Concept or Reality?
If a concept car is a sneak preview into the design works of an automobile manufacturer, Audi appears to be a brand in motion. At every major auto show, the upper-class German marque has brought an enticing project for display.
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| Audi has just unveiled its Le Mans quattro concept (right), a model that could join the German marque's impressive lineup. Other concepts shown are the Pikes Peak (left) and Nuvolari (center). (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
This year alone, Audi has already shown two cars that could potentially make their ways into production. Firstly, the Pikes Peak quattro crossover SUV hints at what Audi's upcoming A7 sport utility may look like. Secondly, the grand-tourer Nuvolari quattro presses forward in style and innovation. Scaled down, this project could form a large two-door tourer. While both concepts cover uncharted territory for Audi, each looks feasible for production and easily accepted within the wide spectrum of the brand's identity. What Audi has just presented at the Frankfurt motor show, however, might seem like a stretch for some.
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| The Le Mans takes over supercar duties from Volkswagen's on-again-off-again W12 Nardo prototype. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
The Le Mans quattro supercar concept doesn't represent Audi's first kick at the supercar cat though. With the stunning Avus concept steeling all the press in 1991, the more provocative Rosemeyer in 2000 and subsequent RSR in 2002, Audi is no stranger to building high-speed machines. Strangely enough, one would think after spending the vast sums of money necessary to acquire and develop the legendary Lamborghini marque, that the Italian firm would be the sole wing of supercars for the massive VAG conglomerate. This may have been the reason why Volkswagen's on-again-off-again W12 Nardo prototype, another strong attempt at challenging the world's fastest, was unexpectedly shelved last year. However, with heavy funding and shared technology, including the innovative ASF space frame designed for the Gallardo, it has been made clear that eventually Audi would create a supercar of its own in order to capitalize on economies of scale. Needless to say, the Le Mans shares its genes with the baby V10 Lamborghini.