Audi’s plan remains to be to morph into an all-EV producer come 2026. Within the U.S, nonetheless, the ratio of ICE mode strains to EV strains is 12 to three, the mismatch even higher in different markets that see fashions we do not get such because the A1 and Q2. So, the automaker’s going to throw loads of new electrical product at sellers over the following two years, aiming to get an EV in each core class by 2027. As Autocar frames it, some of the necessary autos can be an EV beneath the This fall, maybe in all however identify a battery-powered alternative for the present A3. The model’s so huge on it that CEO Markus Duesmann, CFO Jurgen Rittersberger, and CTO Oliver Hoffman all talked about it in a roundabout way through the automaker’s current annual assembly.
The present ICE-powered A3 is predicated on the Volkwagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, similar as the present Mk8 Volkswagen Golf. Over the following few years, the 2 are more likely to go their very own architectural methods. The Volkswagen ID.2all idea that can flip into a brand new entry-level EV — and will change into a GTI — will use the an evolution of the MEB battery-electric platform employed by the likes of the current ID.3 and ID.4. The entry-level Audi electrical automotive is transferring to the Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Techniques Platform (SSP) as soon as deliberate to be the headline act of VW’s Challenge Trinity and Audi’s Challenge Artemis. After final yr’s CEO shuffle at VW, we’re nonetheless questioning what is the endgame for both undertaking.
Primarily based on the touted advances for the platform and the deliberate sedan automotive, although, an electrical A3 alternative could have quite a bit going for it. The SSP incorporates extra modular potential than MEB for extra differentiation between sibling fashions, in addition to a decrease ground peak, an 800-volt electrical structure, 270-kW quick charging potential, and a spread of as much as 435 miles on the WLTP cycle.
The SSP-based Audi is alleged to maintain the four-door sedan and five-door hatch physique kinds as the standard A3. As regular, the much less restrictive powertrain association will rework dimensions outdoors and in, designers stated to be stretching the wheelbase and cabin, shortening the overhangs and hood size. Nonetheless, the brand new bones imply a change to rear-wheel drive in base fashions, a brand new technique of motivation for an A3-sized entry. Hotter S and RS trims would get motors turning each axles and efficiency to eclipse the present iterations. The entry-level mannequin might make an look as quickly as 2025.
