Audi
The Audi R8’s absence has left a noticeable void in the supercar world, but if new reports are to be believed, that void may not last much longer. After shutting down production of its flagship performance machine in 2023, Audi is rumored to be planning a comeback for the R8, and—much to the delight of purists—it will still feature an internal combustion engine.
The R8’s Return: A Plug-in Hybrid Supercar
According to a recent report from Autocar, the next-generation R8 is expected to arrive by late 2027 with a significant change under the hood. Instead of the naturally aspirated V10 that defined its predecessors, the new R8 is rumored to be a plug-in hybrid powered by a twin-turbo V8—potentially the same 4.0-liter unit found in Lamborghini’s new Temerario supercar.
While details are still under wraps, the Temerario already produces 907 horsepower thanks to its hybrid-assisted V8 and three electric motors. If Audi follows this formula, the new R8 could push well past the 1,000-horsepower mark, making it the most powerful R8 ever.
A Different Development Approach
Unlike previous generations that were developed alongside the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracán, the next R8 is expected to arrive years after its Italian cousin. Lamborghini, now financially stronger than ever, designed the Temerario independently, meaning Audi will likely adapt that platform rather than develop a new one from scratch.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Lamborghini’s latest supercar is a technological powerhouse, featuring a flat-plane crankshaft V8 that revs to 10,000 rpm—something that Audi could leverage for its own high-performance machine. If Audi chooses to refine rather than reinvent, the next R8 might arrive as an even more livable version of the Temerario, much like previous R8s were more approachable than their Lamborghini siblings.
A Supercar That Aligns With Audi’s Future
Bringing back the R8 also makes sense from a business standpoint. Audi has made it clear that it wants to move upmarket, focusing on premium models with higher price tags and more luxurious interiors. While the R8 was never a volume seller—it moved 44,418 units between 2007 and 2024—it was a brand-defining car, helping to elevate Audi’s image and attract customers to the brand.
Additionally, Audi’s original plan to go fully electric by 2033 is no longer set in stone. CEO Gernot Döllner has emphasized the need for flexibility, as EV adoption isn’t progressing as quickly as expected. A new R8, especially one with an electrified powertrain, could be the perfect way to balance Audi’s push for electrification with continued demand for high-performance internal combustion cars.
Final Thoughts: Why Now?
The biggest question is: Why didn’t Audi just do this from the start? Given Lamborghini’s work on the Temerario, it seems like an R8 successor was always within reach. Perhaps Audi had different priorities, or maybe they were waiting to see how hybrid supercars would be received. Either way, if the R8 does return, it will be a fitting sendoff for Audi’s combustion-engine era—a high-revving, hybrid-assisted masterpiece that could be the most thrilling R8 yet.
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