Audi CEO reveals timeline for brand to go all-EV

PLUS: EVs in racing series, Mustang Mach-E GT range numbers, battery plans.

If you have trouble reading this message, view it in a browser.     This week Ferrari unveils a plug-in hybrid, Ford announces EPA range estimates for the Mach-E GT, and the Lordstown saga continues. But first: Audi CEO reveals timeline for automaker to phase out internal combustion engines, but keeps some options open in the long term.    Audi is no stranger to EVs with and a number of models on sale and more scheduled to arrive soon, having had an early start among the Volkswagen AG brands. And earlier this week the automaker's CEO Markus Duesmann shed some light on just when the Ingolstadt-based luxury and performance brand plans to turn exclusively to battery-electric vehicles.    That turn will come sooner than expected: Audi plans to only release new battery-electric models starting in 2026, and will gradually phase out production of internal combustion engines until 2033. This timeline is slated to transform Audi into an EV maker sooner than many other companies, including German ones that still see a role for gas-engined models to play beyond 2030.    "Through our innovative strength, we offer individuals sustainable and carbon-neutral mobility options," Duesmann said. "I don't believe in the success of bans. I believe in the success of technology and innovation."     The Audi Q4 e-tron is on the way, along with a twin.    Audi pointed out that this year it is already launching more new battery-electric models than new internal combustion-engined ones, and plans to have more than 20 battery-electric models in its lineup by 2025.     But Audi will also leave itself some room to maneuver in the long term, with the company indicating that it expects to see demand for internal combustion engines in China beyond 2033. We can think of a few other markets where Audi sells cars that are currently far more averse to EVs than China, and they're practically on Germany's doorstep. So Ingolstadt's hedging is perhaps warranted given the fact that 2026 is not that far over the horizon at all.   "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday," as the old mantra goes. Will it hold true for EVs?    When it comes to going electric, plans by automakers aren't the only parts of a changing automotive landscape. Electric and electrified vehicles are making their way into motorsport, and they're not confined solely to Formula E — the evolution that's taking place right now is much more complex, and many in racing are beginning to wonder just how long the majority of the various series can remain powered by internal combustion engines.    This week we asked a number of decisionmakers and racers how they see motorsport changing along with what automakers offer, given the "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday" mantra that has guided motorsport in the U.S. for decades.    "We try to take the temperature of the OEMS constantly," John Doonan, president of the Daytona, Florida-based IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series, told Autoweek. "We're very, very fortunate to have 18 OEMs participating across all of our seven racing platforms.    "But, in the end, 'The market will speak' is the philosophy that we have in Daytona," he added.    When it comes to IMSA, the LMDh class is slated to replace Daytona Prototype international (DPi) in 2023, relying on hybrid powertrains producing north of 670 hp. But they'll also compete in WEC events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. So just like with cars on the street, we'll see hybrid powertrains serve as a stepping stone to full electrification in racing, even though for now the timeline for that eventual turn to EVs remains up in the air.          Ferrari Unveils an All-New Production Plug-In Hybrid A plug-in hybrid from Ferrari is on the way, with the 296 GTB slated to be the marque's new mid-rear-engined berlinetta. The model will be powered by an aluminum V6 paired with a 7.45-kWh battery, with this powertrain producing a combined 818 hp.  READ THE FULL STORY Ford Announces EPA Range Estimates for 480-HP Mustang Mach-E GT Two hot versions of the Mach-E are on the way this fall, and they won't trade much range for performance. Ford has revealed the EPA range estimates for the Mach-E GT and GT Performance Edition, landing at 270 and 260 miles, respectively. Here's what these two versions will offer. READ THE FULL STORY This EV Platform Is Designed to Help Low-Volume Automakers READ MORE Porsche Invests in High-Performance Battery Company READ MORE NHRA Casts Wider Net With Developing New EV Class READ MORE Honda Isn't Giving up on Hydrogen, but EVs Remain Distant READ MORE Here's How Volvo Will Expand Battery Cell Capacity READ MORE Mazda Plans to Electrify Its Range, but Isn't Dropping Gas Engines READ MORE       Spread the word: If you know someone interested in staying on top of the rapidly growing EV segment, feel free to pass this newsletter along. SIGN UP Follow Us Unsubscribe Privacy Notice Autoweek.com ©2021 Hearst Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hearst Email Privacy, 300 W 57th St., Fl. 19 (sta 1-1), New York, NY 10019