Audi Sport quattro Concept

Celebrating 30 years of the Sport Quattro, Audi has revealed its spiritual successor ahead of its debut at next week's Frankfurt motor show.

The broad concept – which measures in at 4,602mm long, 1,964mm wide, 1,386mm high sitting on a wheelbase of 2,784mm – features a number of the same design cues we saw on the 2010 quattro concept, the 1983 Sport quattro and the original Ur-quattro. These include the angular, flat C-pillars and the rectangular headlamps and rear lamps.

Blisters above the fenders add shape to the concept's broad shoulders, while the single-frame grille features a new, sculpted insert. This is made up of two sections – the lower, which is nearly vertical, and the upper, which follows the line of the hood. This is a part of Audi's new design philosophy and gives us an idea of the future design direction of the carmaker's sporty production models.

Inside, dark gray tones and precise lines dominate the unfussy cabin while the door surfacing runs behind the IP and surrounds the driver and passenger while integrating features such as the door handles. Carbon fiber has been applied throughout and the center console incorporates the Audi MMI control unit, a touchwheel and several buttons, all of which control non-driving essential functions.

Another interesting feature is the HVAC control unit, which has been integrated into the air vents. The display in the vents shows either important media information or the air conditioning settings.

The bucket seats with folding backs, sculpted side bolsters and integrated head restraints are another nod to the quattro's racing history although we get another look into Audi's design future with the multifunction steering wheel, which is used to switch between a number of virtual 3D displays.

Gallery: Audi Sport quattro Concept >

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