Audi has confirmed that a replacement for the R8 supercar is under consideration, but that it should be electric like the rest of the brand’s sports cars by 2026.
Until now, Audi remained rather vague on the rest of its program concerning its sports. Rumors have been running for a few years about the arrival of a new electric R8., but also on the total abandonment of the model because of a niche market. Today, we know a little more after the interview with the marketing director of Audi Sport.
80% of the RS range electrified by 2026
Linda Kurz, interviewed by our colleagues from Roadshow, asserted that the challenge of Audi Sport “For the next decade” is of “Transform the R segment”. According to her, this segment of Audi sports cars must adapt to “Become fully electric”. This will ultimately concern the entire RS range (RS3, RS4, RS6, etc.), which should consist of 80% of electrified models (hybrid or electric) by 2026.
According to Linda Kurz, the one that will replace the Audi R8 (and could also abandon this name) will no longer have the right to a combustion engine. This would therefore sign the end of the atmospheric 610 hp V10, yet appreciated by music lovers for its lyrical flights, especially in long tunnels … No hybridization seems to be on the program, since the marketing director of Audi Sport evokes a 100% electric vehicle.
Not a first
Having an electric R8 in the catalog will not be a first for Audi, which has already tried the experiment in 2012. A first generation R8 e-tron was produced in a few copies between 2012 and 2013 after a concept in 2010. Thanks to two electric motors, the cumulative power was 380 hp. In 2015, Audi returns with a second generation R8 e-tron, more elaborate with 462 hp and 450 km of NEDC range. But after a year, Audi stops the costs: the electric car does not appeal, and seems to have been released too early. It was therefore removed from the catalog in 2016 with less than 100 copies produced.
Photo : Audi.
Read also on Auto-Moto:
Audi R8 RWD review: both do the trick
Audi news: all future models until 2025
An American tours the world in an Audi R8
Audi has confirmed that a replacement for the R8 supercar is under consideration, but that it should be electric like the rest of the brand’s sports cars by 2026.
Until now, Audi remained rather vague on the rest of its program concerning its sports. Rumors have been running for a few years about the arrival of a new electric R8., but also on the total abandonment of the model because of a niche market. Today, we know a little more after the interview with the marketing director of Audi Sport.
80% of the RS range electrified by 2026
Linda Kurz, interviewed by our colleagues from Roadshow, asserted that the challenge of Audi Sport “For the next decade” is of “Transform the R segment”. According to her, this segment of Audi sports cars must adapt to “Become fully electric”. This will ultimately concern the entire RS range (RS3, RS4, RS6, etc.), which should consist of 80% of electrified models (hybrid or electric) by 2026.
According to Linda Kurz, the one that will replace the Audi R8 (and could also abandon this name) will no longer have the right to a combustion engine. This would therefore sign the end of the atmospheric 610 hp V10, yet appreciated by music lovers for its lyrical flights, especially in long tunnels … No hybridization seems to be on the program, since the marketing director of Audi Sport evokes a 100% electric vehicle.
Not a first
Having an electric R8 in the catalog will not be a first for Audi, which has already tried the experiment in 2012. A first generation R8 e-tron was produced in a few copies between 2012 and 2013 after a concept in 2010. Thanks to two electric motors, the cumulative power was 380 hp. In 2015, Audi returns with a second generation R8 e-tron, more elaborate with 462 hp and 450 km of NEDC range. But after a year, Audi stops the costs: the electric car does not appeal, and seems to have been released too early. It was therefore removed from the catalog in 2016 with less than 100 copies produced.
Photo : Audi.
Read also on Auto-Moto:
Audi R8 RWD review: both do the trick
Audi news: all future models until 2025
An American tours the world in an Audi R8
