Audi Is Not Planning Any Future R8s Beyond This Generation

Reports emerging after the Geneva Motor Show suggest that Audi isn't planning to build a direct replacement for the current R8
Audi Is Not Planning Any Future R8s Beyond This Generation

The Audi R8 could suddenly find itself running on borrowed time, with reports suggesting there’s no planned replacement.

In a round-table interview at the Geneva Motor Show, Audi’s R&D chief Peter Mertens is said to have told journalists that there are no plans to replace the R8 with a like-for-like new model, meaning the R8 as we know it could be doomed.

We'll keep fond memories, at least
We'll keep fond memories, at least

While there is a twin-turbo V6 in development to fit the R8 chassis, which will be a hell of a change from the glorious naturally-aspirated V10 we know and love deeply, the car’s eventual replacement will almost certainly be electrified.

Talking about the R8’s future, Mertens said the R8 has a “long life” left in it and that a direct replacement wasn’t impossible yet, but that there were no plans to do so, apparently because the development budget has been reallocated to batteries, motors and associated EV technologies.

Audi Is Not Planning Any Future R8s Beyond This Generation

There will at least be faster versions of whatever electrified cars come out of the Audi stable in the future. Mertens was quoted as saying that performance cars are “very good for Audi.”

Fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars are likely, alongside pure combustion-powered cars in whatever form they take before being banned in various countries.

Source: Car & Driver

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Comments

Jeremy S.

whoops i posted it twice

03/15/2018 - 13:59 |
88 | 1

Still not enough Noooooo!

03/15/2018 - 14:06 |
13 | 0
Jeremy S.
03/15/2018 - 13:59 |
13 | 2
ᴶᵘˢᵗᴬᴿᵃⁿᵈᵒá

Oh boy,here comes my emotion-biased snacking habits again…. Where did I put that gallon of ice cream?

03/15/2018 - 14:09 |
2 | 0
FLixy Madfox

I hate to say it but the R8 platform is old. It’s time for some change. In fact, same with the GTR and 370z

03/15/2018 - 14:09 |
40 | 1

Agreed… it could become the next Continental if left unchecked! The ol’ Bentley is nearly 16 years old now if you can believe it!!

03/15/2018 - 15:27 |
27 | 0

Idk it feels like it hasn’t been around for a very long time. Two generations really doesn’t sound like much.

03/16/2018 - 07:59 |
0 | 0

Do you drive something better? I love people complaining about cars they can’t afford. I wouldn’t ever subject myself to depreciation if I can but a nice second gen first year R8 is within my budget. If you want a supercar… They’re likely to stay supercars forever. No one will ever snicker at you. I have a 6lite V8 in my G8; sure it’s a decade old but a hell of a lot better than the Camaro that replaced it. Sometimes manufacturers make cars so good they are still better than the next gen if you do currency upgrades.

11/15/2018 - 20:40 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Oh noooooo!

03/15/2018 - 14:15 |
6 | 1
Anonymous

Well, that’s a shame.Because R8 and RS5 are the only Audis I like.

03/15/2018 - 14:18 |
6 | 1
Anonymous

We’re are we going to get are lamborghini 1/2 off

03/15/2018 - 14:29 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

Iron man will be crying his ass off

03/15/2018 - 14:36 |
3 | 1
Toby Westlake

What he said is that there aren’t plans yet. They’ve already planned a downsized engine which will keep it going another few years. Doesn’t mean it’s gone entirely! It’ll be back with a hybrid drivetrain of sorts

03/15/2018 - 15:07 |
0 | 0