Audi to Give Green Light to New Supercar

VW Still Wants Audi Supercar despite Owning Lamborghini and Bugatti

Although it hasn't been confirmed, it can be said with great certainty, according to company insiders, that Audi will be

According to company insiders, Audi will be building a world-class supercar. (Photo: Audi of America)

building a world-class supercar. The idea has been thrown around for quite some time now, but finally, bosses agree that it would be beneficial to the company to give the green light to a version of the Le Mans supercar concept, which debuted during the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Several sources report that at the end of April, Volkswagen Auto Group's Project Strategy Committee (PSC) agreed to have the vehicle committed to production by late 2006 for a 2007 public debut. It is rumored that one of the major reasons for this sudden push for production comes from Audi chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn and VW boss Bernd Pischetsrieder, who have both driven, and were both extremely impressed with, a secret prototype over the past few weeks. Upon production, the car would most likely have the name R9, to fit with the company's new naming scheme.

The upcoming supercar is said to be more or less identical to the Aluminum Space Frame (ASF) design seen in the concept. While there will probably be some mild

The Le Mans concept, guided by the watchful eye of Audi design chief Walter da Silva, has been greeted with plenty of positive feedback. (Photo: Audi of America)

alterations in the finer details, such as reworked vents for improved engine and brake cooling, and tweaked front and rear air dams to increase downforce and stability, the majority of the vehicle will stay the same. The Le Mans concept, which was debuted just after the Nuvolari GT Coupe concept, was one of the first vehicles to bear the new corporate one-piece trapezoidal grille and curvaceous tail styling. The concept's original design, guided by the watchful eye of Audi design chief Walter da Silva, has been greeted with plenty of positive feedback.