Audi A2 concept (2011) first official sketches

Audi's product planners must hate having weeks when they don't have new product to announce. Just imagine, sitting around, twiddling their thumbs.

So we shouldn't be surprised that Audi today confirmed it would unveil an A2 concept at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.

Ingolstadt has already confirmed to CAR that it plans to replace the 1999 original. And this Audi concept gives a few clues for what Audi has in store for its next A2.

The A2 concept is all about the packaging, squeezing space for four adults into a 3800mm long city car.

It's tricky to judge from these sketches, but the concept looks rather close to the Audi A1 range.

One thing you won't find on an A1 - yet - is an electric drive powertrain, though. The A2 concept car has an e-tron battery pack, but Audi's not letting loose any more details ahead of its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.

This concept car ushers in the next-gen of Audi's LED headlamp tech. Like Merc's system, the Audi's LEDs will adapt their shape and flow depending on the ambient road conditions and speeds.

Naturally, you can expect the usual concept car gadgets: there's gesture control to get in, the rear foglamp projects a warning triangle onto the road to encourage other users to keep their distance, and there's room between the rear seats for a fold-up city bicyle.

By Tim Pollard