While the Audi R8 has been an excellent halo vehicle for the four-ringed brand, fans hoping for a more extreme version better temper their expectations.
In a recent interview with Top Gear, Audi Sport CEO Stephan Winkelmann said creating an RS crossover is more of a priority than developing a hardcore R8. As the executive explained, “We have the R8, and we will do derivatives in different directions. But we have to create a line-up which is more worldwide-sellable than today’s.”
The not so sporty direction of Audi Sport also appears elsewhere as Winkelmann confirmed “lap times are not my priority.”
The former Lamborghini boss also noted he’s focused on things such as electrification rather than a hypercar to challenge the Mercedes-AMG Project One.
The news will probably be a little disheartening to enthusiasts but Winkelmann did reveal the company is working on several new variants of the R8. While he seemed to imply we can expect a rear-wheel drive model in the future, Winkelmann noted “Quattro as a system is not an option for us. It’s a must.”
Of course, Audi is also working on a new S6 and a high-performance S8, so there are plenty of fast cars coming.
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