Audi Chairman Bram Schot has used the company’s Annual General Meeting to announce the death of the TT.
During a lengthy speech, Schot said the company has been “involved in too many projects for several years” and this has to change. As a result, the automaker will “concentrate maximum resources on our key projects” and eliminate model complexity.
Going forward, Audi will examine its portfolio for “customer relevance.” While this is an ongoing process, the company has already decided the fate of the TT. The model will be phased out and eventually replaced by a “new emotive model in the same price range.” Little is known about the TT successor, but Schot confirmed it will have an electric powertrain.
Schot also said the company is debating the future of the R8. As he asked, “Do we need a successor with a combustion engine? Does this fit in with our vision?” He didn’t provide answers to those questions, but it appears the company will decide the model’s fate relatively soon.
Of course, the speech also included mentions of upcoming models. In particular, Schot confirmed the Q3 Sportback will be introduced in July. The executive also confirmed plans to expand the Sportback body style “across our entire portfolio to include A and Q models.”
Speaking of Q models, Audi is planning to launch a number of new crossovers. Schot didn’t go into specifics, but said “every second Audi is to be an SUV” in 2025. He also confirmed a “large proportion” of them will have an electric powertrain.
Also Read: Audi Q4 e-Tron Concept Previews Upcoming All-Electric Compact SUV
Sticking with the EV theme, Schot confirmed Audi will launch five electric vehicles in 2020. By 2025, the company will have a total of 20 electric vehicles.
Last but certainly not least, Schot talked about the next-generation Audi A8. While the current model was introduced less than two years ago, Schot said the next-generation luxury sedan “might well be all-electric.” The company hasn’t committed to this idea quite yet, but the executive said “We are thinking about revolutionizing the top-end class with a completely new concept for the A8.”
