Audi and Italdesign Auction the 2008 Urban UST Prototype
A concept car that remained a design dream is now seeking a new owner. 🏁 Audi, together with the Italdesign studio, has decided to put the UST prototype up for sale, originally presented more than a decade ago. The auction house RM Sotheby's is managing the process, which is already open and will end with an online bid next month. This unique model represents a piece of automotive history that never made it to the streets.
A Design that Fuses Two Worlds
The letters UST stand for Urban Sport Truck, a name that defines its proposal. The bodywork fuses the elegance of a coupé with the functionality of a pick-up in its rear section. This approach sought to create a vehicle with useful cargo space without sacrificing a dynamic and sporty line. To build it, the platform of the contemporary Audi A5 was used and it was equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel engine, connected to an automatic transmission.
Key Features of the Platform and Mechanics:- Technical base derived from the Audi A5 of its time.
- Propulsion via a 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine.
- Automatic transmission to manage the power.
A decision as complex as the vehicle's own design: use it for grocery shopping or to transport the golf set?
Interior: Technology and Premium Materials
Inside the cabin, the prototype prioritizes a technological and high-quality environment. The infotainment system is controlled from a central screen, while the instrument cluster is fully digital. The seats, upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, and a flat-style steering wheel, similar to that of sports models, reinforce this sensation. Although it is a concept vehicle, it includes details such as a Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Highlighted Elements of the Cabin:- Central screen to control the vehicle's systems.
- Instrument cluster with full digital display.
- Seats with mixed leather and Alcantara upholstery.
A Unique Opportunity for Collectors
This auction represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive engineering that remained in the prototype phase. The Audi UST encapsulates a vision of urban and sporty mobility from the late 2000s. Its future owner will not only get a vehicle, but a fragment of conceptual design history from two iconic brands. The final destiny of this singular Urban Sport Truck will soon be decided. 🚗💨