Audi has not closed the book on the R8. Even so, the German brand made one thing clear: another generation would need strong financial logic behind the project, along with a different type of powertrain than before.
The last R8 left production two years ago. Since then, Audi approved the fully electric Concept C for production, scheduled for next year. Company executives stressed the new model does not replace the old supercar directly. Reports claiming a new R8 would arrive in 2027 were also dismissed during recent comments from Audi Sport leadership.
Audi Sport managing director spoke with Australian publication Go Auto about the subject. He explained a future flagship performance model would require plug-in-hybrid hardware due to tightening emissions laws. Building an all-new combustion engine for a low-volume sports car no longer makes economic sense from Audi’s perspective. So yes, the formula changes immediately.
Audi also believes buyers are becoming more receptive toward electrified supercars. Some enthusiasts still prefer naturally aspirated V8 or V10 engines mounted behind the cabin, though the company argues hybrid systems still preserve internal-combustion character while adding electric-only driving capability. The recently revealed RS5 already pushed Audi deeper into the performance plug-in-hybrid segment. The upcoming RS6 follows a similar route with a gasoline engine paired to an electric motor.
There is another issue. Money.
Audi executives admitted every future sports car project needs realistic earnings potential, especially during a period shaped by regulations and costly development programs. According to those comments, image value alone would not justify spending linked to a new halo car. Audi appears unwilling to repeat the old approach without stronger business fundamentals supporting the idea.
A partnership with Lamborghini sounds far more realistic. Previous R8 generations shared architecture with the Gallardo and Huracan. Today, attention shifts toward the Lamborghini Temerario, whose twin-turbocharged V8 revs to 10,000 rpm. Audi insiders hinted another R8 would likely follow a collaborative route again rather than a stand-alone development process. At the same time, the Temerario program was created entirely by Lamborghini, with no mechanically related third-generation R8 currently planned.
Audi’s priorities sit elsewhere too, at least for now. The company already approved the Concept C, while future projects such as the next-generation Q7, the first-ever Q9, and the return of the A2 demand attention. Audi also prepares new two-door electric models linked to the upcoming Porsche Boxster and Cayman EVs. Those vehicles introduce a revised design direction along with interiors bringing physical controls back into focus.
So the R8 name survives, though only barely.
