Car magazine brings word of Audi’s plans to update its R8 model, including this mash-up rendering. Due in the first half of 2014 they say the second-generation R8 will lose its iconic sideblades and, more predictably, its manual transmission too. We can only think it would be a cost or time saving measure to drop the sideblades.
The entry level V8 engine and topline V10 are expected to be kept. Of course, power will be increased slightly; expect 450bhp minimum in the V8 and 550bhp for the V10. It seems strange that the new 382kW V8 from the S8 doesn’t appear to be slated for introduction until a mid-cycle refresh. We’ll keep a watching brief on that one.
Currently the R8’s frame is 100% aluminium, but the introduction of carbon fibre to the new model is expected to help reduce weight by around 100kg overall. Both the new R8 and next-gen Lamborghini Gallardo (due in 2013) will continue to be based on Audi’s modular sports car system. Although third-gen models are expected to be built on a Porsche-developed platform when the time comes.
Before any of this happens the current R8 will receive a light makeover, which will include, finally, the introduction or a proper double-clutch transmission. The R tronic for the R8 will have seven gears and can be mated to a mildly warmed over V10 offering 540bhp.
[Source: Car]
6 replies on “Next-gen Audi R8 due in 2014”
Looks suspiciously like another car within the VAG group to me, side intakes, long nose etc hmmmmm wonder if it has scissor doors
Yep, there’s a bit of e-tron in there too.
http://www.ausmotive.com/images2/Audi-e-tron-Detroit-10s.jpg
doesn’t look to bad… if i had a spare 200mil i would think about adding this to my collection,…
Call me old fashioned but I prefer the current version over this. And why get rid of the manual? Its the R-tronic that needed to be ditched.
Looks like a lamborghini with new lights Android Android audi badge
[…] plans to give its stunning R8 some minor cosmetic work before the next-gen model appears sometime around 2014, or maybe even 2015. These spy shots give us a few clues of what to […]