Audi's New Electric 2-Door Convertible Concept Steps Into the Future of Luxury Mobility

When Audi talks about it's future, company representatives frequently find themselves outlining how the automaker will redefine luxury to be an experience inclusive of riding and driving. It's a time when a vehicle's interior becomes a highly interactive space that allows for evolved experience. The new Skysphere concept vehicle is a step toward realizing that design reality.

Skyphere is a two-door convertible vehicle propelled by an electric powertrain. Audi says that the concept is designed to "give passengers the maximum amount of freedom", whether it be sitting in the cabin enjoying the ride or taking the wheel to create their own unique grand touring adventure.

The 16-foot long concept car is offered with a moving wheelbase that changes depending on which driving mode is selected. Sport and Grand Touring modes give the option to further customize the behind-the-wheel experience with altered drive dynamics.

Sport model allows the ability for the driver to pilot the car themselves. In Grand Touring mode, the steering wheel and pedals are stored, similar to how MINI showed them in its unique bus concept earlier this year, and autonomous drive technology takes over.

Audi's concept shows off a "contemporary interpretation of luxury, digitization and ecosystem" with the car's interior. Digital service is fully integrated and the hands-free driving system allows passengers to share their experience on the road via social media. Skysphere is designed to pick up passengers and already know their ultimate destination, and independently handle parking and changing.

The concept car was designed at the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, California. Designers were inspired by the Horch 853 roadster when crafting the bodywork of the concept models. That vintage 1930s roadster won the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2009.

The Horch and Skysphere have about the same footprint, but that is where much of the similarities end. The Horch has a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood while the Skysphere is powered by an 80 kilowatt-hour all-electric powertrain that delivers 623 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Audi says that the model would be capable of reaching 62 mph off the line in just four seconds and has a range of over 500 kilometers.

Its adaptive air suspension is engined to allow the car to lower and, consequentially, reduce drag while on the go.

Audi has also given the car design elements from the company's current lineup including a fresh take on the Singleframe grille that showcases a unique aesthetic thanks to integrated LED lights.

The whole rig rides on 23-inch wheels wrapped in 285/30 tires and features rear-hinged doors that give it a unique profile during loading and unloading.

Audi will display the vehicle for the first time in public at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.