Audi’s designers are taking inspiration from… James Bond

We’ve learned a lot over the last few weeks about Audi’s ambitious new plans for its future design language, including how its cars will look “softer, more friendly” and why it’s prioritising interiors over exteriors.

Oh, and not forgetting how an internal reveal of the forthcoming, electric RS6 e-tron made a room stuffed with 1,000 VW Group managers go “crazy” with excitement.

But speaking at the reveal of the activesphere concept last month, design manager Charles Lefranc - who works at the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, California - explained there was another unlikely source inspiring the company’s work: James Bond. Yep, as in 007.

“For us when we [talk about] James Bond, it’s the fact that - especially lately - he’s taking all the beating… but then he comes out and is just like, adjusting his tie,” says Lefranc. “He’s fine, you know? It’s natural, everyday.”

So you know that scene in Skyfall when 007 leaps onto the back of a train carriage just as it falls apart, before sticking the landing and straightening his shirt cuffs? Yeah, that. But in a car design.

Gesturing to the activesphere, Lefranc continues: “Even more in the past really, where he never took any beating. But in this case [the activesphere] it’s also the functionality that is sort of hiding, and when it comes out it’s more of a surprise.”

That’d be a reference to the concept’s off-road mode, in which the floor almost literally bares its teeth. Probably easier if we show you, so go check out our video on it.

Bond is of course heavily tied to the Aston Martin brand, so don’t expect to see Q building a double-oh-quattro when Barbara Broccoli has chosen her next lead actor for the franchise…