Audi R8 to be replaced by all-electric e-tron GTR?

The company could be working on a rival to Tesla's next-gen Roadster.

Audi is reportedly considering retiring the R8 and replacing the V10-powered halo car with a pure electric flagship.

The company already toyed with the idea when it presented the R8 e-tron. The performance EV was more of a technology demonstrator, however, with a price tag north of $1 million and a production run of less than 100 units.

Reports circulating more than a year ago suggested the current R8 would be retired at the end of its life cycle, perhaps as early as next year.

A Car report now claims the company has revived the idea of a battery-powered replacement, said to be labeled the e-tron GTR. The magazine's speculative rendering suggests the car will be inspired by the four-door e-tron GT concept and the PB18 e-tron (pictured).

Presumably aimed at Tesla's next-gen Roadster, the GTR is expected to be powered by a 95-kWh solid-state battery and three electric motors. It is said to target a zero-to-60 mph benchmark of around two seconds.

Volkswagen Group last year disclosed a partnership with startup QuantumScape to bring solid-state batteries from the lab to the assembly line by 2024. To be clear, however, none of the 'breakthrough' battery technologies have yet to successfully demonstrate production viability.

It is unclear if Audi is considering traditional lithium-ion cells as a backup plan in case the solid-state gambit falls through. Incremental advancements in lithium-ion tech have gradually increased power density, a critical factory in building a lightweight sports car with acceptably long range.