After bidding farewell to the iconic R8 in 2023, Audi is reportedly set to reintroduce its supercar with a third-generation model in 2027. Reports indicate that the revived R8 will share its DNA with the Lamborghini Temerario, a plug-in hybrid supercar, ensuring that Audi’s high-performance lineage remains intact. This collaboration, reminiscent of the original R8’s ties to the Gallardo and its successor’s partnership with the Huracán, is set to create Audi’s most potent and technologically advanced road-legal supercar yet.
Re-Engineering a Supercar Legend
The new Audi R8 is expected to feature the Temerario’s chassis, drivetrain, and electronics, customized for a refined and accessible driving experience. Lamborghini’s plug-in hybrid technology will underpin the R8, blending high-revving performance with electrification. The powerhouse of this beast will be a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, generating 789 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. Accompanied by three axial-flux electric motors—two on the front axle and one integrated with the dual-clutch gearbox—the system will produce a staggering combined output of 907 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is expected to propel the R8 from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds, with a top speed exceeding 200 mph.
A 3.8 kWh lithium-ion battery will provide a brief yet functional electric-only driving range. The use of plug-in hybrid technology aligns with Audi’s broader strategy to transition toward electrification while still catering to enthusiasts who crave the visceral experience of internal combustion engines.
Performance Meets Everyday Usability
Audi’s R8 has always struck a balance between supercar performance and daily drivability. Unlike the more track-focused Lamborghini Temerario, the R8 will emphasize comfort and usability without compromising performance. The third-generation R8 will likely be available in both coupe and convertible variants, ensuring versatility for different driving preferences.
The supercar’s architecture will be based on Lamborghini’s newly developed aluminum spaceframe, which features a 50% reduction in components and an 80% decrease in welds compared to the outgoing Huracán and second-generation R8. This advancement improves structural rigidity by 25%, enhancing handling and responsiveness.
Inside, the R8 is expected to integrate cutting-edge digital displays, driver-assistance features, and a redesigned cockpit focused on enhancing the driving experience. Audi’s design evolution, guided by its new Chief Creative Officer, Massimo Frascella, will likely introduce a futuristic aesthetic while maintaining the signature R8 identity.
Electrification and Motorsport Ambitions
Audi is considering branding the new R8 as the ‘R8 e-tron,’ reinforcing its push toward electrification. This move aligns with industry trends, as rival manufacturers like Mercedes-AMG and Porsche have incorporated hybridization into their high-performance lineups. While an all-electric R8 successor remains a possibility for the distant future, the upcoming plug-in hybrid model ensures that Audi remains competitive in the evolving supercar landscape.
The return of the R8 also has significant implications for Audi’s motorsport ambitions. The supercar is expected to serve as the foundation for future FIA-homologated race cars, which will compete in prestigious endurance events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi’s storied history in endurance racing will gain new momentum with the next-generation R8 leading the charge.
Strategic Positioning and Market Impact
The new R8 will face competition from the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Mercedes-AMG GT, and McLaren Artura. However, Audi’s unique blend of everyday usability, cutting-edge hybrid technology, and extreme performance will position the R8 as a compelling choice for supercar enthusiasts.
By leveraging the Lamborghini Temerario’s underpinnings while maintaining Audi’s signature characteristics, the third-generation R8 will continue the legacy of one of the most beloved supercars in modern automotive history. With production set to take place at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe facility in Germany, the return of the R8 in 2027 marks a bold new chapter for Audi’s high-performance division.
