It appears that plans for a successor to the R8 E-Tron have been canceled as well.
Automobile Magazine has released a worrying report that the R8 might not see the third generation of its naturally-aspirated engine. Audi seems to have thought about it and concluded that the supercar is unlikely to be a big hit in terms sales. The R8 will be phased out by 2020, when the platform-sharing Lamborghini Huracan is transformed into a new generation.
The regular R8 will be discontinued. Audi Sport apparently pulled the plug on the R8 E-Tron replacement. Unfortunately, plans for another supercar, codenamed “Scorpion”, have also been canceled. This was supposed to be a high-end car with 1,000 horsepower. It would have four 1.2-liter Ducati motorcycle engine that form a V8 with desmodromic technology ( ).
The same report states that the new biturbo 2.9 liter V6 engine found in the RS5 Coupe or RS4 Avant produces 470 horsepower. This is 20 more than the current power output of those cars. The same engine will be found in the R8 for an entry level version, due in 2018.
Although the combustion engine is still very much at its potential, engineers at the four-ring company have created a hybrid powertrain. They combined it with an electric motor that produces around 114 horsepower. The electrified configuration will be available for models that are not yet known.
The RS6 Avant will continue to use the biturbo 4.0 liter V8 engine while the RS7 Sportback will keep it without electrification. The RS7 may use a modified powertrain from Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid to create a 700-hp RS7 Power. However, it remains to be confirmed. The standard RS7 will be limited to 650 hp.
The RS Q8 will join the Audi Sport lineup and will see daylight in 2020. It will use the same V8 in the new Lamborghini Urus and have 650 horsepower.
Audi may be developing its own version the Porsche Mission E, which is described as a modern electric interpretation of the Quattro, with five seats.