Audi Skysphere concept unveiled – with adjustable wheelbase and L4 autonomous driving

Audi Skysphere concept unveiled – with adjustable wheelbase and L4 autonomous driving

Audi has unveiled its latest concept car, the Audi Skysphere Concept, ahead of its public debut this Friday (13 August) in California.

The Audi Skysphere concept is a large two-seater that showcases the electric and autonomous future of the Audi brand.

The concept car was conceived and designed at the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, just a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Coast Highway, the legendary coastal road that connects the suburbs of Los Angeles with northern California.

Adjustable wheelbase for two driving modes

One interesting idea being explored with the Skysphere concept is the flexible dimension of the car. The wheelbase can be adjusted to accommodate two dring modes – “Sports” and “Grand Touring”

The overall length of the car is 4.94 meters in “Sports” and 5.19 meters in “Grand Touring”.

In “Grand Touring”, the steering and pedals stow away, creating a spacious cabin for you to relax in.

Upon changing the wheelbase and thus the operating mode from GT to Sport, the light signature also changes and sends a clear indication of the changed character of the Audi Skysphere concept, particularly in the area around the Singleframe.

The dash and center console also change with the modes.

Audi Skysphere Concept Overview

Although a concept, some basic information is provided on the Skysphere Concept’s technicalities.

Motor 1 motor mentioned for rear wheels
Drivetrain Speculated RWD
Max. Power 632 PS
Total Torque 750 Nm
0-100 km/h 4 seconds
Battery capacity ~80 kWh
Range (WLTP) >500 km

Audi Skysphere Concept Chassis & Dimensions

The length of the Audi Skysphere can change by 250 mm to accommodate the two driving modes.

Besides rear wheel steering, the Skysphere also features steer by wire, which the driver can adjust the steering ratio and settings via the main screen.

Audi Skysphere basic dimensions

Length (Grand Touring) 5,190 mm
Length (Sports) 4,940 mm
Width 2,000 mm
Height (Grand Touring) 1,240 mm
Height (Sports) 1,230 mm
Tyre size 285/30 R23
Front suspension Double wishbone
Rear suspension Double wishbone
Steering steer by wire with rear-wheel steering

Audi Skysphere Concept interior

Interior materials include sustainably produced microfiber fabric upholstery, environmentally certified eucalyptus wood and synthetically produced imitation leather.

The seats offer variable positions that give passengers freedom to move and legroom that can otherwise only be experienced when flying first class on an airplane.

The steering and pedals are stowed away in “Grand Touring”. Spanning infront of the driver seat is a 1,415 mm touchscreen that can be used to display content from the Internet, video conferences, or streamed movies (in Grand Touring mode).

More “Spheres” to come

Following the debut of the Audi Skysphere Concept, Audi will soon unveil the Audi Grandsphere Concept and Audi Urbansphere Concept – all to be ready for Level 4 autonomous driving.

Arif Chan
With a deep interest and relevant experiences in the automotive industry, Arif writes about everything automotive. His employment history includes being an automotive engineer, a highway engineer, an alternative-fuel researcher, and a motoring journalist.