Audi is reportedly working on a customized electric vehicle architecture specifically designed for low-volume, purpose-built sports cars and supercars. As part of this initiative, an electric version of the Audi R8 is set to be developed.
The company is planning to release a series of models based on the new PPE platform, which has been developed in collaboration with Porsche. The first model, the Audi Q6 E-tron, is scheduled to be launched early next year. In addition, Audi will also start introducing cars on the upcoming VW Group SSP platform, which is expected to go into production in 2027.
During the 2023 Munich motor show, Oliver Hoffmann, Audi’s technical boss, confirmed that the company will also utilize the VW Group’s MEB platform for future entry-level electric cars. This platform is currently used by vehicles such as the VW ID 3, Cupra Born, and Audi Q4 E-tron.
However, when asked about the suitability of these platforms for lower-volume, performance-oriented EVs like the TT and R8, Hoffmann hinted that Audi would instead invest in a dedicated sports car architecture. This new architecture would incorporate elements from the SSP platform, combining aspects of both the MEB and PPE platforms in what Hoffmann referred to as a “toolkit.”
Although Hoffmann did not provide specific details about the structure of this architecture or plans for direct successors to Audi’s current sports cars, he did confirm that work is underway. He also stated that Audi has a strong focus on launching a wide range of new models in the next two years, with over 50% of them being battery-electric.
SSP Architecture
The SSP platform is expected to be utilized by approximately 80% of vehicles in the entire VW Group portfolio. According to Hoffmann, this leaves room for certain models to be based on modified versions of the platform or even entirely different architectures.
VW Group CEO Oliver Blume has already confirmed that the SSP platform will support powertrains with outputs of up to 1700bhp, indicating that purpose-built electric sports cars and supercars are on the horizon.
It’s worth noting that Audi’s sister brand, Porsche, has announced that its upcoming Porsche K1 luxury SUV, positioned above the Cayenne, will be the first model to utilize its own modified version of the VW Group architecture called SSP Sport.
This highlights the platform’s flexibility and its potential for use across a wide range of models and segments.