New hints at the return of the Audi R8
Although a fully electric Audi sports car is due to appear next year based on the Porsche platform, it seems that it will not become the flagship of the lineup. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner made a strong hint that a new generation of the R8 could be in development, borrowing technology from Lamborghini.
Talk about the V8 and the future of supercars
Döllner spoke with journalists during the recent premiere of the new Audi RS5 in Austria. Although this car is equipped with a hybrid V6 engine producing 630 hp, the executive was asked about the future of V8 engines in Audi. Instead of dodging the question, he admitted that he is a fan of the V8. The conversation naturally turned to the prospect of a new Audi R8 that would share a platform with the Lamborghini Temerario. To this, the Audi boss replied:
“Good idea”
and laughed, hinting that work may already be underway.
Praise for the Lamborghini engine
Interestingly, the Audi CEO began praising the powertrain of the younger Lamborghini. Specifically, he said:
“It’s a fantastic V8 engine in the Temerario. 10,000 rpm, a truly outstanding engine. And, as I said, within the Volkswagen Group we have the capabilities to use different technical solutions and combine them… The Concept C is an example of us building a car with character based on the Porsche platform. And the result is a clear Audi, and that is our approach — keeping our customers in mind and finding the right solutions.”
History and prospects
These comments align with previous reports about the R8’s return to the top of the Audi Sport lineup, where the atmospheric V10 of its predecessors will be replaced by a hybrid V8. The original Audi supercar, which appeared in 2006, was closely related to the Lamborghini Gallardo, while the second generation in 2015 became the sibling of the Huracan. Production ended in 2024 without a successor, although Lamborghini introduced the Temerario that same year.
Now it seems that a third generation R8 could become a reality within the next few years, bringing Audi back into the supercar segment. Until the company provides more details, one can look at a speculative render of the new R8 with proper mid-engined proportions and signature side blades.
This development indicates that Audi does not intend to completely abandon petrol supercars, despite the overall push towards electrification. Using the hybrid V8 technology from Lamborghini will not only preserve high performance but also meet modern environmental regulations. It also demonstrates how the internal synergy of the Volkswagen Group can give life to unique models with their own character, like the new R8, which could potentially become a worthy successor to the legendary lineup.