AUDI is bringing back a legendary car – but the first look isn’t sitting well with everyone.
After a brief production break in 2023, the iconic model is getting a major upgrade, with Audi now working on a next-generation car packed with hybrid technology.
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Audi’s new model R8 will share technology with Lamborghini’s latest supercar, the Temerario, reported Autocar.
Past R8 models have been linked to the Gallardo and Huracán.
However, not everyone was impressed by the initial design.
Fans have called the render “hideous” and are urging Audi to stick closer to the original R8’s look.
“The first generation was legendary. The second lost its way. We need an updated Gen 1, not this,” One fan commented.
“As long as it doesn’t look this hideous, it’s good,” another added.
Others argue that Audi should skip hybrids altogether and release an all-electric R8 instead.
“A full EV R8 would be the only Audi I’d consider,” one driver noted.
The upcoming R8 is set to be Audi’s most powerful road car yet, featuring a plug-in hybrid system, according to Car and Driver.
The car is expected to have a 4.0-liter V8 engine with twin turbos, giving it 789 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, similar to the Lamborghini version.
The car will have three electric motors, one between the engine and gearbox, and two at the front, boosting the total power to 907 horsepower, making it extremely powerful.
It’s expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds, with a top speed surpassing 200 mph.
A small 3.8-kWh battery will allow for limited electric driving, though its range will be minimal.
Audi could push these numbers even further, with high-performance versions of the R8 potentially nearing 1,000 horsepower.
Cars being discontinued for 2025 and 2026
Dozens of cars won’t make it to the 2025 model year, including sedans, some SUVs, and sports cars.
Cars that are on the chopping block for next year are:
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (sedan)
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (SUV)
- Audi A4 (sedan)
- Audi A5 Coupe/Cabrio (2-door sedan)
- BMW X3M (SUV)
- BMW M8 Coupe
- Bugatti Chiron
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Ferarri SF90 Stradale
- Ferarri 812 GTS
- Fisker Ocean (EV)
- Ford Escape
- Ford Edge
- Ford Transit Trail
- Infiniti Q50
- Jaguar XE and XF sedans
- Jaguar F-Type
- Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV and E-Pace
- Lamborghini Huracán
- Maserati Ghibli
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Mini Clubman
- Nissan Altima
- Nissan GT-R
- Nissan Titan
- Ram 1500 TRX
- Toyota Supra (4-cylinder)
- Toyota Venza
- Volvo S60
Set to launch in late 2027, the R8 will be available in both coupe and convertible variants.
Audi might call the hybrid supercar “e-tron” as part of its move towards more electric vehicles.
The car is also expected to be the foundation for Audi’s future race cars, which will compete in events like Le Mans and Nürburgring.
Whether Audi sticks to its hybrid plans or adapts to the feedback, the return of the R8 is already fueling plenty of debate.
An Audi spokesperson told The U.S. Sun that while the company is always evaluating future product opportunities, they cannot comment on specific plans at this time.
They noted that the R8 holds a special place in Audi’s history.
“We always evaluate future product opportunities and the R8 holds a special place in our history on the track and in many garages in the U.S. and around the world.”
