Audi Reveals Never-Made Hypercar as Clues Emerge About Future Sports Cars
Audi’s Electrified Future for RS Performance Models
Audi is paving the way for the electrified future of its top-tier RS performance models. The company is considering incorporating insights from its nascent Formula 1 program into a high-end, road-ready supercar. As a testament to this direction, Audi recently unveiled a never-made hypercar concept from 2013. Although the project is no longer active, it provides a strong indication of how the brand’s motorsport efforts could influence upcoming sports cars.
Unveiling the Scorpion Hypercar Concept
The Scorpion hypercar concept was revealed at an aerodynamics exhibition held at Audi’s museum in Ingolstadt, Germany. Originally designed as a flagship supercar positioned above the Audi R8, the Scorpion drew heavy design and technical inspiration from the company’s successful endurance sports car racers. The car features prominent design cues from the R18 E-tron Le Mans racer, including a large stabilizing fin, aerodynamic tunnels, and a carbon bodykit optimized for downforce. Audi also cites the aero influence of its DTM touring cars.
The Future of Audi’s Racing-Inspired Halo Car
While no technical details of the Scorpion show car have been released, it was reported in 2013 that Audi was developing a hypercar with a 600bhp diesel-electric powertrain. This exclusive super-hybrid, known as the ‘R10’, aimed to establish a direct connection between Audi’s motorsport activities and its road cars. However, neither the Scorpion nor the R10 made it to production, and Audi has confirmed that the development of the Scorpion will not be continued.
Nevertheless, Audi’s entry into Formula 1 from the 2026 season could open doors for a new racing-inspired halo car. Similar to its F1 rivals, such as Mercedes-AMG, Red Bull, and Aston Martin, Audi may leverage its Formula 1 program to create a performance-oriented hybrid strategy. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner expressed interest in using emotional vehicles as brand-building tools and R&D outlets. While it is too early to discuss specific details, Döllner stated that the philosophy of Formula 1 and Audi’s RS models align perfectly with a performance-oriented hybrid strategy.
Learning from Formula 1
When asked about the potential race-to-road relationship between Audi’s F1 exploits and road cars, Döllner mentioned that the company would focus more on overarching learnings about high-output hybrid systems and R&D rather than direct technical influence. He emphasized that the efficiency mindset, racing spirit, and team set-up are the more important aspects that Audi aims to bring to the company through its involvement in Formula 1.
The Future of Audi’s Sports Car Line-Up
As Audi continues to electrify its sports car line-up, the retirement of the R8 raises questions about how the company plans to surpass its current offerings. While Audi Sport is set to release the new RS5 next year as its first plug-in hybrid, combining a petrol V6 with a rear-mounted EV motor and four-wheel drive, the future of Audi’s sports cars remains uncertain. However, with Audi’s focus on a performance-oriented hybrid strategy, combustion engines may still play a role in the brand’s upcoming sports car models.
