The aim with Artemis is to emulate the inherent agility and speed of execution of rival electric start-up brands and leading motor racing teams. Duesmann said the new working group will be given a “large degree of freedom and will work globally”.
Key contributors to Artemis will be Audi’s own InCampus technical hub and the Volkswagen Group’s new ‘software.org’ operation.
Audi is also planning to work more closely with Porsche through Artemis, most notably on platform development. They have already co-operated on the J1 platform, which underpins the Taycan and the upcoming E-tron GT. They are also developing the yet-to-be-revealed PPE structure, which is set to be used first by an electric version of the second-generation Macan due in 2022.
As well as providing technical solutions for the new Audi flagship, Artemis is charged with introducing new technologies across the brand. Duesmann sees this as vital for Audi to stay competitive in a changing automotive landscape that includes rivals such as Tesla, Rivian and Lucid as well as a raft of Chinese electric car start-ups.
Duesmann, who succeeded Bram Schot as Audi chairman in April and previously worked closely with Volkswagen Group chairman Herbert Diess at BMW, said Artemis will develop an extensive eco system around its flagship model, suggesting it will flow on to other EVs.
Autocar has learned that Artemis has also been charged with advancing Audi’s plans for other existing projects, including a high-tech successor to the original A2, as showcased by the 2019 AI:ME concept car. There are also proposals for production versions of the AI:Race electric sports car and AI:Trail 4×4.
A further central role for Artemis, according to Ingolstadt sources, is to develop new business models for rapid prototyping methods to speed development of existing models as well as data collection.
“The current electric car initiative ties up all our capacities,” said Duesmann, who also sits on the Volkswagen Group board as head of R&D. “The question is how can we implement additional high-tech benchmarks without jeopardising the manageability of existing projects and at the same time utilise new opportunities in the market.”