It must be a rather mind-numbing job working at Audi’s design division in recent years, especially if your assignment orbits around replacing or updating existing models and not conceptual or completely new projects.
Of course, some will like Audi’s way of implementing incremental styling changes (think TT Mk3), others will be indifferent and some will reject this process and look elsewhere for their automotive needs.
Fact is, the second-generation R8 supercar will maintain the look, feel and shape of the current car, modernizing some details and making others look more menacing, like the slimmer headlamp and grille assembly.
One area where the R8 might tear up the manual is the interior, where Audi’s designers seem to have more freedom for creativity. Our spies have yet to snatch a stationary R8 prototype, but when they do, we expect to find a large display in the driver’s instrument cluster, much like the new TT, which should bring a more futuristic air to the car.
The new chassis, shared to some extent with the Lamborghini Huracan, blends the use of aluminum and carbon fiber for the rear firewall and transmission tunnel, to shave a few dozen pounds over the current R8.
We don’t anticipate any surprises in the powertrain department, as sources say that Audi will stick to revised versions of the current model’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 and 5.2-liter V10 units. While we know for sure that all-wheel drive will be standard, the question remains whether the next R8 will come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic only, or if a manual will be on offer as well.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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