedan, the A8 Coupé showcased Audi’s ability to blend performance with elegance.
Audi Steppenwolf from 2000: This ambitious concept car combined the ruggedness of an SUV with the performance of a sports car, foreshadowing the rise of crossover vehicles.
Audi Nuvolari quattro from 2003: A modern interpretation of the legendary Nuvolari race car, this concept represented Audi’s vision for the future of sports sedans.
Audi Shooting Brake concept from 2005: A sleek and sporty shooting brake, this concept blended performance with versatility.
Audi e-tron Spyder from 2010: An innovative hybrid sports car, the e-tron Spyder represented Audi’s early commitment to electric mobility.
Audi quattro concept from 2010: A tribute to the legendary Audi quattro rally car, this concept combined classic design with modern technology.
Audi PB 18 e-tron from 2018: Audi’s most recent concept car, the PB 18 e-tron is a high-performance electric supercar that showcases Audi’s vision for the future of electric vehicles.
Beyond the Concepts: The Creative Process
The “Design Legends” exhibition is not just about the cars themselves; it’s also about the creative process behind them. The exhibit features special pieces from Audi’s model workshop, offering insights into the journey from concept to reality. Sketches, renderings, and clay models provide a glimpse inside Audi’s creative studio, showcasing the designers’ ideas, methods, and the evolution of their visions.
As Curator Stefan Felber notes, “Showcasing the designers’ ideas, methods, and the journey from vision to form.” This emphasizes that these concept cars are more than just beautiful designs; they are the result of hard work, innovation, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Audi and the Future of Automotive Design
For 20 years, Audi has been at the forefront of automotive innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The “Design Legends” exhibition is a testament to this legacy of innovation, showcasing Audi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design.
The rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving is changing the way we think about cars. But Audi is not afraid of these challenges. Instead, the brand is embracing them, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and shaping the future of automotive design.
The Road to Innovation
As we move forward, the automotive industry will continue to evolve. Electric vehicles will become more common, autonomous driving will become more advanced, and our relationship with cars will change. But one thing will remain constant: Audi’s commitment to innovation.
The “Design Legends” exhibition is a reminder of Audi’s legacy of innovation, and a testament to the brand’s commitment to shaping the future of automotive design. As we move forward, Audi will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and continue to be a leader in the automotive industry.
The Enduring Legacy of Concept Cars
Concept cars and design studies have always played a vital role in the automotive industry. They are the ideas that drive innovation, the dreams that shape the future, and the inspiration that inspires the next generation of designers and engineers.
The “Design Legends” exhibition is a tribute to this enduring legacy, showcasing Audi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and shaping the future of the industry. As we move forward, the automotive industry will continue to evolve, but one thing will remain constant: Audi’s commitment to innovation.
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.
This article provides an in-depth look at Audi’s history of innovation, showcasing the concept cars and design studies that have shaped the brand. As we move forward, Audi will continue to push the boundaries of automotive design and shape the future of the industry.
