Shapeshifting from roadster to lounge on wheels

“We designed the Audi skysphere with a variable wheelbase in mind right from the start - which was no mean feat. This created major challenges in getting the proportions for the exterior design right in relation to the short and long wheelbase. Therefore, it was critical to the design process to constantly consider and compare the two configurations. That was the only way we could be sure the roof was balanced, the cabin proportions harmonised with the body and the wheel sizes fitted both the long and short wheelbase configurations. Designing a cabin that is too small for a long wheelbase but looks great with a short one can happen. And the opposite is also true. A long wheelbase entices designers to draw bigger wheels, but then the car with a shorter wheelbase looks like a cartoon. Admittedly, it took a lot of going back and forth on the proportions until the design came together as an uncompromising whole. We kept on honing the design until the proportions for both configurations finally worked.”

- Charles Lefranc

As Design Manager at the Audi Design Loft in Malibu, Charles Lefranc is responsible for the exterior design of the Audi skysphere concept.

“The Prestige Panel is a key element in the car’s transformation. It disappears completely from view when the Audi skysphere¹ is in Sports mode and the car adopts the proportions of a highly agile, athletic vehicle with a reduced wheelbase. When the wheelbase is extended in Grand Touring mode, the Prestige Panel appears and is far more than just an indication of the car’s current configuration. It also balances the vehicle proportions. With its graphic styling, it slows the eye’s progress and prevents the “stretched” car from appearing to sag. As a divider between the car’s front end and cabin, the Prestige Panel is also molded to the edge of the rear-hinged door. This door design affords occupants a natural, elegant entry into the Audi skysphere. We made a conscious decision not to position the virtual wing mirrors on the doors or A-pillar as usual, placing them instead at the front end - the part of the vehicle that slides back when transitioning to the short wheelbase. They sit atop the beautiful fender, above the Prestige Panel, crowning it almost like jewels. It’s a detail that I really love.”

- Charles Lefranc

“On approaching the Audi skysphere, the car’s proportions are the first thing to catch your eye. Prestige was definitely a design priority. The long hood, which curves down very low, and the cabin’s position further back are instrumental in creating that grand touring feel. We like the teardrop shape and striking proportions. Since the Audi skysphere¹ is a roadster, it has a small cabin that is completely open to the elements. We opted for a fabric instead of a hard top to enclose it because we think that not only adds extra glamor but also lends the design more warmth. Since the broad quattro muscles are paramount on any Audi, it goes without saying that they also feature on the Audi skysphere. The horizontal wrap-around ties the whole car together. Extending from the door before fading out and reappearing at the rear, it encircles the entire body and clearly accentuates the nose.”

- Charles Lefranc

“What I really love about the Audi skysphere is that it marries a speedster’s aerodynamic looks with the practicality of a shooting brake. This is very much in keeping with the Audi philosophy - no compromises when it comes to practicality. Of course, this is an electric vehicle so there is no engine beneath the hood. Instead, there’s a luggage compartment big enough to accommodate two golf bags. At the tail, the glass trunk cover puts its contents on display as if in a showcase. To complete the picture, we also designed two overnight bags specially for this concept car. They fit here perfectly.”

- Gael Buzyn

As Senior Director at the Audi Design Loft in Malibu, Gael Buzyn designed the Audi skysphere concept together with his team.

The wheelbase’s extension and contraction are perfectly synchronised with the interior where a lot happens when changing the driving configuration. In Grand Touring mode¹ with the long wheelbase, the driver’s seat basically becomes another passenger seat¹, allowing the occupant to sit back and watch as the car drives itself. However the real magic happens when the Audi skysphere morphs to a short wheelbase. The wheelbase’s contraction moves the steering wheel and all elements needed for driving, such as the pedals, closer to the driver in a seamless and natural way. At the same time, the right-hand seat slides back so that, as the driver, you no longer have that somewhat constricted perspective of two adjacent seats but rather a wholly different driving experience.”

- Charles Lefranc

“Rather than a conventional cabin, I wanted an architectural feel for the interior of the Audi skysphere. During the design phase, we dug deep into Art Deco. In the process, I discovered so many beautiful pieces of furniture and objects that we decided all the interior’s elements should take their cue from this era. Sitting inside the Audi skysphere¹ feels like being in a chic lounge on wheels rather than a typical car interior. All the materials used to finish the interior pay homage to this car’s birthplace - southern California. The wood is eucalyptus. Dubbed Blue Agave, the interior colour is inspired by the plant of the same name that’s endemic to southern California. And there are other thoughtful touches, such as the cashmere blanket behind the driver’s seat for passengers to snuggle up in. Or the driving gloves that lie ready above the instrument cluster. Putting on those gloves and taking hold of the steering wheel gives the driver a majestic feeling. It’s a wondrous moment. We wanted to retain that roadster ritual.”

- Gael Buzyn