New Audi R8 Likely To Return In 2027 With Lamborghini’s V8 Hybrid!

The Audi R8 may not be gone for good. According to recent media reports, Audi is considering bringing its flagship supercar back with a plug-in hybrid V8, potentially sourced from Lamborghini’s latest supercar. 

While Audi has not officially confirmed any details, multiple sources suggest that the next-generation R8 could arrive as early as 2027. With the increase in efforts to update the Porsche 911 and the Mercedes-AMG GT-R, the Audi R8’s re-entry is highly possible by the Ingolstadt brand.

The new Audi R8 may borrow its powertrain from the Lamborghini Temerario. This means the new R8 could feature a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid, supported by three electric motors, delivering a potential combined output of around 920 hp. If the reports are accurate, the new R8 could become one of Audi’s most powerful production cars ever.

The Lamborghini version of this powertrain allows for electrified all-wheel drive, with two motors set up in the front and the third motor placed between the engine and the transmission. Audi could modify this architecture to suit the brand’s Quattro all-wheel-drive tech to enhance the upcoming supercar’s handling capabilities. 

Another speculation suggests that, instead of the Huracan-based platform used in the previous R8, the next-generation R8 could be built on the same aluminium spaceframe as the Lamborghini Temerario. This structure reportedly offers a 25% increase in rigidity, improving handling and high-speed stability.

Audi would likely differentiate its design from Lamborghini’s, focusing on a sleek, everyday-use supercar appeal rather than the sharp-edged aggression of its Italian cousin. Additionally, much like its predecessor, the new R8 could be available in both coupe and cabriolet forms, maintaining its legacy as a driver-friendly yet high-performance machine.

Audi’s future strategy heavily focuses on electrification, with many models transitioning to fully electric platforms. The current RS e-tron GT already fills the role of an electric performance car, which raises the question: Why would Audi bring back the R8 as a hybrid instead of an EV?

The reported hybrid approach could be Audi’s way of extending high-performance combustion engines for as long as regulations allow. A plug-in hybrid R8 would balance sustainability with performance, offering buyers the emotion of a petrol-powered engine while integrating instant torque from electric motors.

When Audi showcased the PB 18 e-tron, it was widely seen as a preview of what an all-electric R8 replacement could look like. However, despite the hype, Audi never put it into production. Instead, the company focused on electric sedans and SUVs under its e-tron lineup while keeping the R8’s combustion-powered V10 alive until 2024.

As the PB 18 e-tron’s architecture is suited for a full-electric powertrain, it is highly unlikely that Audi will use it as the base to revive the new R8. The plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain will need an ICE design approach as compared to the simple EV platform of the PB 18.

The Audi R8 debuted in 2006, inspired by Audi’s Le Mans racing success. The first generation (2006-2015) featured a 4.2-litre V8 and later a 5.2-litre V10 sourced from the Lamborghini Gallardo, with a manual gated shifter becoming a highlight. The second generation (2015-2023) improved performance with a refined V10, dropping the manual for a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It introduced rear-wheel-drive variants and advanced digital cockpit technology. 

Production ended in early 2024 as Audi moved towards electrification. The R8 remains one of the most accessible and iconic supercars, praised for its balance of performance, technology, and everyday usability.

The possibility of the Audi R8 making a comeback as a hybrid supercar is gaining traction. Reports indicate that Audi is actively exploring this option, but until an official announcement is made, the future of the R8 remains uncertain. Watch out, Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz GT-R!

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