For Audi, the design process of a new car from concept to series production is not only about shaping the look of the car, but also about creating a vision of the future. In the Audi design team, there has never been a shortage of world-renowned design masters, Peter Schreyer (Peter · Cyril), Walter de Silva (Wal·ter de · Silva), Wolfgang Josef Egger (Wolfgang · Jose·f Egger) and other "works" have left many works in the field of automotive design.
On July 31, Audi unveiled two production versions, the A6 e-tron Sportback and the Avant. And as the second new product based on the PPE platform, the Audi A6 e-tron combines the advantages of high-end midsize cars in terms of performance, range, efficiency and charging.
As senior exterior designers at Audi, Sascha Heyde and Wolf Seebers are not only professional partners, but also lifelong friends. Together, they worked on the design of the Audi A6 e-tron family, translating the concept car concept into a real-life production model. So how they did it has naturally become the focus of attention.
From concept to mass production, we need to break the limitations
In 2021, the Audi A6 e-tron concept was unveiled for the first time, and as an all-electric Sportback model, it heralded a new direction for Audi's future design. Did Sascha Heyde and Wolf Seebers have any restrictions or requirements when designing this concept car? And how did they incorporate these design elements into their production models?
"We see the concept car as a way to show the future without constraints." Sascha Heyde believes that when it comes to conceiving and realising a concept car, designers are free to use their imagination without compromising on other factors. When a concept car is launched, it is possible to quickly and systematically break the old constraints and find new answers.
Wolf Seebers adds, "The concept car gives us the opportunity to explore, define and create new spaces without limits. When designing the concept car, we considered its potential for series production early on. Although we have made a lot of fine-tuning to take into account safety-related regulations, there is hardly any change from the outside. We achieved the same result in the design of the Audi A6 e-tron. ”
When designing the Audi A6 e-tron concept, Sascha Heyde and Wolf Seebers first defined whether the concept would be a forerunner for future production models or a forward-thinking vision. They say that in the case of a production-oriented concept car, they can ignore purely technical requirements in the initial design and prioritize proportions, because body proportions are the most important factor in determining a good design.
"We wanted to give the Audi A6 e-tron the attractive proportions of a concept car, the silhouette of the classic Sportback that Audi fans are familiar with." "To achieve this, we put a lot of thought into every millimeter. We designed a recessed panel in the side door panels to achieve a vertical segmentation cut on the side of the body, changing the side visual proportions, so as to visually reduce the height. ”
Sascha Heyde adds: "This embedded component has become a feature of the Audi family of all-electric models, and is reflected in the high-chassis Audi Q6 e-tron series and the new Audi e-tron GT series. We deliberately highlighted the 'heart' of Audi's all-electric models. At the same time, we also wanted the front end of the Audi A6 e-tron to be very close to the concept car. The reversible grille design and eye-catching daytime running lights give the front face a technologically futuristic look. ”
Fusion of innovation and tradition in design
In 2022, Audi unveiled the A6 Avant e-tron concept, along with the production version of the Avant model. What challenges did Sascha Heyde and Wolf Seebers face when designing this all-electric classic Avant model? How do they combine innovation with tradition?
"We've completely internalized the classic slogan 'A beautiful station wagon is called an Avant.'" "The first all-electric Avant model is no exception. In order to express the sportiness and everyday relevance of the Avant style, which is at the heart of the Audi brand's DNA, we are constantly creating, overturning and reinventing. ”
Sascha Heyde explains: "The sloping C-pillar was the decisive factor. But if it's too tilted, the arc of the roofline won't look aesthetically pleasing, and if it's too upright, it loses the soul of the Audi Avant. So it had to have a perfect angle to unleash the beauty of movement. To do this, we spent hours making clay molds. Audi classics such as the Audi 100 C2 Avant already have a sporty sloping C-pillar, but we wanted to open up a new world of all-electric Avant for our users, so we needed to find a truly unique, never-before-seen design that would add to the glamour. ”
To achieve this vision, they completely rebuilt the roof structure. The chrome trim is now connected to the roof spoiler as a unique design element. Not only does it visually reduce the height of the vehicle, but its sporty aesthetic further accentuates the sporty, elegant character of the Avant model.
"Good design must be functional"
"Make technology visible" is the mantra of the entire Audi design team. The drag coefficient of the Audi A6 e-tron is by far the lowest of any Audi model. Do such technical requirements limit the design? How did Sascha Heyde and Wolf Seebers achieve the harmony of form and function?
"Good design must be functional, which means that the design must be effective." "From the outset, we knew from the outset that the all-electric range and aerodynamics of the Audi A6 e-tron would be key, so we were already thinking about these themes when designing the two concept cars. During the design process of the production model, we fine-tune, test and modify it together with our colleagues who specialize in aerodynamics. With open communication and close cooperation between the two sides, we do not need to compromise on the requirements of one party. ”
It is understood that at the beginning of the Audi A6 e-tron project, the design team attached great importance to efficiency and range, and set ambitious goals. The aerodynamics team alone has carried out more than 1,300 vehicle simulation missions. And even the wheels are custom-made for a longer range.
"I remember when my phone rang and my colleagues from the aerodynamics team almost screamed in my ear: '0.21! You won't believe it, but we really did it! ’”。 Sascha Heyde adds: "Together, we achieved the lowest drag coefficient ever achieved by an Audi model. When I think about it, I'm still excited. ”
For Sascha Sascha Heyde and Wolf Wolf Seebers, the Audi A6 e-tron is more than just a car, it's a one-of-a-kind work of art. From concept cars to production models, Audi's design team has put a lot of effort and passion into turning forward-thinking design concepts into real-world masterpieces. At the same time, this is the charm of Audi design, which is not only about technology and function, but also about emotions and dreams.