Audi isn’t able to stroll away from the sports activities automotive simply but. Forward of the IAA, the Ingolstadt marque is revealing an electrical reinterpretation of the TT. Intently associated to the next-generation Porsche Boxster, this new mannequin remains to be practically three years away from sequence manufacturing, but it surely hints at the place Audi’s efficiency future lies.
The notion of reviving the TT or R8 has been floating round inside Audi for a while. The problem has by no means been the design or the know-how, however fairly the business actuality. In at this time’s market, low-volume sports activities coupés and roadsters are not often worthwhile. That’s one motive fashions just like the BMW Z4, Toyota Supra, Mercedes SLC, and even Porsche’s 718 Cayman and Boxster have both left the market or are quickly to take action.
Now, Audi is making an attempt to alter the narrative. The Idea C, unveiled simply earlier than the Munich motor present, previews a two-seater electrical sports activities automotive with a folding roof that transforms it from coupé to targa on the contact of a button. That is meant as a non secular successor to each the TT and the R8, filling the void left by each icons as soon as they exit manufacturing.
Technically, it’s anticipated to share an awesome take care of the forthcoming Porsche 718, although Porsche has already delayed its launch. Meaning we’re unlikely to see both the brand new Audi or Porsche twins earlier than the second half of 2027. And just like the Boxster, the Idea C faces a core dilemma: patrons nonetheless need emotion from this type of automotive. Most would nonetheless select a robust petrol engine over a silent EV, particularly in a convertible or targa format.
That is the troublesome process going through Audi. The Idea C’s minimalist, elegant silhouette marks a transparent departure from earlier Quattro-inspired idea vehicles, which appeared promising however by no means made it to manufacturing. The tightly drawn waist and refined wheel arches could counsel a rear-driven format, with a single electrical motor. For Porsche, that is perhaps advantageous, for the reason that 911 provides an all-wheel-drive halo. Nevertheless it’s tougher to think about an Audi sports activities automotive with out quattro traction.
Audi insists the Idea C isn’t only a design examine for the following TT. It’s a press release of intent for the model’s future styling. The upright grille component, referred to internally because the “vertical body”, and the slim lighting items are set to change into acquainted throughout saloons, estates, and crossovers. Inside, the minimalist theme continues. Conventional touches are prevented, and supplies like heat leather-based have been changed by clear, hard-surfaced seat shells that echo designs from Volvo or Polestar.
Digital shows are actually a given, and the retractable 10.4-inch central display screen seen within the idea is probably going a showpiece fairly than a manufacturing function. The low seating place is made doable by the battery being mounted behind the cabin, fairly than beneath the ground.
It’s a format that fits a correct sports activities automotive, but it surely might come at the price of long-distance consolation or practicality. Whether or not that component survives into manufacturing stays unclear.
In the end, although, what issues most is that this idea alerts critical intent. Audi has revealed numerous placing research lately, few of which made it to showrooms. With the Idea C, there may be lastly an opportunity for one thing daring and electrical to change into a actuality.
