Audi Confirms Concept C Project Still on Despite Rumors

[Source: Motor1]

The future of the Audi Concept C project was recently cast in doubt as Porsche considers scrapping their all-electric 718 models. However, according to a report by Motor1, Audi claims that any rumor of the Concept C project being cancelled is pure speculation.

The Audi Concept C is the most important Audi concept in many years. It has been billed as “TT Moment 2.0” by Audi themselves. The car not only injects some excitement into the lineup, but it also previews the future design language of all Audi models. So, why would it be at risk?

Speculation

The Audi Concept C is expected to share an electric platform within the Volkswagen Group. A platform that is likely closely related to the one that would underpin the Porsche 718 EV models. Due to spiraling development costs and delays, new Porsche CEO Dr. Michael Leiters is said to be considering scrapping the entire 718 EV project before a single car makes it to production. That news sent German media into a bit of a panic over the future of the Concept C.

German newspaper Handelsblatt, reported that if the EV Porsche sports cars are cancelled, that could spell trouble for the Audi Concept C. Motor1 reached out to Audi for comment, and spokesperson Daniel Schuster labeled the report as pure speculation and declined to comment further on the matter.

All-Electric Concept C

If you are thinking that this could mean a switch to combustion power for the Concept C, Audi has not indicated that will be the case. The Concept C was developed as an EV from the start and is likely to stay that way. One of the reasons the Porsche 718 EV lineup is on the chopping block is due to the company reversing course on killing the combustion powered 718 lineup. They said they would adapt the EV chassis to accept combustion power. The time and expense to do that is putting the whole 718 lineup in jeopardy. Surely Audi won’t repeat that mistake.

It is important to note that as of this moment everything is speculation. Porsche has not even made a final decision on the 718 EV lineup. It may very well end up moving forward as planned. But even if it doesn’t, Audi will move ahead with the Concept C. It is simply too important to the brand to be killed off at this point. The Concept C is a new beginning. Not an ending.