The upcoming Audi R8 will be continuing the tradition of being based upon a Lambo for the third time running.
For those who can recall the era of the Lamborghini Gallardo, they will likely also fondly remember that its parent company Audi handily helped itself to a few bits and bobs to create its own supercar — the R8. And it seems that history is set to repeat itself, as the successor to the aforementioned quad-ringed halo car is currently rumoured to be based upon the underpinnings of the new Temerario PHEV baby bull!
While initially expected that Audi would launch a fully electric supercar, the latest reports instead suggest it will now go down the plug-in hybrid route. Also, aside from the rumour that it will likely share the same 907 hp twin-turbo and tri-motor 4.0-litre V8 currently situated in the middle of the Temerario, what is perhaps more tantalising is that this upcoming third-gen R8 has supposedly already “progressed beyond the feasibility stage,” with a debut possibly on the horizon come late 2027.
It is currently understood that this upcoming Audi supercar is expected to use the drivetrain, electronics, and key structural elements of the Temerario. Though in order to differentiate it from its Lambo twin, this upcoming R8 will likely feature a uniquely Audi exterior and interior design.
Much like past R8s too, it is expected that this upcoming Audi PHEV supercar will also place a greater emphasis on everyday usability. It has nevertheless been reported however that the German marque is keen to take this upcoming model racing, with it once again spearheading the brand’s involvement in key endurance racing events such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Furthermore, the return of the R8 in 2027 is supposedly set to coincide with the launch of more powerful Temerario variants, which in turn means a possible successor to the R8 Performance could conceivably push the supercar’s top-end output close to 1,000 horsepower.
The R8 first burst onto the scene in 2006 and remained in production until last year, with a total of 45,949 units produced in the intervening time. The first generation was mechanically related to the Lamborghini Gallardo, while the second generation was a sister car to the Huracán.
This upcoming third-gen R8 will reportedly be produced at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe plant, just like its predecessors. Said site is currently churning out Audi’s flagship performance model of the moment: the e-tron GT.
