Just when we thought it’s gone for good, new rumours are pointing at the return of the Audi R8, but this time as a hybrid. According to a report by Autocar, the beloved supercar will coming back with a Lamborghini powerplant in its rear – and it might be Audi’s most powerful R8 yet!
The publication says that Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has already green lit the development of the next-generation R8 for its tentative revival in 2027. The revival of the Four Rings’ supercar is reportedly already agreed between the Audi board and Volkswagen Group parent company, as part of the former’s plans to transition to an all-electric line-up.
Of course, this isn’t the first time that an Audi supercar has shared some components from a Lamborghini. If you remember, the Gallardo and the original R8 were twins from different mothers, and both cars mechanically share the same components as each other. The second-generation Audi R8 was also based on the Lamborghini Huracan.
According to the report, the next-generation Audi R8 will be based on the Lamborghini Temerario, and will also be using the Huracán successor’s twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 800 hp and 729 Nm of torque. Paired to a 3.8 kWh lithium-ion hybrid battery pack and two front motors, the next-gen Audi R8 could make upwards of 920 hp in total, Just as the Temerario does.
Aside from the engine, the R8 is also expected to take the Temarario’s chassis, electronics, and key structural elements.
While we don’t know the full performance details of the next-generation Audi R8 yet, we can at least base it on the Lamborghini Temerario that will serve as its foundation.
With a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration, 0-100 km/h is easily accomplished by the Temarario taking just 2.7 seconds. After that, it tops out at its maximum rated speed of 343 km/h. So expect similar numbers for the future Audi R8, should it be revealed by Audi in 2027.
RELATED: Lamborghini Temerario debuts as Huracán successor – 4.0L twin turbo V8 PHEV, 907hp
Discontinued in 2023 and the very last one built in 2024, the Audi R8 housed a Lamborghini-made 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine that can put down 620 hp and 580 Nm of torque to all four wheels.
Mated to a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission, the Audi R8 – either in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations – is capable of a century sprint time of 3.2 seconds and 330 km/h top speed.
READ: Audi R8 bows out after 2023, “something special” to debut September 12
