Top 10 Audi Concept Cars of All Time

Audi 100S Coupe Speciale

Let's start with the oldest concept, the 100S Coupe Speciale. Back in the 1970s wedge shape cars were all the rage. The Lancia Stratos and Lotus Esprit led the movement with other automakers following. Not to be outdone, Audi developed the Speciale. The coachwork was done by Pietro Frua, who designed several cars for Maserati. Built on top of the Audi 100 platform, with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, it was more show than go. But the design helped inspire the Quattro of the 1980s which was never lacking in the power department. 

Photo: Goodwood

Audi Avus

The Audi Avus debuted in 1991 looking like a supercar teleported back in time from the 21st century. In a way, that's exactly what it was. The Avus led to a series of Volkswagen W12 concepts, which in turn led to the Bugatti Veyron. You can also see elements of the Bauhaus design prevalent in Audis of the early 2000s. And the body showcased Audi's aluminum expertise, something that they would leverage in the coming years. 

Photo: Audi 

Audi Quattro Spyder

Debuting at the same time as the Avus, the 1991 Quattro Spyder concept looked more like something from Maranello than Ingolstadt. The mid-engine car was powered by Audi's 2.8 liter V6, which provided Ferrari-like performance in the aluminum-bodied coupe. Audi called it the Spyder because of its removable glass top which was slightly confusing. More confusing is why the Spyder didn't make it to production. It garnered a lot of attention and had people clamoring to place orders for it.  

Photo: Audi 

Audi Rosemeyer

The 2000 Audi Rosemeyer paid tribute to the Auto Union race cars of the 1930s. Named after Bernd Rosemeyer, an Auto Union driver from that era, it looks like a mashup of 1930s Art Deco and retro-futuristic Steampunk. Like the Avus before it, the Rosemeyer was a mule for the Bugatti Veyron. It even carried a test version of the 8.0-liter W16 engine.   

Photo: Audi 

Audi Nuvolari

In 2003 Audi created another concept named after a prewar race car driver. Italian Tazio Nuvolari raced for Auto Union before World War II and was one of the best drivers of that era. The Nuvolari was a big coupe that showcased Audi's post-Bauhaus design themes, offering a preview of the A5. But unlike the A5 or S5, it featured a Lamborghini V10 powerplant. If the previous A8 coupe had no chance at production, the V10 Nuvolari chances were less than zero. But a big V10 powered grand touring coupe from Audi would have been epic.   

Photo: Audi 

Audi Steppenwolf

The Audi Steppenwolf may not be a magic carpet ride, but it was a very real concept. Based on the Audi A3 and powered by the 3.2-liter V6, the vehicle was a study for the compact crossover SUV segment. It featured several novel features, including a four-level adjustable air suspension from the Audi Allroad Quattro, a removable hardtop or optional soft-top, and an electric-hydraulic parking brake. Born to be wild, the Steppenwolf would have made a cool alternative to the Honda CR-V or BMW X3.  

Photo: Audi 

Audi Quattro

The original Audi Quattro set the rally world on fire, transforming the WRC into what it is today. 30 years later, Audi showcased this 2010 Quattro concept. Powered by a five-cylinder turbo on a shortened A5 platform, it combined the ideal mix of retro and modern styling. Like the original Quattro, it set the world on fire, and buyers lined up to plunk down deposits. Audi even considered producing a limited run of the new Quattro, but for some reason, they never did. Of all of the Audi concept cars, this is one deserved to be produced. 

Photo: Audi 

Audi Nanuk Quattro

Audi Prologue Avant

Another Audi concept that should have gone into production is the Prologue. Originally shown as a coupe, Audi also penned this Avant version. Both concepts were all powered by a 4.0-liter TFSI V8 with around 605 hp and featured technology that made its way into the current A8. But given Audi's fondness for the Avant, as well as its devoted following of enthusiasts, it seems they missed an opportunity when they didn't produce this car. 

Photo: Audi 

Audi E-Tron Spyder

Combining futuristic styling with electric powertrain technology, the Audi E-Tron Spyder shows where Audi is heading in the coming years. Audi billed the E-Tron Spyder as a purely-electric high-performance car. Powered by four motors, making it a Quattro, the E-Tron Spyder produced 313 hp. Performance was said to include a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. 

Photo: Audi 

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