Audi Says A New R8 Is Possible But………..

It’s been two years since Audi last built the R8. However, a successor could appear, but only under certain circumstances

The managing director of Audi Sport spoke to Australia’s Go Auto about the matter. For starters, the new high-performance flagship model would have to be a plug-in hybrid to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. He explained that developing a new combustion engine from scratch to meet those rules is not feasible, given the small production volume of the supercar.

While the idea of ​​an electrified R8 might upset purists accustomed to a naturally aspirated V8 or V10 engine behind the seats, Mihl claims that people are becoming more open to hybrid supercars. His thinking is that you still get the thrill of an internal combustion powertrain while also getting the added benefits of electric vehicles, such as a pure electric driving mode.

Audi Sport has already delved into the performance plug-in hybrid niche with the recently unveiled RS5. Meanwhile, the new RS6 is expected to combine a petrol engine with an electric motor.

In addition to the choice of powertrain, the new R8 would also have to be financially sustainable: “In really challenging times – and we were talking about regulations and very expensive developments – every car has to be financially viable. It wouldn’t make sense just to calculate, let me say, the brand-building effect… You really have to see that the intensive investment has a chance of generating some profit.”

Reading between the lines, it’s unrealistic to expect Audi to do it alone if it ever brings the R8 back. Another collaboration with Lamborghini is more likely. Whether Audi will revive its supercar remains an open question, but Mihl doesn’t rule it out entirely. However, he also described the rumors of a 2027 return as “maybe another chapter of speculation”, so don’t expect to see it next year.

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