Audi Sportback Concept

Audi Sportback defines philosophy as a sporting elegance of a coupe, the flexibility of five-door models, advanced technology and sporty pronounced.

First applied to the Audi A3, and more recently on its A1 Sportback concept seen at the 2008 Paris show, the Four Ring brand’s latest Sportback-inspired intrepretation — the Audi Sportback Concept unveiled at the 2009 Detroit show. While the Sportback Concept is at first glance yet another take on the now painfully cliche “four-door coupe,” it’s the addition of hatch that sets it apart from the CLS-Classes of the world.

Audi’s now famous LED units for the Sportback are wider and flatter than past efforts, and the side mirrors are reportedly styled after jet wings for what the brand calls a “winglet” look. Other design cues include a new take on Audi grille that’s not as high and loses the vertical struts, and air intakes under the headlights that help accuentate the Sportback’s low and wide stance. Out back, there’s plenty of A5 in the design, along with four exhaust pipes and a diffuser that augment the car’s sporting intentions.

A large glass roof opens up the Sportback’s cabin, which was designed with a focus on the driver and features all the usual Audi bells and whisles and heaping helpings of leather and wood trim with aluminum accents. The wide center console extends all the way through to the rear of the car. Four sport seats lend the car a GT feel, and Audi says leg, head and shoulder room will be more than sufficient for all passengers. In addition, at 17.66 cubic feet, the trunk space is impressive for a car like the Sportback.

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