From the new RS 5 to F1 testing in Bahrain and the adidas x Audi Revolut F1 apparel drop, there’s no question Audi is making moves this week. And while it may be Friday, the week’s not over yet. Today we learned that Audi has named Rouven Mohr as its new Chief Technical Officer and member of the Board of Management, effective March 1, 2026. The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for the Ingolstadt-based automaker as it accelerates its shift toward electrification, software-defined vehicles and AI-driven engineering. Mohr succeeds Geoffrey Bouquot, who is departing the company to pursue new professional opportunities.
The appointment was confirmed by Audi in Ingolstadt, where Technical Development remains central to delivering the brand’s strategy and its long-standing “Vorsprung durch Technik” positioning. According to Manfred Döss, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Audi AG, Mohr joins as “a distinguished technology expert who combines in-depth know-how with a clear focus on long-term value creation for Audi.” CEO Gernot Döllner added that Mohr “combines technical excellence with a focus on products and proven execution strength,” noting he will play a key role in further accelerating innovation.
Mohr brings 18 years of experience within the Volkswagen Group. Most recently, he served as Chief Technical Officer at Lamborghini, where he oversaw the brand’s hybridization strategy and a generational shift in its product portfolio.
Rouven’s work on hybridization is worth noting, because simply making hybrids – even hybrid Lamborghinis – kind of undersells his performance. Take for instance Lamborghini’s most recent production launch the Temerario. It takes a highly unique approach by pairing the twin turbo V8 with flat plane crank design capable of 10,000 rpm with hybrid drive specifically engineered to augment handling and performance. That project is largely attributed to Mohr, and internally we know there was exploration into utilizing the Temerario hardware to create an R8 Mk3. Whether or not that’s part of the plan is simply unknown, but at the very least Mohr’s penchant for creating authentic enthusiast product is beyond reproach.
Mohr’s earlier roles included leadership positions in vehicle development, verification and fleet emissions at both Audi and Lamborghini. His return to Audi underscores the company’s shift to sharpen its focus on product substance and design-led engineering during a period of rapid technological transition.
Audi also credited Bouquot with reigniting the “Vorsprung durch Technik” mindset over the past two years and initiating a significant transformation within R&D. During his tenure, Bouquot strengthened cross-functional collaboration and advanced software capabilities across the wider Volkswagen Group, laying groundwork for the next phase of software-defined and AI-enabled vehicles.
That said, Bouquot’s rapid departure is notable here. His arrival was only announced in December 2024 when he was signaled more as CTO like one would expect from a tech company. His focus was software defined vehicles and wholesale embracing of technology that suggested a tech revolution was more the focus than was the automobile that is Audi’s chief product. In an interview last summer with Car Magazine he solidifies that impression.
There’s no question technology and focus on software defined vehicles is critical, especially for Audi as it navigates seismic shifts in the automotive world with partners such as Volkswagen Group division Cariad or the newer yet unproven joint venture with Rivian. Even still, software is only half the battle as Audi still needs to build credible and authentic automobiles. Choosing a replacement like Mohr seems to signal a shift that doesn’t move away from the embracing of tech but reminds consumers, Audi employees and Audi enthusiasts that Audi isn’t messing around… and it does so the same week as the brand launches its latest (and reportedly delayed) RS 5 in Germany and completing its final F1 pre-season test in Bahrain.
Among enthusiasts, Mohr is known as “Dr. Crazy,” a nickname earned through his visible enthusiasm for performance engineering. He has long been connected to car culture beyond the boardroom. When Prior Design released its widebody kit for the B3 Audi Coupe, Mohr built one himself that was showcased (in German) with JP Performance. He was also friends with the late Ken Block, popping up on Youtube with Ken and Hoonigan co-founder Brian Scotto back in 2021 when the pair was in Germany and scouting LCE Performance to purchase Block’s Sport quattro replica known as the “Turbo Monster”.
We reached out to Brian Scotto, who told us, “I’m excited to see Rouven’s homecoming. It renews my hope that Audi can return to building enthusiast-focused cars, as Rouven is exactly that, a true enthusiast!”
Mohr will formally assume leadership of Technical Development at Audi on March 1, 2026. He will continue serving as CTO at Lamborghini until a successor is named. For a brand navigating electrification, software integration and renewed performance cred, Audi’s choice signals a bet on multi-faceted technical depth paired with genuine enthusiast credibility.
Editor’s Note: Rouven Mohr did have his own Instagram account @drcrazyofficial. That account has largely been inactive since 2021, but perhaps it will reactivate now that he’s returned to Audi. It’s worth giving it a follow.