Audi R8 slated for electric return on new platform

It was about this time last year when we farewelled the Audi R8. However, work is said to be underway on a brand new electric platform that could underpin the next-generation model.

In a new report by British publication Autocar, Audi’s Head of Technical Development, Oliver Hoffmann, said that the German carmaker will invest in a “bespoke sports car architecture” that will be developed using elements from its other platforms.

These include components from Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture found under the Cupra Born, VW ID.3, and Audi Q4 e-tron, as well as parts of the PPE structure it co-developed with Porsche.

“We will use systems and modules out of the [SSP] platform, or toolkit, and for these cars, we will use modules or systems from the platforms,” Hoffmann outlined.

While he didn’t say exactly what models the SSP platform would play host to, the technical boss mentioned that it would underpin “iconic cars – sports cars and so on”.

So in addition to the R8, a fully electric TT may be on the cards, alongside other new models.

“In the next two years, we will bring nearly 20 new products – more than 50 per cent battery-electric. This is our clear focus but, to be honest, we are working on different concepts and projects,” Hoffmann told Autocar.  

In terms of power output, the CEO of Volkswagen, Thomas Schafer, says the SSP platform could accommodate cars with output of up to 1300kW.

This is not the first electric R8 to make it out of Ingolstadt, as Audi released an e-tron version back in 2015. However, that car wasn’t particularly successful.

But it’s now 2023 and electrification is well and truly in full swing, so an R8 EV would be sure be sure to go down a treat.