The next-generation Audi R8 will most likely adopt a hybrid powertrain, Top Gear reports.
As sure as the sun will rise it’s inevitable that the R8 supercar will live through to a third-generation and the British publication recently had the opportunity to sit down with Audi Sport managing director Oliver Hoffman about what form this new supercar will take.
“There’s no decision yet regarding the technology and platform of the next-generation R8. But with this next generation we have to fulfill all the regulations worldwide,” Hoffman said. “That means it will be a car with an electrification part. But the current model is the base model for our customer racing and we have to fulfill that demand in the future.”
Based on this statement from Hoffman, Top Gear believes Audi will make sure the next-generation R8 honors its commitment to racing and that this likely means it will be a hybrid rather than fully-electric, news that should excite enthusiasts.
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“We work very closely with the guys from motorsport regarding battery technology, regarding power electronics and so on. So for us this is a good chance to get experience from our sports guys, and we bring it in our series cars,” Hoffman added.
It is understood that like Lamborghini with the Huracan, Audi is probably very keen to keep a V10 engine in its flagship supercar and to do so will add some form of electrification. If this is what happens, the next-generation R8 will retain a key point of difference over rivals that feature twin-turbocharged V8 engines.
Interestingly, the new Audi R8 could have its performance eclipsed by the upcoming Audi e-tron GT that’s expected to have upwards of 800 hp. Hoffman says Audi Sport customers are continually demanding more and more power and is confident that electrification is the way to make this happen.
“There’s a high demand from our customers for more and more power. And electrification is a foundation for our future. In terms of meeting all the regulations worldwide, but also to increase power. So with electrification we have the chance to increase the full system power. I remember a few years ago that everybody was talking about downsizing and decreasing weight and we don’t need to, there’s still a high demand of power from our customers. And we have the chance to fulfil this demand with electrification in the platform.”
