Audi looks set to showcase its autonomous future at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show, with the firm releasing a teaser sketch of a new concept.
Dubbed the AI:me, details are scarce on the concept vehicle, but Audi says it will be an ‘automated driving compact car for the megacities of tomorrow’.
There’s a good chance that its name is derived from the direction, with AI — short for artificial intelligence — indicating this car is all about incorporating driverless technologies. That said, there is a steering wheel to be seen in the concept sketches, meaning there’s a good chance this could still have the ability of driver involvement.
Clear to see in this sketch is a silhouette reminiscent of two upcoming VW Group vehicles — the Volkswagen ID. Hatchback and Seat El-Born. Both of those are electrics and sit on the MEB platform, so expect the AI:me to follow in similar footsteps.
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It’s also unmistakably an Audi, with the firm’s corporate design clear to see. That said, some EV flair is brought courtesy of a large, blanked-out grille — like that of the production e-tron SUV.
We’re not expecting the Audi AI:me to ever reach production, but it’s likely to give a clear indication of Audi’s approach to driverless vehicles going forward. Expect the full car to be revealed on April 16, when the Shangai Motor Show kicks off.
