Back to the Future: The 2017 Audi R20
For those disappointed that the Audi R8 E-tron has been dropped, there are still tentative plans for a hybrid supercar. Renderings and rumors have emerged depicting a different version of the R18 E-tron Quattro, dubbed the R20. That is right, the car that snagged the top two spots at the LeMan’s 24-Hours Race this year may emerge with street legal status as early as 2017! Just wait until this emerges, it is simply begging for high-performance tweaking and to be taken to a drag strip near you!
The R20 should essentially be a road-going version of Audi’s Le Mans winning LMP1 cars.
The R18 boasts a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, and the R20 will likely feature something similar, albeit scaled-down. The Audi R20 will boast a full-length R18 racing tailfin, a nod to its inspiration, and possibly gullwing doors.
Distinguishable Audi styling cues should include:
- Stacked LED headlamps
- Ventilated front and rear wings
- Adjustable rear spoiler
- Tell-tale grille
Very few renderings are available thus far
While it is still 3 years out and could change, the engine could be a 550-horse twin-turbocharged V6 with two electric motors. The electric motors powering the front wheels will have 75 horses each, pushing the total outage up toward 700 horses. Factor in torque vectoring, improved traction, an on-demand boost effect and zero emissions, and you likely have some jealous competitors feverishly working to keep up.
Just 100-250 units of the Audi R20 will be produced!
Interior cues will also be derived from its racing predecessor, with a black panel center display instead of a conventional gauge cluster, active-contour seating, racing harnesses and even cameras.
Stay tuned and look for this beast to debut at the 2015 Pebble Beach Show!
