Audi is in the race 24 hours Le Mans achieved incredible 13 wins. This is common knowledge. However, only connoisseurs know Audi Scorpion, which was designed between 2010 and 2013 to bring racing technology to the road. The study can now be viewed as part of the exhibition "Formvollendet – Aerodynamik im Automobilbau 1945 bis heute", which is up to June 30, 2024 on display in the museum August-Horch-Museum in Zwickau.
Audi Scorpion (not to be confused with Ford's Scorpio!) followed the idea, which has since been realized in small series in the form of Mercedes AMG One ali Aston Martin Valkyrie. The exhibited study visually looks like a mash-up of the model R8 and those of that time endurance racing cars of this brand. Even Audi was said to be surprised to rediscover the design model without the interior and drivetrain. Much like it is BMW recently done with a model 750iL V16 Goldfish from 1990.
But let's go back to the model Scorpion and to what the brand reveals about the study at the show. It says: "Between 2010 and 2013, Audi developed the Scorpio, a sports car concept above the Audi R8 model. On the outside, references to the successful R18 e-tron quattro racing car are recognizable at first glance. On the other hand, the aerodynamic concept is based on the Audi DTM racing car of the time. Clearly recognizable is the specially aerodynamically designed passenger cell, which is designed to ensure the best possible air flow. In addition, the aerodynamic concept adapts to the relevant track conditions with the least possible air resistance at top speed and maximum pressure during braking and cornering. Unfortunately, the development will not continue and remains with this vehicle study."
That's why we know nothing about it, how powerful or fast a production vehicle would be. Planned technical parameters are said to be various diesel or petrol engines with power from 400 to 550 hp. There was another option hybrid design electric motor and internal combustion engine. Drive: All-wheel or rear-wheel drive. About, why the project was ultimately abandoned, we can guess a lot. Perhaps they were aware that the performance of the vehicle would hardly stand out from the second generation R8 model. Last but not least, it is AMG One showed how complex the design of racing technology to be globally approved for road use is.
Still, the duel would be between Audi Scorpions in BMW i16, which also did not happen, something special. So head to Zwickau and let your dreams run free.
