Audi Teases New activesphere Concept
Unlike the other members of the Sphere series of concepts, the activesphere looks designed for rugged terrain.
Last week in Pebble Beach, Audi showcased three of its series of Sphere concept vehicles. It was the first time the grandsphere, skysphere, and urbansphere were all shown in public at the same time — and the photos are stunning. In what’s been an ambitious run, each of these next-generation machines has been released in the last 12 months. But Ingolstadt just demonstrated it’s still pushing forward (even if its new flagship is still years behind schedule).
Because just as the festivities in Monterey were wrapping up, Audi released a teaser images for the activesphere concept. This latest in the Sphere series appears to be a sleek four-door coupe design, though unlike the other three entries in the line, the elevated ride height and the beefy rubber set it apart. Indeed, according to the official press release, this concept will “will offer maximum variability for an active lifestyle – both on and off-road.”
Now, while the full details on the activesphere concept won’t be released until early next year, we do know a few things about it. First, like the other vehicles in the Sphere series, it will be fully electric. It will also apparently be capable of automated driving. That means the interior will be a space that can be transformed from a cockpit into something more akin to a mobile living room than a traditional cabin.
For driving enthusiasts, that might very well sound like the beginning of the end. But while I love to drive, I can’t say I hate the idea of a machine that would, say, navigate through stop-and-go congestion while I read a novel, or even take a nap. That seems like the best of both worlds, and while I think that tech is still a ways off, I’m confident I’ll see it in my lifetime. Also? I have to admit I’m intrigued by a vehicle that could use its cutting-edge tech to navigate tricky trails on the way to a remote campsite or scenic view. So color me curious…
Photos: Audi