Image Source: Eric Stafford
Key Takeaways:
- The Audi Concept C is a concept car that provides a glimpse of an upcoming production car, set to replace the Audi TT.
- The production car is expected to debut in 2027 and will feature an electric powertrain, possibly with a digital gearbox that fakes shifts.
- The new sports car will be built on a platform shared with the next-generation Porsche 718, which may accommodate both electric and combustion engines.
- The Audi TT successor will compete with other two-seater sports cars, including the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, and potentially the Tesla Roadster.
- Pricing is expected to fall between $55K and $160K, with a likely price point in the six-figure range.
Introduction to the Audi Concept C
The Audi Concept C, which debuted last fall, is more than just a concept car – it’s a preview of a production car that will replace the Audi TT. As Audi CEO Gernot Döllner noted, the new model is expected to help "rejuvenate the brand" when it debuts in 2027, and is being referred to as a "TT Moment 2.0." This new sports car is crucial for Audi, which has been struggling with poor sales and a lack of aspirational performance models. The Concept C’s striking design will set the stage for a new era of Audi cars, and its electric powertrain will help the brand move towards a more sustainable future.
The Importance of the New Sports Car
Audi has been facing significant challenges in recent years, including poor sales and a lack of exciting models. The discontinuation of the TT and R8 supercar has left a gap in the brand’s lineup, and the introduction of an unpopular naming convention has not helped. However, the new sports car is expected to change this, with Döllner stating that it will be a key part of Audi’s plans to "rejuvenate the brand." As the article notes, "Audi’s lineup currently lacks an aspirational performance model, but that’s why launching a new sports car that looks like the Concept C is so important." With the new sports car, Audi aims to recapture some of the magic of the original TT, which was a huge success for the brand.
Platform and Powertrain
The production car will likely be built on a platform shared with the next-generation Porsche 718, which may accommodate both electric and combustion engines. While Audi has not confirmed any details about the platform, it is expected that the new sports car will feature an electric powertrain, possibly with a digital gearbox that fakes shifts. As the article notes, "The Concept C features a rear-wheel-drive setup, and it’s possible the production version offers the same layout, but we’d be surprised if all-wheel drive wasn’t at least an option." Audi’s famous Quattro system was standard on the TT and available on the R8, so it would make sense for the new sports car to offer this feature as well.
Competition and Market
The new Audi sports car will face competition from other two-seater sports cars, including the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, and potentially the Tesla Roadster. As the article notes, "Right now, you won’t find any two-seater electric sports cars sold on U.S. soil. However, that could change between now and when Audi’s new roadster reaches dealers." The market for electric sports cars is still relatively niche, but it is growing rapidly, and Audi’s new model is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Potential Challenges
While the new Audi sports car has the potential to be a game-changer for the brand, there are also potential challenges that could arise. Delays in production, poor sales, and competition from other manufacturers could all impact the success of the new model. As the article notes, "If the delays that Porsche’s planned electric sports car has experienced are any indication, Audi’s version could also face setbacks." Additionally, an electric two-seater might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and poor sales could ultimately lead to an early retirement.
Estimated Arrival and Price
The Audi TT successor is expected to go on sale sometime in 2027, with pricing likely to fall between $55K and $160K. As the article notes, "Although pricing is hard to predict since we’ve been told it will fall somewhere between the last TT and R8, which ranged from about $55K to over $160K, we’d wager that the forthcoming sports car will flirt with the six-figure mark." With its sleek design, electric powertrain, and advanced features, the new Audi sports car is likely to be a highly desirable model, and its price will reflect its premium status.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69919169/audi-tt-ev-successor-future-cars/