Audi is reportedly developing a dedicated electric vehicle architecture for low-volume, purpose-built sports cars and supercars, including an electric Audi R8. The German automaker has been collaborating with Porsche to develop the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform, which will be used for a range of upcoming models starting with the Audi Q6 E-tron in early 2023. However, for lower-volume, more sporting EVs like the TT and R8, Audi plans to invest in a bespoke sports car architecture that will incorporate elements of the PPE platform.
Oliver Hoffmann, Audi’s technical boss, revealed at the 2023 Munich Motor Show that the company will utilize the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform for future entry-level electric cars. However, when it comes to iconic sports cars like the R8, Audi intends to create a unique architecture that combines elements of the MEB and PPE platforms. Hoffmann referred to this fusion as a “toolkit” that will allow Audi to bring out cars from the platform while using modules or systems from the existing platforms.
While Hoffmann did not provide specific details about the structure of this bespoke sports car architecture or elaborate on plans for direct successors to Audi’s current sports cars, he confirmed that work is already underway. He stated that Audi has a clear focus on launching a big model lineup in the next two years, with over 50% of the new products being battery-electric. Additionally, Hoffmann mentioned that Audi is working on different concepts and projects, indicating that the development of an electric successor to the R8 is in progress.
The SSP platform, which combines elements of the MEB and PPE platforms, will be used by approximately 80% of cars across the entire Volkswagen Group portfolio. This leaves room for certain models to ride on re-engineered variations of the structure or other architectures entirely. Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has confirmed that the SSP platform will support powertrains with outputs of up to 1700bhp, suggesting that purpose-built electric sports cars and supercars are on the horizon.
Audi’s sibling brand, Porsche, has already announced that its upcoming Porsche K1 luxury SUV will be the first model based on its own reworking of the SSP architecture, known as SSP Sport. This highlights the flexibility of the platform and its ability to accommodate a wide range of models and segments.
Hoffmann revealed that Audi will unveil its first SSP-based EVs in the early phase of the platform’s life cycle, with a wider portfolio based on SSP expected by the end of the decade. Insiders at Audi have previously disclosed that an electric successor to the R8 is in development, aiming to stay true to the supercar’s formula with two doors, racing-inspired characteristics, and even more power than its predecessors. Audi also intends to maintain the partially hand-built production process for the R8 successor to reinforce its halo positioning and high price.
In conclusion, Audi is investing in a bespoke sports car architecture that combines elements of the MEB and PPE platforms for its future low-volume, purpose-built sports cars and supercars. While specific details about the architecture and R8 successor are yet to be revealed, Audi is committed to launching a range of new models in the next two years, with over 50% being battery-electric. The flexibility of the SSP platform allows for various models and segments, and Audi plans to unveil its first SSP-based EVs in the near future. The development of an electric successor to the R8 is underway, with a focus on maintaining its iconic design and partially hand-built production process.