Preview by Veeno Dewan
Audi has confirmed it will release a new all-electric (EV) version of its legendary TT Roadster. The 2028 Audi -i Concept C, which debuted last fall, is an electric two-seater that offers a glimpse of the upcoming production car. The original Audi TT lasted more than 20 years before being discontinued in 2023.
The upcoming model, scheduled for release in 2028, is known internally at Audi as the Concept C and is expected to enter production in about two years. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed the vehicle remains firmly in development, despite earlier speculation that the project might have been canceled. The production version is widely viewed as a spiritual successor to the TT, one of the company’s most recognizable sports cars.
The version that eventually reaches showrooms will draw on design cues from the last generation of the Audi TT. Audi hasn’t confirmed the exact details of the TT successor’s platform, but it appears the platform will be shared with the next-generation Porsche 718. The 718 was originally designed as an all-electric sports car only, but has now been reconfigured to accommodate either a full gasoline combustion engine or an EV powertrain, which will likely be the same one the new Audi will use.
Sometimes concept cars bear little or no relation to the actual production cars and are usually flights of fancy. However, Audi says the Audi Concept C, as revealed, will, in fact, be close to any production car.
The Concept C initially features a rear-wheel-drive setup, and Audi’s famous Quattro All-Wheel Drive system is likely to be offered in the EV format. There is speculation about a possible digital gearshift system with simulated engine, throttle, and shift-point sounds.
For the 2028 Audi TT EV, the powertrain is expected to feature a single-motor rear-axle setup and a compact, highly efficient battery. It will use an 800-volt architecture for rapid electric charging (potentially 80% in 20 minutes) via a level 3 fast charger. The power rating is expected to exceed 500 horsepower. Dual-motor configurations are also possible in higher-performance variants.
An acceleration time from0 to 96 kph is expected to be in the 3.0-second range. The smaller, lighter battery pack is said to deliver over 480 kilometers of electric driving range thanks to its high-efficiency architecture. Performance equipment will include adaptive torque vectoring and advanced rear-differential control, along with a host of technologies and driver aids.
In terms of styling, the TT Concept C’s minimalist design will retain most of the sleek body lines and cutting-edge design. A fully powered retractable hardtop will be offered. The front design is inspired by the historic Auto Union Type C race cars of the 1930s, and its proportions are dictated by the central mounting location of its battery pack. Meanwhile, the side profile features touches of the iconic Audi R8, which was also retired in 2023 alongside the TT. The concept also features a new light signature, with four horizontal elements in both the headlights and taillights, which will likely appear on future Audi models.
Audi’s minimalist design philosophy extends to the Concept C’s interior, which features smooth lines and premium materials. Its physical controls are milled from anodized aluminum, and the Eames-like seats are upholstered in two-tone wool. Audi is also eschewing multititle screens, and the Concept C’s tech suite is designed to be easy to operate yet minimally invasive. It features haptic controls on the steering wheel and a single 10.4-inch central screen that folds into the dashboard when not in use. Beyond simply adding another electric vehicle to Audi’s lineup, the Concept C is expected to serve as a benchmark for the German automaker’s approach to future models. The project marks a shift in Audi’s vehicle development. Although pricing has not yet been announced, the new Audi TT is expected to start in the six-figure range in Canada and cost more than $80,000 in the U.S.
