Porsche has been designated to build platforms for Volkswagen Group’s future sports cars but it has been forced to use the underpinnings of the next-generation Audi R8 for its all-new Ferrari 458 supercar competitor. The development of the all-new part-carbonfibre architecture is at an advanced stage. In fact, there was a preview of it on the Audi R8 E-tron concept at this year’s Frankfurt motor show. It will be used to underpin both the second-generation R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo. Last August, Porsche chief Matthias Müller discussed plans for a new supercar that will be slotted between the 911 and 918 Spyder.

Despite the company’s intention to develop bespoke underpinnings for its 458 rival, Porsche may be forced to use the R8’s foundations. VW thinks that the next R8 platform is a fitting architecture for the Porsche. Another advantage is that there would be savings on the development costs. Porsche wants to make a bespoke chassis so much that it could even postpone its new supercar so that it would arrive together with the third generation of R8 and Gallardo in the early part of the 2020s. The three models are expected to use underpinnings developed by Porsche. It’s believed that the second-gen R8 will use the Audi-Bentley co-developed twin-turbo V8 that was introduced in the S8 recently. Autocar estimates that this engine can do even better than the 513bhp produced in the S8. The present R8 is expected to have a facelifted version to be displayed this March at the Geneva motor show. In addition to the aesthetic improvements, the power will also be increased. The base 4.2-litre V8 received a boost to 450bhp while the 5.2-litre V10 now delivers 552bhp. The current automated six-speeder will be replaced by new dual-clutch seven-speed S-tronic gearbox.