Audi Aicon heading for limited production

Audi has announced that the Aicon concept it unveiled at last year's Frankfurt motor show will enter production in 2021.

The Aicon, which incorporated Audi's latest artificial intelligence, is expected to enter limited production for a pilot project to develop a fully autonomous vehicle.

Production volumes have not been confirmed but the advanced pure-electric sedan is not expected to break three figures.

It's not yet known if the production Aicon will be offered to private buyers or if they will remain the property of Audi for internal testing.

Back in 2017 it was thought the Aicon and its sister model, the Elaine SUV, were created only to showcase new technology that would re-emerge later on in unrelated production vehicles.

As well as driverless capability, the Aicon's AI also incorporates machine learning and both car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication.

Audi hopes the AI will help its vehicles learn how to adapt to real-world driving situations by mimicking the natural behaviour of other road users. We're hoping this doesn't include road rage.

Inside, the concept eschewed a traditional steering wheel and pedals for a luxurious lounge-style cabin.

Set to be built on the forthcoming e-tron Sportback platform, the Aicon will also be powered by the same powertrain.

It's thought the 'real' production car will regain traditional driving controls and come with a more conventional cabin.