Audi unveils electric sports car within two years, signaling shift in design
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has confirmed the production timeline for the Audi Concept C, a high-performance electric sports car, promising a market arrival within two years. This statement effectively quashes speculation about the project's future, especially amid internal shifts within the Volkswagen Group impacting electric vehicle development.
Concept c nears production; a new era for audi's sporty lineup
The Concept C, initially presented in September, is slated for a 2027 launch, according to Döllner's comments to Australian magazine GoAuto. This marks a significant commitment to the electric sports car segment, representing a pivotal moment for Audi's design language and future product strategy. The prototype, largely complete at 90% of its final configuration, is positioned to fill the gap between the TT and R8, a bold move for the Ingolstadt automaker.
While reminiscent of the original 1998 Audi TT in its emotional appeal and conceptual approach, the upcoming model will not carry that name. The company has firmly stated it's not intended as a successor to the TT. Instead, the production version will utilize the Volkswagen Group's PPE Sport platform, placing the battery pack behind the rear axle. The concept weighed 1,690 kilograms and featured a rear-mounted electric motor, with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration also under consideration.
Audi is also prioritizing a refined driving experience. Döllner championed the inclusion of a virtual gearshift and a sophisticated sound system designed to mimic a high-performance combustion engine. He even claims to be faster on track in an electric vehicle with virtual gears than one without, signaling a willingness to embrace innovative solutions. The interior design is also undergoing a transformation, moving away from an overabundance of screens toward more physical controls, reminiscent of Audi models from the 2010s. This change reflects a recognition of declining perceived quality in recent cabins.
The targa top will be the sole body style available, effectively ending any possibility of a fixed-roof coupe. While the final name remains undisclosed – potentially reviving the R8 moniker or introducing something entirely new – Audi's commitment to this electric sports car is clear. The company's internal communication, including a recent letter from Döllner to employees, reinforces the project's continued importance and the ongoing collaboration with Porsche on the platform development.
The shift signals a broader strategic realignment for Audi, one that prioritizes both performance and a renewed focus on craftsmanship. The arrival of the Concept C won't just be a new model; it will be a statement about Audi's future direction.