Future of TT and R8 uncertain as brand makes EV push.
The Audi TT and R8 are set to become part of the German brand’s switch to electric power.
Late last week the company announced plans to introduce 30 electrified models by the end of 2025, with plug-in hybrid variants of most models expected by the same time. The push towards new powertrains coupled with a decline in profit and sales in 2018, off the back of paying the €800m fine for the diesel scandal and production delays caused by the new WLTP fuel tests, means a focus on higher-volume models.
“We cannot afford to develop cars which do not respond to our customers wishes’,” explained Audi CEO, Bram Schot.
While the company’s plans for electric vehicles like the e-tron, e-tron Sportback and Q4 e-tron are all well-known, the future of Audi Sport under this new regime is beginning to come into focus.
Doubts over the long-term future of the TT have existed for some time but despite repeated direct questioning over its future, neither Schot nor Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler, head of technical development for Audi, would give any solid commitment to the compact sports car surviving the electrification push.
It now appears the new e-tron GT, which shares its electric underpinnings with the upcoming Porsche Taycan, points the way for the future of Audi Sport.
The e-tron GT is a four-door fastback, which wouldn’t directly replace either the TT or R8 in any potential future Audi Sport line-up. However, the brand has also teased a would-be electric R8 replacement in the form of the PB18 e-tron concept. The futuristic two-door sports car was unveiled at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours and was theoretically powered by a 570kW electric motor supported by next-generations solid state batteries.
While there are no official plans to put the PB18 into production, Schot is indicating the future of four-ring performance will be electric.
“The Audi Sport logo is red, I could be greener and this is where I see a future,” Schot said.