The Audi TT may well return in electric form

The original 1990s TT coupe put Audi design on the map. It captured the public’s appetite for fashionable somewhat affordable coupes. 

While not confirming a TT revival, Audi’s CEO Gernot Döllner replied: “Yes, that’s thinkable. But we have a broad view on what’s possible.”

Audi posted disappointing financial results for 2024, with operating profit dropping 38 per cent to 3.9 billion Euros. They blamed tough economic conditions, amongst other things. So a sports car shouldn’t even be on the wish list.

And yet Audi does love its sports car. They remain “in the company’s medium-term plan” said Döllner. 

“I believe Audi should have a sports car, for sure,” he told Auto Express. 

Currently Porsche is working on pure-electric replacements for the mid-engined 718 Cayman and Boxster. They will use the group’s new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) and will go on sale next year. Using a fresh electric sports car architecture, they should give the likes of Cyberster a run for its money.

These could also form the basis for a spiritual successor to the TT. That’s provided Audi doesn’t decide to build the revived TT as a four-seat GT instead. 

Döllner said that for track work a combustion engine or hybrid is preferable. “But if it’s more for everyday use on normal roads, I would definitely see a transition to the electric era.

Rapid recharging, in the time it takes to stop for a coffee, is fast becoming key, he added.

The next Audi TT has the potential to be scary quick: the SSP architecture can accommodate a mix of e-motors packing up to 746kW. If it goes ahead, it will also feature an 800v architecture for rapid charging. Battery sizes haven’t been finalised but expect at least 640km of range. 

Döllner is keen to have Audi design front and centre for its next-generation EVs. That’s why the firm recruited Massimo Frascella from JLR. He was centrally involved in the new Jaguar GT development, and design is considered a critical pillar of Audi’s transformation. 

Döllner admired his focus and minimalistic view on car design. He says Frascella tries to work with as little as possible to reach his goals. The inspiration for the next TT will clearly be the design of the original. So expect a wider, more planted stance, and a similarly rounded shape. The newcomer is likely to feature digital door mirrors, flush door handles and a clean side glasshouse.

There are very few electric sports cars available at present, the Cyberster the primary example. However, Alpine is busy on its electric A110, while Lotus is designing an Emira-sized EV based on last year’s ‘Theory 1’ concept. 

The replacements for 718 Cayman and Boxster will also figure amongst potential rivals. However, Audi might want the TT to stay true to its more attainable price philosophy. In which case it would undercut the Porsche pair.

The finalised version won’t go into production until 2027 utilising the new SSP electric architecture shared by Octavia and Golf EVs. Expect hi-tech software co-developed with VW’s US partner Rivian.