Audi has filed a patent application for a device that can turn a car into a karaoke space—and not only inside the cabin. It’s a portable module built into the center console: when docked, sound plays through the car’s speakers; once removed, the unit works outside the vehicle using its own integrated loudspeaker. The system is designed to detect where the module is and switch modes automatically, sparing the user any extra steps.

The filing also describes microphones that sit flush with the housing when not in use. As soon as the driver or a passenger pulls them out, the car can automatically activate karaoke mode. Music is meant to stream from a smartphone or tablet, while song lyrics appear on the infotainment screen. The scenario is easy to picture: entertain passengers on the move, during a stop or while charging, then keep the impromptu concert going at the destination—whether that’s a courtyard or a picnic spot.

That said, in-car karaoke isn’t a new idea; similar solutions have appeared from different brands and as standalone apps. The point of Audi’s filing is less about karaoke itself and more about the two-in-one concept: fully integrated in the cabin yet still portable. It sounds fun and, for family trips, even logical, though practicality remains the open question. Many will be content with an app and a pair of wireless microphones, while the built-in module will likely appeal to those who enjoy playful features and are willing to pay extra for them.