The Audi TT could live on in the brand's electrified future, according to board member for technical development Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler.
Asked if the two-seater could fall victim to line-up consolidation in an effort to meet WLTP regulations and improve profitability, he stated that the board has been "fighting for it".
Audi plans to introduce 12 electric models before 2030, but it's hopeful that the range will include a viable model in each segment.
"We want it", said Rothenpieler of the Porsche 718 rival, which has been the subject of "emotional discussions" taking place in recent Audi boardroom meetings.
Prospects for the long-running sports car have long been in question, hampered by ongoing issues over profitability in the relatively low-volume segment.
Autocar has previously reported that Audi was understood to be re-evaluating the TT's future, which was confirmed by company CEO Bram Schot at the recent Geneva motor show.
When asked whether the TT will continue, he said: “That’s a very good question. I think there’s a future for an [Audi] icon but I don’t know if it’s a TT. My heart bleeds when you ask that question!"
He added: “I’ve got some things cooking which could replace TT, though not necessarily directly.”
Sources have told Autocar that a future TT could take the shape of a four-door liftback.
Schot flagged the ongoing investment demands of electrification, mobility and technology as reasons for the re-evaluation.
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voyager12
The 'shooting brake' version...
(Audi already did a show model based on the TT 2) would make for a nice successor.
Nickktod
Doing a Ratner?
It surely can’t cost that much to develop a new TT? It is basically a Golf in a party frock after all. Given the umpteen MQB variants deemed viable across the VW Group, it seem surprising that one as ubiquitous as the TT would have a marginal business case, unless repeatedly publicly undermined by the CEO of course!
manicm
Nickktod wrote:
It doesn’t matter if it’s based on a Golf or Bugatti, if it’s not selling it’s not selling - you don’t need a genius to tell you that. Story is the current R8 is not the success the mk1 was either - and its future too is in question, as far as a direct replacement goes. In fact the far more expensive Hurucan outsells it! That should give you pause for thought.
JMax18
Sad when you read an article
Sad when you read an article like this, but when we look at it realistically, most of us either already own an SUV or will probably buy one in the future.
And when it comes down to it, most of us cant afford a TT anyway. Mid-priced sports cars will soon die out entirely. Those who want good sports cars will pay crazy prices for a Aston, Maclaren, etc, while those who want a fun sports car but cant afford a TT of an A110 will buy a GT86 or something.
Cars in the middle just dont move fast enough, and they are too cheap to do in small numbers.
Boris9119
Agreed
Sad but a realistic assessment of the new car market. And even if you can afford a sports car as a second vehicle, it's unlikely the TT will appeal to most sports car enthusiasts. Don't think it has ever been a 'second' car like a weekend sportscar? It was certainly revolutionary and a breathe of fresh air when it was launched, I can remember. Was always hard to justify over a Boxster or Cayman to name but two.
Jimbbobw1977
Of course they won’t replace
pickupman
The audi TT is the most
The audi TT is the most competitive, and sleek sportscar on the planet and a very luxorious versatile car. What i dont understand is why Konessegg are selling there cars for 2.3 million well Audi TT is far more affordable. The audi TT will remain my top car.
JoCoLo
That’s better
That’s better
sidevalve
Not enough of a pig for the punters of today
Boris9119
I Hear Your Sentiment a Lot on This Forum
sidevalve I hear your sentiment a lot on this forum and am curious as to why you consider 2-ton SUVs 'shitty' and why you presume the punters that buy them 'wouldn't know a decent-handling car if it jumped up and bit em'. I ask in all seriousness because I do not understand this 'dislike' of large SUV's? I had a new customer last week pulled up in an AMG GLS 63. I asked him, 'that's a nice Mercedes you have, what made you buy it?' - his answer, ' I have never driven it, the wife drives it, we wanted something safe and she does not like driving my Aston'. Seems like a nice 2-car garage to me?
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