This Porsche Problem Is Now Affecting Audi As Well
According to reports, Porsche is reassessing the actual viability of its all-electric 718 Boxster and Cayman program, a play that would also jeopardize Audi’s upcoming TT revival based on the Concept C sports car.
The 718 EV review comes shortly after Michael Leiters stepped into the CEO role at Porsche. With sales pressure mounting in China and margins shrinking under the strain, Leiters has begun a holistic evaluation of Porsche's ongoing programs, including several sky-high-cost EV initiatives.
Among the most closely scrutinized is the electric 718, which has faced repeated delays and rising development costs.
The platform underpinning the electric 718 is the real problem here. Porsche’s plans for the electric coupe were complicated by battery supply concerns following the bankruptcy of Northvolt, a key supplier. According to Bloomberg, finding an alternative source has reportedly driven projected costs higher, leading to questions about whether continuing with the program even makes financial sense.
Which leads us to Audi. The brand’s Concept C—a preview of a new-generation sports car that could potentially revive the TT name—was engineered around the same Porsche-developed EV architecture. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has already promised the Concept C would be a cornerstone of Audi’s future design and technology direction, with an original target launch around 2027.
If Porsche ends up pulling the plug—pun most definitely intended—on the electric 718 platform, Audi would be left with difficult choices. Sources cited by Germany's Handelsblatt claim Audi would either have to cancel the Concept C or assume responsibility for finishing the cursed platform independently. That path, however, could require a nine-figure investment.
Our Take
Porsche has said no final decisions have been made regarding the electric 718, while Audi has declined to comment on the future of Concept C. We already know Porsche is planning new combustion versions of the 718, so it's probably fair to assume that even if the EV platform ends up in the junkyard, Audi will still have access to some kind of Porsche-developed platform to base the new TT/Concept C on.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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the porch issue is the bankruptcy of a key supplier. Why is Northvolt in trouble?
Production Problems: The company failed to scale up production at its Skellefteå gigafactory as planned. Instead of reaching 16 GWh, it only managed 1 GWh. This shortfall led BMW to cancel a $2 billion battery supply contract in June 2024.Mar 18, 2025
Since the NORTHVOLT product is NOT directly replaceable by any supplier the battery package has to be redesigned. this is NOT trivial and includes changing packaging, assembly methods welding methods, cooling system, and power manamgement ALL expensive.
I would be hard pressed to find an uglier car anywhere on the planet.