Durheimer Fired From Audi

[R5]

http://www.worldcarfans.com/113062059088/wolfgang-drheimer-fired-from-audi-could-be-related-to


Wolfgang Durheimer, Audi's current R&D chief, has reportedly been fired for failing to complete the E-Tron projects such as the A1 E-Tron and R8 E-Tron, both of which were axed at the last minute. But, according to sources, Wolfie has also had major fallouts with staff in Audi after he reshuffled the management team when he joined Audi.

Right move or their worst mistake?

 

[Zenith]

Because there's such a shortage of competent engineers in Germany.

 

[R5]

Because there's such a shortage of competent engineers in Germany.

I don't understand, is this directed to a replacement or the E-Tron or…?

 

[AudiMan2011]

I don't understand, is this directed to a replacement or the E-Tron or…?

E-Tron is still coming in the new A3, but it'll be a plug-in hybrid.

I read in another report that Durheimer frequently said that plug-in technology was a better medium term solution than pure EVs. I think he might be right up to a point.

What concerns me most about the reported sacking of Durheimer is that his plans for a new Audi hypercar and smaller sports car might go down the drain.

 

[Aquarelle]

I kind of agree with him, EVs aren't the way to go and really they're costing companies more than they're worth.

Hybrid cars are a happy medium for now but batteries just aren't a good solution.

Shame that he lost his job for standing by his values, but I understand where both he and Audi are coming from.

 

[R5]

I am kind of sad to see him go. His replacement will have big shoes to fill after Wolfgang brought Porsche from the weeds and spearheaded the Bentley GT3 project and WRC Polo campaign. He has done so much for the company, but his plans for the E-Tron was to wait until batteries were cheaper. He axed the project because they weren't efficient enough in terms of cost and range.

 

[Omnis]

Unless you're building the car around a battery tray like Tesla does, I'd also agree that EVs don't really work well enough. Retrofitting cars is not an answer.

 

[Tornado]

What concerns me most about the reported sacking of Durheimer is that his plans for a new Audi hypercar and smaller sports car might go down the drain.

Audi has had plans about a small sports car for 20 years now. Don't really think too much will change about it.