Sphere of influence

It started in August 2021 with the unveiling of the Audi skysphere concept – a stunning futuristic roadster design that paid homage to the brand’s past while pointing the way forward. With unmistakable nods to the Horch 853 of 1930s, the skysphere introduced a unique dual personality and the ability to literally change its wheelbase to suit its desired application.

This was followed in September of the same year with the grandsphere concept. As the name suggests, this concept aimed squarely at the top luxury class  both in design and the focus on interior space and comfort of the passengers. Ready for Level 4 autonomous driving and with a new interior concept that made maximum use of the space and the autonomous technology, the grandsphere showcased a future where passengers could use their time onboard for everything from work to leisure.

Taking the concept of ‘time spent on board’ to new levels again, the Audi urbansphere concept revealed at the start of this year boasted even greater interior space and flexibility, essentially creating another living area for customers to utilise while en route to their next destination.

Again, autonomous technology enabled this move to flexible and connected mobility, where time in the urbansphere could be utilised as the occupant dictated – a departure from the traditional idea of merely being a passenger in transit.

Now the finishing touches are being applied to the fourth in the ‘sphere’ concept series – the Audi activesphere concept – which will be unveiled to the world at the start of 2023.

Like its siblings, this new concept will feature an all-electric drivetrain and be capable of fully-automated driving. The interior concept too concentrates on allowing occupants to utilise their time as best suits them while still offering the trademark Audi luxury appointment and next level connectivity.

Where the activesphere concept will differ most from the other sphere models will be in its ability to operate both on and off the road, bringing an all-terrain element to the ranks. The skysphere demonstrated this perfectly with its ability to transform from a grand tourer into a dedicated sportscar platform at the press of a button, so expect a similarly impressive transformation from the activesphere when it arrives next year.

In keeping with the other members of the sphere concept range, the emphasis is on the interior space – hence the use of the term ‘sphere’. 

Increasingly the interior is the foundation for design and technology, turning the vehicle into a place where the passengers can enjoy life and experiences while on the go – essential the aforementioned third living space.

For these Audi models of the future this means a comprehensive ecosystem of automotive services, from communications to relaxation, to the ability to work or concentrate on driving in the traditional sense – the car is transforming to something of an experience device. 

While enthusiasts will have to wait until next year to feast their eyes on the new activesphere, all three of the current sphere series were on show recently at the famed Monterey Car Week in California – the first time that all three of the future-focused models have ever been shown together.

They were joined at the event by the Audi/Ken Block collaboration, the Audi S1 e-tron quattro Honnitron. Another example of the brand’s electric future focus, this specially-developed model forgoes autonomous technology, but rather will allow rally driver Block to weave his own special brand of automotive magic in the production of Elektrikhana – the next instalment in Block’s tremendously successful Gymkhana video series.