Audi CEO Says You’ll Want to Drive the Electric TT | Carscoops

      The all-electric TT successor is set to debut in just 30 months after receiving approval.

      Numerous components of the vehicle will be shared with Porsche's electric Boxster and Cayman models. Similar to these Porsche siblings, the Audi's battery packs will be positioned behind the seats.

      Although the Audi TT has been discontinued, the brand is not abandoning the idea of fun, compact sports cars. In fact, it has begun testing prototypes for what will serve as the TT's spiritual all-electric successor, recently showcased by the impressive Concept C. The upcoming model has significant expectations to meet and will be developed more quickly than any previous Audi.

      To keep up with the rapid timelines established by Chinese automakers, Audi aims to launch its new electric sports car just 30 months following project approval. This marks a significant change for a brand known for its more deliberate pace.

      Audi's CEO Gernot Dollner stated, “China speed at Ingolstadt comes with that car – around 30 months development time, which is really a revolution for us, to develop a car at that speed,” in an interview with Autocar.

      Shared Heritage with Porsche, Distinct Personalities

      The electric TT successor will feature more than just a few shared components with Porsche's soon-to-be-released all-electric 718 Boxster and Cayman. All three vehicles will utilize a modified version of the PPE platform, co-developed by Audi and Porsche. Instead of placing the battery pack on the floor, as is typical for most EVs, it will be located behind the seats, achieving similar weight distribution and handling characteristics to a mid-engined sports car.

      Nonetheless, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has made it clear that, despite the technical similarities, each brand will maintain its unique identity. “We have very clear brand identities that are quite distinct between Porsche and Audi,” he stated. “That’s what we are doing across the Volkswagen Group, defining the clear brand identities.”

      An EV Centered on Driving Enjoyment

      Audi's chief technical officer, Geoffrey Bouqout, emphasized the company's commitment to ensuring that the electric TT is enjoyable to drive.

      “It’s all about the emotions and being fun to drive, while simultaneously reducing distractions to what you want to focus on,” he remarked. “Do you want to experience something filled with information? No. You want to enjoy the drive and only have access to the information you need when you need it – this is part of what we are heavily working on.”

      Bouqout further clarified that Audi is not attempting to replicate the handling characteristics of the TT or a contemporary mid-engined vehicle but is instead inspired by it and translating those elements into a battery electric vehicle (BEV) model. He also noted that the company aims to avoid adding unnecessary gimmicks to enhance the driving experience.

      “It’s more about the acceleration, driving capabilities, and stability. We can fine-tune the sportiness, but I wouldn’t say we copied anything.”

      The Argument for Electric Excitement

      For those who believe that the lack of an engine dampens the driving experience, Blume issued a direct invitation: take the car for a test drive. “They have to drive it. You feel so close to the road, experiencing the noise of the tires, and it’s an incredible driving experience. The direct steering we have provides many opportunities, along with agility.”

      On the design front, Audi executives indicate that the production model will stay very true to the Concept C, with approximately 90 percent of the show car's styling expected to be retained. If the timeline remains on track, the new model is anticipated to be launched by 2027, marking one of the fastest development cycles in Audi’s history.