Audi exhibits a design study for a super sports car
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Audi super sports car

All Photos: Audi

 Audi TT

Its clearly defined outlines, with domed roof, precisely semi-circular wheel arch cutouts and high waistline – they all echo Audi’s current design philosophy, the relationship with the TT, recipient of so many design awards. 

At the very first glance we can see the large-diameter drilled brake discs behind the giant wheels. They are the logical counterpart to the performance of the undoubtedly powerful mid-engine.   

Audi’s quattro permanent four-wheel drive would unquestionably provide it with the perfect basis for converting the power of a large engine into propulsion, to make an ultimate sports car study such as this eligible for the title of ‘perfect driving machine’.  

Boldly shaped air inlets are a formal element at all points on the aluminium body of this Audi design study, and nowhere more so than at the front. The headlight units in the aerodynamically shaped nose seem to focus resolutely on the road: compact, powerful xenon headlights shine behind clear glass covers. The flat lights are protected behind flush-fitting metal panels that slide upwards when the headlights are switched on. Large outside mirrors are difficult to accept for the aerodynamics engineer bent on perfection. For a perfect view of events behind the Audi design study, it therefore foresees several cameras that project rear and side views on to monitor screens in the cockpit.   
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The prominent centre tunnel with its polished aluminium tubes and the high window line integrate the position of the driver into the car in an ergonomically perfect manner, making him the nerve-centre of this super sports car. A workplace at the centre of a driving machine. 

A window at the rear of the cockpit provides a clear view of this car’s powerful heart, the mid-engine. An enormous analog tachometer gives its pulse reading. Like the other instruments, its design picks up the aesthetic theme of the light units. 

Adjustable racing pedals, an open lever gate for the six-speed gearbox and a steering wheel with four spokes at 90-degree intervals are the ideal instruments for the driver to keep the performance potential of this car under perfect control. 

Brushed aluminium, carbon fibre and leather of the highest quality define the character of the interior that retains its clear purity with no concession to the ambience of a luxury saloon car. Precision craftsmanship can be found throughout: it has left its unmistakable mark of perfection on every material and every detail.

(September 7, 2000)