While Audi's R8 has been one of the most iconic supercars of the 2000s, thanks in part to a role as Iron Man/Tony Stark's vehicle of choice, rumors have been circling for some time that the car may not live on past this generation. With automakers struggling more and more to meet the increasingly strict emissions regulations, a direct successor to the V10-powered supercar is beginning to seem unlikely. While it initially seemed that the R8 might be replaced by a version of the PB18 e-tron Concept that debuted in Pebble Beach last year, CAR magazine is now reporting that the R8 will be replaced by an e-tron GTR supercar.

The electric R8 successor is expected to land in 2022, and while the howl of the V10 will be gone, there will be plenty of performance to make up for it. Predictions suggest that three electric motors will churn out approximately 650 horsepower. That much power combined with all-wheel-drive should mean a 0-62 mph time of just over two seconds. The solid-state battery is expected to have a 95 kWh capacity good for 300 miles of range, meaning it will be both fast and practical.

The e-tron GTR should be based mainly on the VW Group's electric J1 platform, which will also underpin the upcoming Porsche Taycan as well as future Audi, Bentley, and perhaps Lamborghini models. Wireless charging will be supported, and the e-tron GTR will feature an aluminum monocoque chassis to offset the weight penalty of the battery.

While the gas-powered R8 will certainly be missed, the e-tron GTR looks set to offer some bonkers performance figures. However, it remains to be seen if the brutally quick acceleration of the electric supercar will be able to match the emotional response that comes with nailing the throttle as a V10 wails directly behind your head.