Audi’s Aborted Skorpion Project: A Look into the Past
Audi recently bid farewell to the R8, but between 2010 and 2013, the German automaker toyed around with the idea of creating another dedicated performance machine. This project, known internally as “Skorpion,” aimed to engineer a road-going version of the Le Mans-winning R18 endurance race car, complete with a diesel engine. Unfortunately, the Skorpion project never came to fruition, leaving enthusiasts to wonder what could have been.
The Concept and Design of the Skorpion
The Skorpion concept was discovered at the August Horch Museum in Zwickau, Germany, where it was showcased with the idea of mimicking Audi’s DTM cars’ aerodynamics. The supercar was intended to be positioned above the second-generation R8, which was concurrently in development. Multiple powertrain options were considered, including gasoline and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 400 to 550 horsepower. Audi’s engineers also explored the possibility of rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations, as well as a hybrid setup combining an ICE with an electric motor.
The Production Plans and Features of the Skorpion
The Skorpion project was rumored to be on track for production, with plans to produce just 333 units, making it as exclusive as the R8 GT and the A1 Quattro. The supercar was slated to use the R18’s platform, featuring a carbon fiber monocoque reinforced with an aluminum honeycomb. It was believed that the Skorpion would be powered by the race car’s 3.7-liter V-6 diesel engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 700+ horsepower. With the ICE driving the rear wheels and the e-motor powering the front axle, the Skorpion was set to feature an electrified Quattro setup.
Audi’s History with Diesel Performance Cars
While the concept of a diesel supercar or hypercar may seem unconventional, Audi had previously explored this idea with the 2008 R8 V12 TDI concept. Equipped with a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 diesel engine generating 493 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, the R8 V12 TDI showcased Audi’s capabilities. Although the R8 V12 TDI never made it to production, its engine found a home in the monstrous Audi Q7 SUV.
Looking Towards the Future: An Electric R8
Despite the setbacks of past projects like the R8 E-Tron, Audi has hinted at the development of a new flagship performance car, likely in the form of an electric R8. With advancements in electric vehicle technology and growing interest in high-performance electric cars, Audi aims to redeem the E-Tron project’s shortcomings and produce a successful performance vehicle that carries on the legacy of the R8.
In conclusion, the Skorpion project may have been abandoned, but it serves as a testament to Audi’s ambition and innovation in developing cutting-edge performance vehicles. While we may never see the Skorpion on the road, the concept car stands as a reminder of Audi’s pursuit of excellence in the realm of high-performance automobiles.