Audi is reportedly working by way of an “intense idea part” of a non secular successor to its iconic TT sports activities automobile that’s set to be revealed “inside 5 or 10 years” and with a distinct title.
As reported by Autocar, the German carmaker is experimenting with totally different silhouettes for its TT substitute, noting will probably be totally different from the outgoing mannequin that ended manufacturing late final 12 months.
“We’re taking a clean sheet of paper to see what’s the proper ‘icon’,” stated Audi spokesperson Daniel Schuster to Autocar.
“It’s not nearly what we’ve got now and saying ‘it’d be cool to make it electrical’. It’s actually about what can be an excellent addition to the vary.”
Mr Schuster added it’s vital for Audi to proceed to distinguish between its common and high-performance RS fashions, and stated there must be an “icon on prime”.
Audi Sport GmbH managing director Rolf Michl informed Autocar creating an electrical successor to the TT is a “big job” for the corporate as a result of it “didn’t need to lose present prospects”.
“I wouldn’t simply orientate myself on sizes, ideas, designs. You need to have a base portfolio that must be sorted out very properly,” stated Mr Michl.
“After which the automobile has to suit to this portfolio and to the Audi model. That is fairly a novel job.”
Mr Schuster stopped in need of describing what the electrical Audi TT successor will appear to be, however famous it “wouldn’t simply be a substitute”. There may also be a range-topping efficiency model.
The German carmaker’s strategy reportedly received’t be to “take the engine out, put an electrical motor in and you’ve got a TT with an electrical engine”, in response to Mr Schuster.
“It will likely be totally different, however emotional,” added Mr Schuster.
Along with trialling totally different silhouettes for the electrical Audi TT substitute, the German carmaker can also be reportedly engaged on totally different soundtracks.
In contrast to Hyundai and Dodge that are recreating inner combustion engine (ICE) sounds for its electrical automobiles (EVs), Audi received’t emulate the five-cylinder soundtrack of its iconic TT RS for the electrical successor.
“We received’t use the five-cylinder sound for it as a result of the TT was a novel idea that fitted completely in that point. Due to this fact, we’ve got to search out one other factor for the long run,” stated Mr Michl.
“Truthfully, we had some prototypes the place we reproduced the five-cylinder sound and it didn’t match in any respect. So it must be an orientation to the shopper but it surely has actually to be particular. Silent is the brand new loud.”
Audi head of technical growth Steffen Bamberger informed Autocar it’s “too difficult” to recreate the nuances of a combustion engine for an EV.
As a substitute the German carmaker has invested “some huge cash” in different synthesised inside and exterior sounds.
Dynamic driving and agility will stay a key a part of this electrical Audi TT successor, nevertheless Mr Michl stated it would embrace a “a lot wider” unfold of driving behaviours.
“You’ll be stunned. For us, the RS DNA must be mirrored. It isn’t higher or worse. It’s simply totally different,” added Mr Michl.
MORE: All the things Audi TT