Could the Audi TT Reemerge as an Electric Sports Car?

"Audi should have a sports car, for sure,” CEO Gerald Döllner said. And a new concept due out this year could show where Audi is going.

• The head of Audi states that the company requires a sports car, with the TT being considered an iconic model.
• He remains open to the idea that the TT might become an electric vehicle down the line.
• The introduction of an electric TT doesn't seem certain yet, but it appears Audi is seriously contemplating producing one.

In 1998, Audi introduced one of its most distinctive designs in modern times with the launch of the TT sports car. Over three generations spanning from then until its discontinuation in 2023, this model achieved significant sales totaling 662,762 units—a remarkable figure for a compact two-door front-wheel-drive sports vehicle. There might be hope yet as rumors suggest it could make a comeback but powered by electricity rather than petrol.

Nothing appears definite just yet, but AutoExpress I queried Audi CEO Gernot Döllner regarding the TT, and he admitted that it is considered an "icon" and stated definitively that "Audi must definitely maintain a sports car."

When questioned about the suitability of electric power for a future TT model, Döllner stated, "For genuine racecars intended for tracks, as far as I'm concerned, the viable options so far have been either internal combustion engines or hybrids. However, if we're considering vehicles primarily meant for regular road usage, then I believe an inevitable shift towards electrification makes sense."

He continued, "In the long run, there will be room for all-electric sports cars, primarily designed for traversing routes like the Alps or enjoying scenic backroads rather than racetracks." According to Döllner, their capability to charge while one pauses for a cup of coffee would be crucial for these vehicles to fulfill such roles.

The TT has historically used the same platform as the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf, most notably the MQB platform, which provided the most scorching TT-RS variant with A8-level performance However, if the next version becomes electric, it would probably require a different chassis, which inevitably leads us to consider MEB as the electrified counterpart to MQB.

The MEB platform supports vehicles such as the Volkswagen ID.3 or the Audi Q4 E-Tron It supports both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. Additionally, there’s a more budget-friendly variant of MEB with front-wheel drive intended for use in Volkswagen Group’s smaller electric vehicles, such as the production model of the ID.Ecoloconcept.

Transitioning to a rear-wheel-drive setup could significantly enhance the appeal of an electric sports car. The TT has often been criticized for its front-wheel-drive bias, which detracts from its performance. By adopting a predominantly rear-driven design, Audi could effectively address these concerns and showcase their engineering prowess.

We also can't rule out a future model based on the Porsche-Audi jointly developed PEE platform, which is already underway. the Q6 E-Tron , and the new electric Macan A variant of this platform is thought to support the upcoming 718 Spyder and Cayman sports cars as well.

Electric Rendering of Porsche 718 Boxster

The Volkswagen Group is developing a new architecture known as SSP, designed to supersede both the MEB and PPE platforms, and it might serve as the foundation for future models. the electric 718 It's scheduled to launch next year in a new model, potentially the 718 series, offering various configurations with power output between 160 and 1,740 horsepower. This architecture may form the basis for most of the company’s future EVs, which means it might even appear in an electrified version of the TT.

Audi might opt for the less expensive MEB platform to create a rear-wheel-drive TT, making it possible to offer the TT E-Tron at a lower price point, similar to the original's affordability. This electric vehicle could reasonably have a price tag of about $50,000 rather than the anticipated $80,000 for the forthcoming electric 718. Additionally, this pricing would likely align with what a TT built on the PPE platform would cost as well.

Gernot Döllner expressed his delight at having Massimo Frascella as Audi’s Chief Creative Officer, responsible for the design of their new models. Prior to joining Audi in 2023, Frascella worked with Jaguar-Land Rover, where he played a key role in designing the revamped Defender and the newest version of the Range Rover—both highly praised for their aesthetics.

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Frascella focuses on straightforward and minimalistic designs devoid of unnecessary embellishments, with each vehicle he works on embodying a distinct Bauhaus aesthetic. This aligns seamlessly with the essence of an Audi TT; the initial design was noted for its sleek, streamlined form reminiscent of Bauhaus principles, which has contributed significantly to its timeless appeal over the years.

The source indicates that Frascella's inaugural significant design contribution since becoming part of Audi will be revealed as a concept vehicle at the IAA German Motor Show in Munich during early September. This model could potentially signify a shift in Audi’s aesthetic approach and stylistic trajectory.

A different brand under the Volkswagen Group, Cupra, has already unveiled a conceptual version of what could become a two-door electric sports car for production. Cupra DarkRebel Interestingly, if such a production model were to be created, it might end up costing the same or even more than the electric 718. As a result, it could potentially utilize the PPE platform instead.

Cupra DarkRebel

We would be delighted if the TT returned as a well-handling rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle with design elements paying homage to the original model. However, we should not overlook that Audi isn't performing up to its potential. , so it might not be prudent to dedicate resources to such a project at this moment. The previously mentioned IAA concept should provide insight into what priorities the automaker has currently.