Audi Reconsiders ICE

Changing Times at Audi

Back in the day, Audi thought it would stop selling gasoline-powered cars by 2033. This was around the same time lots of other car companies were making similar plans to phase out gas engines. But it turns out, Audi’s decided to hold onto their internal combustion engines (ICEs) for a bit longer. The head honcho over at Audi, Gernot Döllner, recently said that they’re in no rush to kick their ICE models to the curb.

Flexible Plans

Döllner, who’s been at the wheel since 2023, explained to Autocar that the decision to stop making new ICE models by 2033 was made by the folks who ran things before him. He believes in keeping options open with powertrains.

Audi’s planning to roll out a whole new lineup of both traditional ICEs and plug-in hybrids from 2024 to 2026. This plan gives Audi a lot of wiggle room for at least the next decade to see what customers and markets might lean towards.

This move is sure to sit well with fans of Audi’s RS models. Despite the speed of the electric RS e-tron, it’s tough to beat the thrill of a roaring V8 that models like the RS6 and RS7 offer.

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R8 and TT Considerations

Döllner hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing back beloved models like the R8 and TT. He even mentioned that inspiration from Formula 1 could influence future production cars. When asked about R8 and TT making a comeback, he suggested that everything’s up for discussion.

The rumor mill churned a while back about a new electric R8, but with Audi sticking to ICEs for now, it could also mean a hybrid iteration might be considered down the road. In a world where brands like Jaguar are diving headfirst into electric vehicles, Audi’s approach of not locking itself into one future is refreshing.

The shifting gear in Audi’s plan shows how the company is open to evolving options and maintaining its appeal to those who love the power and sound of a traditional engine. Uncertainty about the future is palpable, but for now, it’s clear that Audi knows when to slam the brakes and when to accelerate forward.