Audi Concept C: The Electric Targa That’s Rewriting Sports Car Rules for 2027
Man, I still get chills thinking about the first time I saw an Audi TT scream by at a local car show—those curves, that stance, pure magic. Now, Audi’s back with the Concept C, a jaw-dropping electric targa-style sports car that’s not just a concept but a near-final preview of what’ll hit roads in 2027. This thing’s a love letter to gearheads, blending a sleek, minimalist vibe with tech that’s ready to take on Porsche and Mercedes. Unveiled in Milan on September 2, 2025, it’s got me hyped for the future of electric sports cars. Let’s break down why this Audi is about to shake things up.
Radical Simplicity: Audi’s Bold New Design Playbook
The Concept C isn’t just another pretty face—it’s the blueprint for Audi’s next decade. Their new “radical simplicity” mantra is all about stripping away the fluff and letting pure form do the talking. Think of it like a perfectly tailored suit: no extra buttons, just clean lines that scream class. The front end rocks a vertical grille panel that’s more sculpture than car part, housing sensors and those iconic four rings. It’s a nod to the 1936 Auto Union Type C racer and even the early 2000s Audi A6, but with a futuristic twist.
The lighting? Four sleek horizontal bars that echo Audi’s logo—subtle but bold. From the side, it’s got that classic “Coca-Cola bottle” shape, with curvy wheel arches and a shoulder line that flows from front to back like a river. The 21-inch six-spoke wheels, painted in a titanium finish Audi calls “technical elegance,” look ready to carve corners. No fake vents or tacky wings here—just a design that feels timeless and ready to roll.
The Targa Roof: Open-Air Freedom Meets Sleek Style
Here’s where my jaw hit the floor: the Concept C is Audi’s first crack at a two-panel targa roof. When closed, it’s a slick coupe with a monolithic vibe; pop it open, and you’ve got a wind-in-your-hair roadster without the usual convertible compromises. It’s like having a Transformer that switches from stealth mode to party mode without losing its cool.
The fastback rear skips a glass window for three vents—a throwback to those old Auto Union racers—and pairs it with skinny LED taillights and a no-nonsense diffuser. This setup keeps the car planted without needing a boy-racer wing. I can already imagine cruising down a coastal road, roof stowed, the electric hum mixing with the breeze. Audi says the production version will keep this exact vibe, with just minor tweaks like door handles and wipers.
Inside the Cockpit: Minimalist but Not Boring
Step inside, and it’s like Audi read my mind about what a driver’s car should feel like. The interior’s all about focus—no giant screens screaming for attention. A 10.4-inch display pops out of the dash when you need it and hides away when you don’t, leaving a clean, analog view. The steering wheel’s a perfect circle (no flat-bottom nonsense), with anodized aluminum controls that give that satisfying “Audi click” when you twist them. Even the gear selector’s a simple stalk, keeping your hands free for driving.
The materials? Top-notch wool and titanium accents, with door handles that feel like they belong on a spaceship. It’s driver-centric, with the seat slightly offset for that race-car feel. I’ve driven cars with overdone cockpits, and this one’s a breath of fresh air—functional but fancy, like a minimalist loft with all the good stuff.
Power and Platform: Ready to Rival the Best
Under the hood—well, under the floor—the Concept C is all electric, with a single rear motor for the show car and a dual-motor AWD option planned for production. Audi’s keeping mum on exact power figures, but I’d bet it’s in the ballpark of the RS e-tron GT’s 630 hp, given the shared DNA. It’s built on a tweaked version of the PPE platform (the same one powering the Q6 e-tron), designed for a low center of gravity and razor-sharp handling. Think Porsche 718 electric vibes but with Audi’s polished edge.
The battery’s tucked centrally to mimic a mid-engine layout, keeping weight balanced for those twisty roads. With an 800-volt system, it’s ready for ultra-fast charging, so you’re not stuck sipping coffee at a station for long. This thing’s built to dance, not just sprint.
Who’s It Taking On, and Where Does It Fit?
The Concept C is gunning for the electric sports car crown, squaring up against the upcoming Porsche 718 EV and wildcards like the Mercedes-AMG GT XX Concept EV. It’s not a TT replacement—Audi says it’s a new beast, slotting between the TT’s $60K price tag and the R8’s $160K stratosphere. It’s aimed at drivers who want a pure, engaging ride without the complexity of gas-powered supercars.
Audi’s betting big on this car to kick off their new design era, with the same clean lines and four-element lights set to ripple across models like the electric A4 and a mystery “Landjet” tourer. No combustion version here—just pure EV, which makes sense for 2027’s greener roads.
Quick Hits: Your Audi Concept C Questions Answered
- Combustion option? Nope, 100% electric.
- All-wheel drive? Base model’s rear-wheel drive, with AWD as an option.
- Targa roof material? Two rigid panels, not fabric—stiff and sleek.
- Just a concept? Nah, Audi says it’s “almost literally” the 2027 production car.
- Interior vibe? Think race-inspired minimalism with premium touches and a hideaway screen.
So, what’s the verdict? The Audi Concept C feels like a love letter to driving purists, with a targa twist that’s got my heart racing. Will it deliver that electric growl and corner-carving magic in 2027? I’m betting yes. Drop a comment—what do you think of this “radical simplicity” approach, and how do you imagine this targa tearing up the road?
Image Source –audi-mediacenter.com