Audi Explores Electric TT Comeback with Iconic Design

Audi is considering reviving the TT as an electric sports car, potentially using MEB or PPE platforms. A concept debut is expected at the Munich auto show.

The iconic Audi TT, a model that left a lasting mark since its 1998 debut, may soon make a comeback—this time as an electric vehicle. Audi’s leadership acknowledges the model’s significance and is exploring its revival in a new, electrified form.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner stated, “Audi should have a sports car,” calling the TT an “icon” and hinting that a fully electric version is under serious consideration. Döllner clarified that while combustion or hybrid engines remain ideal for track-focused cars, electric power makes perfect sense for everyday use on public roads.

Early discussions suggest that the potential TT E-Tron could be built on the MEB platform, already used by the Volkswagen ID.3 and Audi Q4 e-tron. This would allow for a rear-wheel-drive layout, addressing long-standing criticism of the original TT’s front-wheel-drive bias. A more powerful and expensive option based on the PPE platform, shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan EV, is also on the table.

Looking ahead, Audi might transition the TT to the upcoming SSP platform, which promises the scalability of MEB and the performance capabilities of PPE. SSP will support power outputs up to 850 kW and various vehicle types, including sports cars. However, specific timelines for a TT based on SSP remain unclear.

Meanwhile, Audi faces financial challenges. In 2024, the company reported a 33% drop in profits, prompting a cost-cutting program that includes laying off up to 7,500 employees by 2029. These pressures cast some uncertainty over niche projects like the TT E-Tron, even as Audi continues to unveil new EV initiatives.

Notably, Audi plans to debut a new electric concept car at the Munich auto show this September. Overseen by Massimo Frascella, known for his minimalist design philosophy, the concept may reflect the clean, Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic that defined the original TT. Audi also aims to launch over 20 new models by year-end, reinforcing its position in the premium market.

Potential competitors for the TT E-Tron include the electric Porsche 718, expected to start around $80,000, and the Cupra DarkRebel two-door sports car concept. Audi, however, seems committed to preserving the original TT’s spirit: a compact, affordable sports car priced closer to $50,000.

There is still no clear timeline for a final decision or specific target markets. However, Europe, the US, and China remain key regions where Audi is already pushing its electric lineup.

Whether the TT can retain its cult status as an EV remains to be seen. Yet it’s clear that Audi is seriously considering reviving one of its most recognizable models for the electric age.

Source: insideevs.com