Over the next two years, the sports car market will see a major update: Audi has announced the launch of an all-new model set to redefine the perception of electric sports cars. This decision comes amid rumors of a possible project cancellation, but now the plans have been confirmed at the highest level. For brand enthusiasts, this means Audi has no intention of conceding its position in the dynamic car segment, despite industry changes and internal shifts at the Volkswagen Group.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner stated that the concept, first unveiled in the autumn of 2025, will hit the market in 2027. This announcement ended speculation about the project’s future, which had intensified after news of new developments at Porsche and changes in electric vehicle strategy. According to Autobild, Audi’s management views the future sports car as a serious offering that will not only maintain but also strengthen the brand’s standing among competitors.
Within the company, the project enjoys full support at every level: employees recently received a letter emphasizing that cooperation with Porsche on the platform continues unchanged. There are no doubts about the platform’s transfer from Porsche, which means the technical foundation for the new electric sports car is already in place. This is an important signal to the market, where concerns often arise regarding the long-term plans of major automakers.
Design and concept
The new model will be a two-seater with an electrically powered targa roof. Visually, the car evokes memories of the first-generation Audi TT from the late 1990s, but the name will not return—Audi emphasizes that this is a completely new project. The sports car is intended to occupy a position between the TT and the R8, aiming for a more ambitious image and appealing to drivers seeking a balance between emotion and technology.
According to Audi’s chief designer M. Frascella (Massimo Frascella), the design of the prototype is already 87% identical to the upcoming production version. The concept was developed in a short time frame and given the working name Concept C, but the production car will look almost the same as the show car. Notably, Audi has decided to forgo a coupe with a fixed roof—the only body style will be a targa.
The interior is expected to return to more classic solutions: instead of numerous screens, physical buttons and a minimalist multimedia unit that retracts into the dashboard, reminiscent of Audi models from a decade ago. The company admits that interior quality has declined in recent years and promises to restore previous standards to regain customers’ trust.
Technical features
From a technical perspective, the new sports car will be built on Volkswagen Group’s PPE Sport platform. The battery will be positioned ahead of the rear axle to ensure optimal weight distribution and handling. The concept featured a rear electric motor, but the production version will also offer an all-wheel-drive variant with two motors. The prototype weighed 1,690 kg, which is a respectable figure for an electric car of this class.
Special attention is being paid to the driving experience. Audi plans to introduce a virtual gearbox and a sound system that emulates the roar of a powerful gasoline engine. According to company executives, these solutions make the driving experience more thrilling, especially on the track, and can even deliver faster lap times. The company remains open to new ideas to make electric cars more appealing to enthusiasts.
It hasn’t been revealed yet what name the newcomer will carry—it might use the R8 nameplate, or perhaps an entirely new one will appear. One thing is clear: Audi is firmly committed to launching the sports car in 2027 and staying the course despite both external and internal challenges.
Future and significance
The arrival of Audi’s new electric sports car could mark a major milestone for the entire automotive industry. The company is betting on a blend of tradition and innovation to appeal both to fans of classic models and those seeking cutting-edge technology. Moving away from conventional solutions in favor of new shapes and ideas is not just a challenge to competitors, but also an effort to reclaim leadership in a segment where competition is growing increasingly fierce.
According to Autobild, the model is scheduled for launch in 2027, and Audi is already prepared for mass production. More details about the technical specifications and features of the upcoming sports car are expected in the coming months. For the market, this sends a clear message: the era of dull electric cars is ending, and new driving thrills are on the horizon.
Gernot Döllner has served as CEO of Audi since 2023 and is known as a proponent of bold decisions in the automotive industry. Under his leadership, the company is focusing on electric vehicles and the implementation of new technologies, while maintaining its sporting heritage. Thanks to his approach, Audi aims not only to preserve but also to strengthen its position among the world’s leading automakers by bringing fresh ideas and unconventional solutions to the market.
