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Studies out of the UK declare the Audi R8 sports activities automotive will make a shocking return to showrooms in 2027 as probably the most highly effective road-going Audi ever, packing as a lot as 1000hp (746kW) from a V8-hybrid powertrain as soon as once more derived from sister model, Lamborghini.
Final offered in Australia in 2023, Autocar says a brand new two-seat R8 coupe and roadster is on the way in which – competing with the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT – utilizing underpinnings and key parts from the Lamborghini Temerario.
Whereas not formally confirmed, it means the third technology R8 will comply with the identical recipe as its predecessors, which used the platform and powertrains from the Lamborghini Gallardo (first technology) and Lamborghini Huracan (second technology).
The union comes as Lamborghini and Audi are each a part of Volkswagen Group.
MORE: That is the final Audi R8 V10
The Huracan went off sale right here in 2024 – bowing out in Lamborghini’s finest Australian gross sales yr in historical past – with the Temerario due within the second half of 2026.
The report from Autocar instructed the R8 will comply with in 2027 utilizing the Temerario’s hybrid powertrain, which sees a 595kW/729Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 and three axial-flux motors for a mixed 907bhp (676kW).
That compares to a peak of 470kW within the earlier Audi R8 LMS GT2 – a track-only model produced for the model’s buyer racing enterprise, which it closed on the finish of 2023 in favour of getting into F1.
The R8’s return is reportedly borne of the need for Audi to once more compete in lengthy distance racing at occasions together with the Nurburgring 24 Hours – which it has gained 4 occasions – and the Bathurst 12 Hour, which it has gained on three events.
MORE: Audi R8 V10 manufacturing prolonged for 3 months
Probably the most highly effective road-going model so far is the 2022 R8 V10 Efficiency, with its 5.2-litre V10 producing 449kW/650Nm by means of a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized and all-wheel drive.
The Temerario – and if right, subsequently third-generation R8 – affords all-wheel drive with the mid-mounted V8 driving the rear axle and two electrical motors on the entrance axle.
The third electrical motor sits between the V8 and an eight-speed dual-clutch computerized as a generator, recouping vitality beneath braking.
Autocar suggests the R8 will arrive when stronger fashions of the Temerario hit showrooms, main the report back to surmise Efficiency fashions of the brand new R8 might hit 1000hp (746kW).
MORE: Audi’s “particular” send-off for the R8 is a social-media video
This could topple probably the most highly effective Audi but, the 912bhp (680kW) RS E-tron GT – and out-perform its 3.3-second 0-100km/h dash and method the Lamborghini’s 210mph (338km/h) high pace.
The transfer to hybrid-electric sports activities vehicles is per strikes from different manufacturers within the Volkswagen Group, together with Porsche, which launched the primary hybrid model of the enduring Porsche 911 due right here within the first three months of 2025.
Equally, the Mercedes-AMG GT line-up is constructed round a hybrid model of its twin-turbo V8, whereas the McLaren W1 hybrid will go head-to-head with the upcoming 2025 Ferrari F80 883kW V6 hybrid, which is due in Australia within the fourth quarter (October-December) 2025.
The publish Audi R8 to return with 1000hp V8 hybrid – report appeared first on Drive.
