Audi will rejig its lineup in the course of the 2020s because it releases a big selection of EVs. It introduced some nameplates can be electrified, others can be resurrected after an extended hiatus, and a handful can be consigned to the automotive attic.
Launched in April 2021, the futuristic A6 E-Tron idea previews the next-generation A6, which is able to completely be bought with an electrical powertrain. The gasoline-powered current-generation mannequin will stay in manufacturing within the foreseeable future, nevertheless. When it arrives, it is going to be one in all 20 EVs the corporate plans to launch by 2025.
Audi strongly hinted electrical vehicles positioned under the A6 can be a part of its offensive. Hildegard Wortmann, the agency’s international chief of gross sales and advertising and marketing, advised High Gear that one would possibly take the type of a metropolis automotive impressed by the A2, a tall hatchback developed largely for the European market and bought between 1999 and 2005.
“The A2 suits our time. It was a outstanding use of house and expertise, forward of its time. Keep tuned, I might say,” she replied when requested about the opportunity of seeing a follow-up. Audi has already explored what a modern-day A2 might appear to be; the AI:Me idea launched in 2019 previewed one approach to make an Audi for 2020s urbanites.
Audi wants a halo mannequin, in line with Wortmann, however the automotive would not essentially have to look, sound, or be formed just like the V10-powered R8, which is its present range-topping sports activities automotive. She defined that “the icons of the previous aren’t essentially the icons of the longer term,” and confused the R8’s substitute “will not simply be an R8 with an electrical motor.” No matter Audi has in retailer, it is going to be “an R8 however totally different.” There is not any phrase on after we’ll see it, nevertheless.
Now in its third technology, the TT faces the same destiny. “Clients have modified and the world has gone away from roadsters,” Wortmann stated. Earlier rumors declare the coupe and the roadster variants of the TT will retire with no direct successor, they usually’re credible, however that does not imply their spot within the portfolio will stay empty.
“Previously you made a automotive, then the same successor. Within the new trade you don’t. You must go for brand new segments, as a result of prospects change. That’s why we’re doing so many coupe-SUVs. So, it’s not nearly easy next-generation fashions of what we have now executed,” she defined.
EVs make headlines, however they signify a tiny proportion of latest automotive gross sales in most nations. Audi famous it will probably’t cease making gasoline-powered fashions in a single day as a result of they’re nonetheless in demand. Nevertheless, it stated anticipated enhancements in battery expertise and strict laws will give electrical expertise a lift within the coming years.
“Battery prices are falling. By two years from now, our battery vehicles can be extra worthwhile than combustion vehicles. Combustion vehicles additionally want big funding to satisfy new laws,” together with the Euro 7 laws that may come into impact in 2026, and that Porsche is already eager about. Wortmann acknowledged that “prospects will determine” whether or not to go electrical, although in lots of markets the federal government will seemingly assist them decide.
Wortmann concluded that, no matter powertrain combine, Audi’s picture might want to change within the coming years.
“We’ve been Vorsprung Durch Technik for 50 years. We’re maintaining that line. However what’s progress now? Not simply horsepower or velocity. We’ve to alter the corporate and the model to be sustainable. Patrons count on the model to have a stance. It’s a should,” she summed up, including that “sustainability is the brand new premium” within the trade.
