Audi Prepares a New Electric Sports Car for Production, Built on an All-New Platform

Unlike most concept cars that stay confined to auto shows and museums, the Audi Concept C has been given a license plate and approved for use on public roads.

To make that possible, engineers had to equip it with everyday essentials such as turn signals, windshield wipers, and a horn.

Unlike typical show cars that can barely move under their own power, the Concept C features a fully functional electric motor capable of reaching speeds up to 90 mph (145 km/h). That’s an impressive figure for a concept vehicle—especially considering that the production model, expected in 2027, will be significantly more powerful and dynamic.

While Audi has yet to disclose full technical details, it’s confirmed that the model is built on Volkswagen Group’s new platform—one that will likely also underpin the upcoming electric Porsche Boxster and Cayman. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Quattro version is expected to follow later.

The Concept C weighs about 3,725 lbs (1,690 kg)—roughly the same as the rear-wheel-drive R8 V10 Spyder. Its battery is positioned behind the driver’s seat, close to the rear axle, creating a balance similar to that of mid-engine sports cars. The suspension system was developed specifically for this model, without borrowing components from the TT or R8.

According to Audi’s Creative Director Massimo Frascella, the production version will retain about 87 percent of the concept’s design. The final car will come exclusively as a coupe with a retractable hardtop. It’s not a revival of the TT or R8, but the lineage is unmistakable: in promo footage, the Concept C appears alongside the first-generation TT and R8—as well as the legendary 1936 Auto Union Type C.

Unlike the gasoline-powered Boxster and Cayman, Audi’s new sports car will be fully electric—further proof of the brand’s commitment to a future beyond internal-combustion engines.