Audi has reversed its decision to end the development and sale of internal combustion engined vehicles in 2033 and now has no fixed date for such a plan.
The German firm had previously planned to end development of internal combustion engines next year. At one stage it planned to launch no new ICE cars are 2026, but had already hinted that plan has been ditched.
Speaking to Autocar, CEO Gernot Döllner emphasised that he “had not been the one to communicate the end date”, the decision having been taken by previous management. But he confirmed he had reversed it as he “believes in flexibility”, a decision that also includes Audi’s high-performance RS models.
He said: “Audi is launching from 2024-2026 a completely new line-up of internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and that gives us complete flexibility for at least another seven, eight, maybe 10 years, and then we will see how our markets develop.
“We have already decided to extend the production beyond the communicated end dates of the past.”
Döllner also confirmed Audi would lead development of all Volkswagen Group hardware and software architectures for larger models in the future (essentially anything from an A5-sized vehicle and up), including the next-generation SSP platform that would see the Group move to ‘software-defined vehicles’ for the first time. This project involves Rivian, whom the VW Group has invested in, and the first Audis on the SSP platform would hit the market in late 2027/2028.
Audi is however trimming its model range and it has no plans to replace the A1 and Q2 models. The Q3 and A3 models would represent the entry point of the range, with the A8 the range-topper on the “low car” side and the Q7 and Q8, and a mooted Q9, where the range would end on the SUVs and crossovers.
An all-electric A3-sized model was in development for 2026 as an additional model in the range, Döllner confirmed, but there were no plans for Audi to create its own version of the Volkswagen ID 2/Skoda Epiq/Cupra Raval entry-level electric car.
The brand's new Formula 1 team would also “inspire us to think about road cars of the future”, according to Döllner in reference to any specific models that might link the road and race efforts but there would also be learnings from efficiency and hybrid powertrain management from the new F1 engine rules that could filter down to Audi’s road cars, too.
When asked if the F1 team meant Audi was considering a return for the likes of the R8 and TT, Döllner said the firm was “thinking about everything…we are car guys, let yourself be surprised”.
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