We can hear the chorus of “Oh, for evolution’s sake…” travelling from Ingolstadt to Los Angeles and beyond, as these first spy shots of an actual prototype of the next R8 strongly suggest that Audi will pull another “TT” out of its hat with the next R8.
You really have to make an effort to see the changes to the design of the second-generation of Audi’s halo car. Sure, you’ll find a few tweaks here and there, sharper lines and thinner lights, but the overall sense is that of similarity.
There are no pictures of the interior (yet), though, you can rest assured that Audi will replace the current R8’s traditional instrument cluster with a fully customizable TFT LCD screen incorporating the infotainment and navigation displays.
It’s no secret that the next R8 shares its underpinnings with the new Lamborghini Huracan, with both cars riding on the VW Group’s modular sports-car architecture called MSS. And just like its Italian brethren, the R8 will benefit from a weight reduction too.
For its motivation, we hear that at launch, the next R8 will soldier on with improved versions of the current car’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 and 5.2-liter V10 units mounted behind the driver with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and Audi’s quattro system transferring power to all four wheels.
Audi officials have admitted that they are also exploring the possibility of adding a smaller displacement turbocharged engine(s) later in the car’s life.
We should see the new R8 breaking cover next year.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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