- Audi is reviving the legendary R8, but this time as a high-performance plug-in hybrid.
- The new R8 will share its platform with the Lamborghini Temerario and boast a staggering 907 horsepower.
- Set to launch in 2027, it represents Audi’s most ambitious move so far towards electric supercars.
Cars’ return from production slumber is nothing unusual — Ford revived the Bronco, and Toyota brought back the Supra after nearly two decades. Now, Audi is launching the resurrection of their classic R8, but with a surprising twist: it is a plug-in hybrid, leveraging Lamborghini’s sophisticated technology.
A Partnership Renewed
The newest two-seater continues Audi’s successful supercar alliance with Volkswagen Group’s sibling Lamborghini. The partnership, beginning in 2006 with the R8 and the Gallardo, continues in a fresh phase with the upcoming R8, which is built on the same platform as the Lamborghini Temerario. The previous generations were very successful, with around 45,000 R8s sold globally from 2007 to 2023.
The crux of the design is a powerful powertrain consisting of Lamborghini’s twin-turbocharged V8 engine of 4.0 litres, producing 789 horsepower, aided by three electric motors that are positioned in their optimal positions. Two drive the front axle, with the third situated in between the engine and the dual-clutch transmission, delivering a massive combined power output of 907 horsepower. A compact 3.8 kWh lithium-ion battery supports brief electric-only driving, demonstrating Audi’s dedication to eco-friendly performance.
Performance Without Compromise
Based on a more sophisticated aluminium spaceframe chassis, the R8 is set to be a higher-performing car. Early projections suggest a 0-to-100 km/h acceleration in less than three seconds, with a top speed in excess of 300 km/h. The car is set to be sold in both coupe and convertible versions, with speculation that a “Performance” version could provide more than 1,000 horsepower.
The design of the R8’s new generation has already sparked hot debates among enthusiasts, with its aggressive front-end styling, more air intakes, and modern lighting bringing a dramatic change from the minimalist design of the previous generation. While some critics feel that the new design is a deviation from the clean design of the last generation, others believe that it is a much-needed change that is in sync with the car’s hybrid technology.
The R8’s progression as a hybrid supercar is in line with the broader trend in the industry towards electrification. Scheduled for launch in late 2027, this brand-new R8 is poised to set the benchmarks in the hybrid supercar segment.
