Audi recently announced a major shift, officially abandoning its original plan to achieve full electrification in 2033, which means that Audi will continue to produce fuel vehicles for the next 10 years.Audi had previously planned to stop the development of internal combustion engine technology starting next year and not launch new fuel models after 2026, but this plan has been quietly shelved.
Audi CEO Gernot Dorner said that this decision was not made by him personally, but by the previous management.
Dorner reversed that plan because he believed it was more important to remain flexible.
Dorner also revealed that Audi will take the lead in developing the platform architecture and software system for the Volkswagen Group's medium and large models in the future, covering all models starting from the A5 level.
This includes the next-generation SSP platform, which marks the Volkswagen Group’s first full shift to “software-defined cars.”
The project is a collaboration between Volkswagen and Rivian, and the first Audi models equipped with the SSP platform are expected to be launched in late 2027 or 2028.
Meanwhile, Audi is shrinking its product lineup.
There will be no successors to the A1 and Q2, while the Q3 and A3 will serve as entry-level offerings. The A8 will continue to be the flagship model in the sedan lineup, with the Q7, Q8, and the rumored Q9 (full-size flagship SUV) at the top of the SUV lineup.
Additionally, Dorner said Audi's new F1 team will inspire the brand to think about future production cars.
The energy efficiency management and hybrid technology brought by the new generation of F1 engine rules are also expected to be applied in future mass-produced models.
When asked if F1 meant Audi might revive sports cars like the R8 or TT, Dorner responded: “We are considering all possibilities... We are people who really love cars and the future will bring surprises.
Audi does have a chance to return to these areas. We are evaluating a number of possibilities, but it is too early to draw conclusions. "