The demise of the Audi R8 has left a void in the Volkswagen Group's portfolio that only the more exotic Lamborghini Temerario can fill. But what if other brands that operate under the German automotive giant's roof would give it a shot at launching a supercar?
This is not an entirely new topic, as it has been discussed multiple times over the last few years. That said, it's time to cast the light on a virtual blue-blooded machine from Skoda. The digital model deserves more than a proper name, given that it is nothing more than a rebadged C8 Chevrolet Corvette.
The bowtie brand's latest-gen Corvette family currently comprises three members. The Stingray sits at the bottom of the range with a $68,300 starting price and a 490 hp (497 ps/366 kW) 6.2L naturally aspirated V8 motor. The E-Ray is a $104,900 affair, plus destination and dealer fees, and it is an electrified model with all-wheel drive that boasts 655 hp (664 ps/489 kW). The Z06 uses a 5.5L flat-plane crank V8, enjoys 670 hp (680 ps/490 kW), and starts at $112,700.
Chevy's C8 Corvette lineup will expand this summer with the unveiling of the ZR1. This range-topping member of the series will dwarf the Stingray, E-Ray, and Z06 in terms of performance and pricing. Reports suggest the ZR1 might launch with around 850 horsepower (862 ps/634 kW) and 825 pound-foot (1,119 Nm) of torque, and that would be a hefty 180 hp (183 ps/134 kW) boost over the Z06.
Photo: Instagram | rotislav_prokop
Since the pricing would need to be kept in check, a hypothetical Corvette-based Skoda supercar would build on the entry-level variant, the Stingray. As a result, it would pack the same naturally aspirated motor in the same configuration, thus making an identical 490 horsepower or 495 hp (502 ps/369 kW) should you get it with the optional performance exhaust system. This would make it much more powerful than the current Octavia RS, which has 261 hp (265 ps/195 kW) from its 2.0L four-pot.
Speaking of the latter model, it inspired these digital illustrations. The CGI model came from rotislav_prokop on social media and sports a face similar to the latest Octavia RS, bar a few obvious adjustments. The RS logo decorates the typical Skoda grille, and out back, the model sports taillights that were also inspired by the compact model. The Czech automaker's lettering proudly sits below that chunky rear wing.
Now, even with the demise of the Audi R8, the chances of Skoda launching a mid-engine supercar are zero. There wouldn't be enough demand for such a product, regardless of what model it would build upon, so it is safe to say that the company won't venture into the unknown.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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