Audi teases autonomous cabriolet, the first of three concepts to be revealed

A futuristic sports car will soon be unveiled by Audi, with design inspiration coming from a piece of automotive history.

Audi has shared a shadowy silhouette of the new cabriolet, which promises to be an ultra-luxurious vehicle with autonomous technology.

In a video with the company's Head of Design Marc Lichte, he reveals the long shape of the concept – to be called the Sky Sphere – was inspired by the 1937 Horch 953A Cabriolet.

"The basis for good design are proportions," Lichte said of the Horch.

"These proportions are simply awesome – long wheelbase, no overhang, huge bonnet. This car offers king-of-the-road feeling. All of this is the inspiration for our concept car, the Sky Sphere."

While the concept will be fully revealed next month, the Sky Sphere is expected to offer the driver the option of being a relaxing autonomous vehicle, or an engaging electric sports car.

The Sky Sphere will join two other concepts: the Urban Sphere and the Grand Sphere – the former previewing Audi's future of city mobility, while the latter will provide a glimpse of the company's A8 successor.

Audi will debut the concepts on 10 August 2021.