The Audi R8 was given an anticlimactic send-off, but it sounds like the model could eventually return as a high-performance EV.
According to reports overseas, Audi could be developing a “bespoke electric vehicle architecture for low-volume, purpose-built sports cars and supercars.”
Details are limited, but Autocar spoke to Audi’s Technical Development boss and he suggested the brand hasn’t given up on sports cars. Quite the opposite as Oliver Hoffmann told the publication, “We will use systems and modules out of the [SSP] platform, or toolkit, and there is some space to bring cars out of the platform.” He went on to suggest these models could also borrow from the company’s other electric platforms as well.
More: Audi To Say Farewell To The R8 At Monterey Car Week
In effect, it sounds like future sports cars will have a mix of things from the MEB, PPE, and SSP platforms. This, ideally, will result in the best of both worlds as development costs would be reduced and the cars would have access to the best of each architecture.
Hoffmann declined to confirm plans for an R8 or TT successor, but he noted the company is “working on different concepts and projects” besides the 20 new models that are coming in the next two years.
While that’s far from a confirmation, the publication noted Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has previously confirmed SSP-based models will be offered with outputs of up to 1,677 hp (1,250 kW / 1,700 PS). Given numbers like that, electric supercars and hypercars are practically a surefire bet.
Autocar goes on to say insiders have told them “work is well under way on an electric successor to the R8” and it will stay true to its roots by having “two doors, racing-inspired characteristics, and more power than anything else” in their lineup. The publication goes onto say the company wants the car to be at least partially hand-made to reflect its high-end nature.
