Written byQuick Highlights:
- Concept to debut ahead of Munich auto show (September 2025)
- Replaces the Audi TT and R8 — no legacy nameplate used
- Described as “something in between” by Audi’s CEO
- Production confirmed, expected launch in 2027
- Likely shares underpinnings with Porsche 718 EV platform
Audi Erases TT and R8 From History With New Electric Halo Coupe
Audi is closing a chapter and opening a new one. After retiring both the TT (2023) and the R8 (early 2024), the brand is preparing to unveil an all-new electric sports car that won’t just replace them — it will redefine Audi’s future in performance design.
The concept will make its world debut in early September, just before the Munich auto show. And unlike many concepts, this one isn’t just a showpiece. Production is confirmed, with deliveries planned for 2027.
The Icons Are Gone — By Design
Both the TT and R8 had long, celebrated runs. But Audi’s decision to move forward without either nameplate wasn’t made lightly. As reported by Car and Driver, CEO Gernot Döllner described the upcoming model as “not a TT, not an R8, but something in between” — a clean-sheet creation designed to set the tone for the next era.
This isn’t nostalgia. It’s direction.
A New Platform, A New Identity
While technical details haven’t been officially released, reports suggest the car will share its platform with the upcoming Porsche 718 EV — an electric replacement for the Boxster and Cayman. That means a compact, rear-focused architecture and likely dual-motor all-wheel drive (though a rear-drive variant isn’t off the table).
In terms of positioning, expect performance to sit above the TT RS but below the outgoing R8 V10 — giving Audi space to experiment without directly replacing either.
Expected Tech Specs (Unofficial)
| Specification | Expected Detail |
| Powertrain | Dual-motor AWD (RWD version possible) |
| Platform | Shared with Porsche 718 EV |
| Battery Size | 80–100 kWh (est.) |
| Range | 450–500 km (WLTP est.) |
| 0–100 km/h | Under 4 seconds (performance model) |
| Charging Speed | 800V architecture, 270 kW fast charging likely |
These figures aren’t official but are based on platform rumors and Porsche benchmarks.
Design Will Lead the Message
Internally, Audi has dubbed this project the brand’s “TT Moment 2.0” — a reference to how the original TT changed public perception when it launched in the late 1990s. This new EV will carry that weight forward, with a fresh design language expected to filter into future Audi models.
Exterior design is likely to lean closer to the Skysphere concept (2021) than anything currently in production — long hood, short overhangs, and clean surfacing. Inside, look for minimalism with purpose: fewer screens, better materials, and smarter layout.
How It Compares to Future Rivals
With performance EV coupes becoming a hot space, Audi’s upcoming model enters a ring filled with serious players. Here’s how it stacks up — based on current knowledge and verified industry sources:
| Competitor | Expected Launch | Powertrain | Estimated Range | Notes |
| Audi EV Coupe | 2027 | Dual‑ or single‑motor | ~450–500 km (WLTP, est.) | Positioned between TT RS and R8 V10; platform likely shared with Porsche 718 EV |
| Porsche 718 EV | 2027 or early 2028 | RWD/AWD, dual-motor expected | 400–450 km (est.) | Delayed platform; may arrive alongside Audi’s coupe |
| BMW Neue Klasse | 2025–2026 (SUVs first) | Dual-motor AWD likely | Up to 600 km (WLTP est.) | Luxury, larger EVs with advanced Gen‑6 battery architecture |
| Tesla Roadster (Gen 2) | TBD | Tri-motor AWD | ~1,000 km (claimed) | Hypercar-level specs, but no production timeline confirmed |
| Alpine A110 EV | 2026–2027 (target) | Lightweight RWD | ~370–420 km (est.) | Sporty niche model; range and specs based on prototype stage |
Disclaimer: Final specs will vary depending on market, model variants, and homologation.
More Than Just a Car
For Audi, this isn’t just a new coupe — it’s a brand reset. Döllner has acknowledged the brand’s recent stumbles, from software delays to lackluster EV launches. This halo car is intended to give the lineup a focal point — something aspirational, something emotional.
“We have to get back on track now,” he told Bild. And this car is how they plan to do it.
Final Take
Audi isn’t bringing back the TT or the R8. They’re not rebadging a sedan or softening an SUV. They’re doing something harder — building a new icon from scratch. If the production car stays true to the concept, it might just be the most important Audi in decades.
What Do You Think? Would you consider this over a Porsche or BMW EV coupe? Comment your thoughts — is Audi building a future legend, or risking everything?
Sources: Reporting by Car and Driver, quotes from Audi CEO via Bild, and additional details from Jalopnik.
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