Audi’s CEO has emphasised the necessity for a sports activities automotive inside the model, describing the TT as an iconic mannequin. He has not dominated out the potential of an electrical model of the TT sooner or later. Whereas the event of an electrical TT will not be assured, it seems that Audi is critically considering this selection.
The TT sports activities automotive, launched in 1998, grew to become one in every of Audi’s most recognizable designs. Over its three generations, which concluded with its discontinuation in 2023, Audi offered 662,762 items, a outstanding determine for a compact two-door sports activities automotive. There may be now potential for a revival of the TT, transitioning from gasoline to electrical energy.
When requested about the way forward for the TT, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner referred to it as “an icon” and acknowledged that “Audi ought to have a sports activities automotive, for positive.” He acknowledged the shift in direction of electrical energy, suggesting that whereas conventional racing automobiles would possibly nonetheless depend on combustion engines or hybrids, on a regular basis sports activities automobiles might embrace electrical expertise.
Döllner identified the practicality of electrical sports activities automobiles for day by day use, noting their capability to recharge, making them appropriate for leisurely drives on scenic roads. This aligns with the rising development towards electrical autos within the automotive market.
Historically, the TT has shared its platform with the Volkswagen Golf, most not too long ago using the MQB platform, which enabled high-performance variants just like the TT-RS. Ought to Audi produce an electrical model, it will seemingly require a brand new platform, doubtlessly the MEB, which helps numerous drivetrains, together with rear- and all-wheel drive.
Switching to a rear-wheel-drive setup might assist handle long-standing criticisms of the TT’s front-wheel-drive configuration. This shift would supply Audi with a chance to redefine the TT’s efficiency traits.
Moreover, Audi would possibly think about leveraging the Porsche-Audi co-developed PPE structure, already seen within the Q6 E-Tron and new electrical Macan, which can be rumored to underpin future Porsche sports activities automobiles.
Volkswagen can be creating a brand new platform, the SSP, meant to interchange each MEB and PPE architectures. This platform is anticipated to debut in a brand new mannequin subsequent 12 months and would assist a variety of autos with energy outputs various considerably, making it a viable candidate for the electrical TT.
Döllner advised that an electrical TT may very well be designed to be extra reasonably priced, much like the unique mannequin, ideally priced round $50,000, in comparison with the anticipated $80,000 price ticket for the upcoming electrical 718.
He additionally expressed satisfaction with the appointment of Massimo Frascella as Audi’s Chief Inventive Officer, who beforehand labored on acclaimed designs for Jaguar-Land Rover. Frascella’s minimalist design philosophy aligns effectively with the id of the TT, which has been celebrated for its clear, Bauhaus-inspired aesthetics.
Frascella’s debut idea automotive is anticipated to be revealed on the IAA German motor present, doubtlessly signaling a shift in Audi’s design language and route.
In the meantime, one other Volkswagen Group model, Cupra, has hinted at a manufacturing two-door electrical sports activities automotive with its DarkRebel idea. If realized, it might share a platform with the electrical 718 and fall into an identical worth vary.
Finally, whereas a rear-drive electrical TT might superbly honor its legacy, Audi’s present challenges would possibly affect selections about useful resource allocation for such a undertaking. The upcoming IAA idea could present helpful insights into the model’s present priorities.
Source link
