Audi Plots Return to Sports Car Glory with TT-Inspired Coupé

The Audi TT: Could a New Era Be on the Horizon?

Audi’s showroom feels a bit quieter these days. With both the TT and R8 retired, the brand is missing its signature sports cars. But there’s growing chatter from Ingolstadt suggesting Audi might not be done just yet.

At the center of this discussion is the original TT, launched in 1998. A design statement as much as a car, the TT blended Bauhaus-inspired minimalism with sharp, clean lines. Over 25 years and three generations, it sold more than 650,000 units and became a modern icon.

What's Going On at Audi?

Under CEO Gernot Döllner and new design chief Massimo Frascella, Audi is hinting at a return to its sporty roots—but without simply repeating the past.

“For sure, that’s part of the brand’s DNA,” Döllner said during Audi’s latest financial presentation. “But you have to use that DNA to create something new.”

Frascella, who was captivated by the TT as a young designer in Milan, agrees: this isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about reimagining what a modern Audi sports coupé could be.

A New Coupé in the Making?

Audi’s focus remains on electrification and restructuring—including major partnerships like the one with Rivian. But rumors point to a fresh project, possibly in collaboration with Porsche, that could see Audi adopt the next-gen Boxster/Cayman EV platform.

The result?

A TT-inspired electric sports car that bridges Audi’s past and future.

A Quick Throw Back

The TT name harks back to the NSU TT and Audi’s motorsport roots. Though it shared parts with the A3 and Golf, the TT stood out. Its iconic silhouette, minimalist cabin, and details like baseball-glove-stitched leather gave it lasting appeal.

What's Next?

For now, Audi is focused on its EV transition—but the idea of a new halo sports car remains alive. If Ingolstadt is cooking something up, we might not have to wait too long to see it.

Audi’s next chapter—you can explore a curated gallery of images and design details [here].