Audi’s Project Artemis team is expected to show a new concept vehicle called the “Grand Sphere” at the IAA Munich, which gives a preview of an upcoming fully electric replacement for the Audi A8. Read on to find out all the details.
- New Grand Sphere concept teased
- Part of Audi’s Artemis project
- Preview of the electric A8 replacement
- Uses new SSP underpinnings
- 800V electrical system for fast charging
- Up to 1.150PS possible
- Advanced autonomous driving technology
- Market launch expected in 2025
It may sound like a poorly translated Harry Potter novel, but Audi’s “Project Artemis and the Grand Sphere Concept” is about to debut as a luxury electric car, previewing what a replacement for the A8 might look like.
The finished car – which does not yet have an official name – is scheduled to hit the market in 2025 as an alternative to the Mercedes EQS, the upcoming BMW i7 and the Tesla Model S.
New Audi Project Artemis design
The Audi Project Artemis is expected to have its first public appearance at the IAA Munich in the form of a concept car called the “Grand Sphere”. Audi first teased the design of this car in an official picture (see above).
Further teasers, this time in the form of a wireframe animation as part of the Volkswagen Group’s “New Car” strategy presentation, give you a much better impression of what the new car might look like.
Although the Grand Sphere is a large luxury car like the A8, it will have a sleek aerodynamic shape rather than a traditional boxy sedan design – much like the new Mercedes EQS.
Check out Mats Mercedes EQS video
Its slim silhouette is pretty similar to the recently introduced Audi A6 e-tron concept, but the slimmer headlights, angular grille and subtle roof spoiler make it look even sportier.
New Audi Project Artemis interior
Audi also gave you advice on what the interior of the Grand Sphere concept might look like.
It’s almost certain that the finished car will come with four seats rather than the two of this concept, but the minimalist dashboard and square steering wheel could reach production.
New Audi Project Artemis batteries and range
The new Audi Project Artemis will be the first new car to be built with a completely new set of electric cars. These are called SSPs (which stands for scalable system platform – in case you are wondering.)
By 2030, almost all new Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Bentley, Skoda and SEAT cars will be built from this set of components. All of these new models have an 800V electrical system that allows you to charge them with the fastest public quick chargers.
Check out this Audi A6 e-tron video
Audi hasn’t confirmed any details about the new car’s battery, but you can expect it to have at least 435 miles of range (that’s how far you can drive the upcoming Audi A6 e-tron on a full charge).
New Audi Project Artemis engines and performance and
Audi was just as taciturn in the performance of the new car as it was in the batteries and range. However, the SSP components Audi will use to build the Project Artemis car are compatible with engines up to 1,150 horsepower, so there is a chance this new car could be really fast.
New Audi project Artemis Driving
The Audi Project Artemis will be equipped with some of the most advanced driver assistance technologies available. It will initially be offered with “Level 2+” self-driving technology, which means that it can support your steering inputs and take control of the accelerator and brakes in certain situations.
However, the car will be ready for “Level 4” at a later date, which means it can drive itself most of the time with minimal input from the driver.
New price and release date of the Audi Project Artemis
The Audi Grand Sphere concept (above) can be seen at the IAA Munich in September 2021, but the finished Audi Project Artemis will not go on sale until 2025.
You can expect the finished car to cost about as much as the new Mercedes EQS. This means entry-level models are likely to start at around £ 80,000, while top of the line cars could hit you with a bill of over £ 100,000.
Can’t wait for this new car to hit the showrooms? Compare the top 10 best electric cars on offer or check out the latest offers from Audi at carwow.
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