The futuristic car featured in I, Robot (2004) was the Audi RSQ, a concept vehicle designed exclusively for the film. While it was not a real production car, it was a fully functional prototype created
by Audi to showcase advanced automotive technology. In the movie, which takes place in 2035 and is set in a world where self-driving cars were common, the RSQ played a crucial role.
Audi RSQ: A Unique Concept Car
Unlike many movie cars that are heavily modified versions of existing vehicles, the Audi RSQ was designed from scratch specifically for I, Robot. Audi worked closely with the filmmakers to create a car that fit seamlessly into the movie’s futuristic world while maintaining the brand’s signature design elements. The RSQ was the first-ever Audi concept car built specifically for a Hollywood film, making it a unique collaboration between the automotive and entertainment industries.
Design and Features
The Audi RSQ had several standout features that made it look ahead of its time:
Spherical Wheels: The RSQ had spherical wheels instead of traditional tires, which allowed it to move in any direction without turning. This feature was entirely fictional and created using CGI.
Glass Canopy Roof: The car had a transparent, upward-opening canopy instead of traditional doors, enhancing its futuristic aesthetic.
Autonomous Driving: The RSQ was depicted as a fully self-driving car, capable of navigating through traffic without human intervention. However, it also had a manual mode for the protagonist, Del Spooner (played by Will Smith), to take control.
Aerodynamic Shape: The car featured a sleek, low-profile body, resembling modern Audi sports cars while looking advanced enough for a sci-fi setting.
Was the Audi RSQ Functional?
While the Audi RSQ was not a real production car, it was partially functional. The concept car was designed to be driven in specific scenes,
but CGI was used to add many of its futuristic features, like spherical wheels and full autonomy. The actual vehicle used traditional car mechanics, allowing it to be moved on set.
Influence on Future Audi Models
Although the RSQ never became a production vehicle, it had a significant influence on future Audi designs:
The Audi R8 (2006), one of Audi’s most successful sports cars, was heavily inspired by the RSQ’s design.
Many autonomous driving technologies seen in the RSQ have become part of Audi’s real-world development in self-driving systems.
Conclusion
The Audi RSQ was not a real production car but a custom concept vehicle designed specifically for I, Robot. While it had some functional elements, many of its futuristic features, like spherical wheels and full autonomy, were fictional. However, the RSQ left a lasting legacy, influencing Audi’s future designs and reinforcing its image as a brand focused on innovation and advanced technology.
