TT-replacing Audi C-Sport confirmed for 2027
CEO commits to all-new electric sports car, despite problems at Porsche
Audi has confirmed to staff that it will forge ahead with a production version of the Concept C, a battery-powered sports car primed to share its new architecture with the electric Porsche 718. This despite the current palaver around the latter, and the rumours since Michael Leiters’ arrival of its platform being adapted for ICE inclusion owing to the dip in demand for pure electric cars.
In a letter to Audi employees, however, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner sounds adamant: “The delivery of the platform by Porsche is not in question” is pretty emphatic. Whatever Porsche is going to be doing with its 718s, Audi is going to make an electric coupe inspired by the design of the Concept C. Apparently the C-Sport project, as it’s currently known internally, is “proceeding in good collaboration between Team Porsche and Team Audi”. And while the wait goes on around the Porsche EVs, don’t forget that Alpine is continuing at full speed on its electric A110 to complete the Dream Garage; when a two-door Audi EV arrives, it’s unlikely to be the only one out there.
The Concept C was notable for its minimalist interior, a theme always successfully embraced by the TT throughout its life. There was everything expected from a modern sports car, including wheel controls and a large central screen, but without the tech appearing to dominate. When a lot of new Audi cabins look like screens that feature interiors, that’s got to be welcome. Combine that with the stunning design, removable roof and Quattro options opened up by battery power and it’s easy to see why Döllner remains keen on the car’s prospects. It’s not unreasonable to suggest that an Audi sports car buyer might be more receptive to the idea of a low-slung EV than a Porsche one, in much the same way that turbo engines and automatic gearboxes featured more prominently in the TT than Boxster and Cayman.
The Concept C also seemed very much pitched as the beginning of a new design era in a way that the Porsches surely wouldn’t be. “Our history is marked by bold leaps in innovation and state-of-the-art technology combined with an uncompromising focus on clarity in design,” said Döllner last year. “The way we design our vehicles is the way we will shape our company.” With this car set to be the first penned by new design boss Massimo Frascella, complete with heavily adapted Premium Platform Electric architecture, there’s a lot riding on it. Enough for Audi not to be diverting from its original idea, that’s for sure; maybe by 2027 things will look a bit rosier for fast EVs…
Cheap simple runarounds, even slightly sporty ones, yes, there is a market for those, and also for premium crossovers and barges, because large jumps forward in tech won't obsolete them.
Cheap simple runarounds, even slightly sporty ones, yes, there is a market for those, and also for premium crossovers and barges, because large jumps forward in tech won't obsolete them.
You waiting for hovering cars ?
I suspect they will tone it down a bit as the styling round the front is a bit heavy.
Cheap simple runarounds, even slightly sporty ones, yes, there is a market for those, and also for premium crossovers and barges, because large jumps forward in tech won't obsolete them.
You waiting for hovering cars ?
I suspect they will tone it down a bit as the styling round the front is a bit heavy.
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