Only A Cartoon - Audi has long been a symbol of innovation and forward-thinking design, and in 2018, they showcased yet another example of their visionary approach with the Audi PB18 e-tron. This all-electric concept car turned heads at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week in the U.S. before making an official appearance at the Paris Motor Show later that year. Just as excitement for the PB18 e-tron began to build, Audi unveiled yet another stunning vehicle—the Audi RSQ e-tron. This concept car wasn’t just another entry in Audi’s portfolio but one that found itself woven into the world of animated film.
All-electric Audi RSQ e-tron will be Lance Sterling's super spy ride. (Picture from: TopSpeed)
The Audi RSQ e-tron was designed in collaboration with French designers led by Gaël Bruzyn and the renowned Blue Sky Studios, the animation studio behind hits like Ice Age. Unlike most concept cars, the RSQ e-tron didn’t make its debut at an auto show or as a prototype for future road use. Instead, it starred in the animated action-comedy Spies in Disguise, which hit theaters in December 2019. In the film, the car becomes the sleek and high-tech ride of Lance Sterling, a super spy voiced by Will Smith. Sterling, with his charming personality and high-tech gadgets, mirrors the suave, resourceful secret agents of film history like James Bond. The RSQ e-tron, with its futuristic design, fits perfectly into the high-octane world of espionage and action.
Futuristic front fascia of all-electric Audi RSQ e-tron concept car. (Picture from: Carsales)
Much of the design language of the Audi RSQ e-tron takes inspiration from Audi's earlier PB18 e-tron and elements of the Audi R8, offering a glimpse of what Audi’s electric sports cars of the future could look like. However, the RSQ e-tron is more than just a beautiful car—it also features advanced technology, including a holographic speedometer, a digital cockpit, and a camera that replaces the traditional rearview mirror. This digital-first approach was a deliberate decision by Audi’s design team, led by Frank Rimili, who explained that combining digital visualization techniques with precision craftsmanship allowed Audi to push the boundaries of design in both the real and fictional worlds.
Audi's technological sophistication is shown in this animated film. (Picture from: TopSpeed)
While the RSQ e-tron is a fully autonomous vehicle, it also includes a steering wheel and gear lever, allowing for manual control. This mix of traditional driving controls with advanced autonomous features reflects Audi’s vision of the future, where driving can be both a hands-on experience and fully automated when necessary. Its appearance in Spies in Disguise gave the RSQ e-tron an extra layer of appeal, especially as the film highlighted the vehicle’s artificial intelligence and cutting-edge automotive technology.
Audi RSQ e-tron dashboard elements shown on a design sketch. (Picture from: CNET)
Audi's collaboration with Blue Sky Studios didn’t just focus on creating a visually stunning car but also on integrating the RSQ e-tron into the world of Spies in Disguise. The car's futuristic features were perfectly suited to Lance Sterling’s fast-paced, gadget-filled life as a super spy. In the film, the RSQ e-tron wasn’t just a mode of transportation but an essential part of the high-tech tools Sterling uses to complete his missions.
Audi RSQ e-tron steering wheel elements shown on a design sketch. (Picture from: CNET)
The partnership between Audi and Blue Sky Studios marks a fascinating intersection between the worlds of animation and automotive design. Audi used the opportunity to experiment with a fully virtual concept car while showcasing its design philosophy. By blending elements of fiction with real-world automotive engineering, Audi created a car that exists solely in the animated universe of Spies in Disguise. The RSQ e-tron may never hit the road, but its influence as a piece of automotive artistry can’t be ignored.
Rear side view of all-electric Audi RSQ e-tron concept car. (Picture from: Carsales)
After releasing a teaser trailer in late 2018, the anticipation for Spies in Disguise grew. Fans were eager to see Will Smith voice the suave super spy Lance Sterling, and they weren’t disappointed when the film finally hit theaters in December 2019. The film received praise for its humor, action, and, of course, the Audi RSQ e-tron, which played an important role in Lance Sterling’s adventures. While the car remains a fictional concept, the RSQ e-tron captures Audi's bold vision of the future and shows what’s possible when technology, design, and imagination collide.
Though we may never see the Audi RSQ e-tron come to life in the real world, it serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. The vehicle not only enhances the animated universe but also leaves a lasting impression on fans of both the movie and the Audi brand. For now, the Audi RSQ e-tron remains a stunning example of Audi's innovative spirit, even if it only exists in the world of animation.*** [EKA [30122018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOP SPEED | CARSALES ]
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Though we may never see the Audi RSQ e-tron come to life in the real world, it serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. The vehicle not only enhances the animated universe but also leaves a lasting impression on fans of both the movie and the Audi brand. For now, the Audi RSQ e-tron remains a stunning example of Audi's innovative spirit, even if it only exists in the world of animation. *** [EKA [30122018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOP SPEED | CARSALES ]
