A few days ago, Audi confirmed that the R8 will be replaced by a fully electric model but before the current generation reaches the end of its lifecycle, we are going to see another and possibly track-focused variant as the last hurrah of the V10 engine.
When asked by Top Gear about the possibility of a special edition for the R8, Sebastian Grams, Managing Director at Audi Sport GmbH, said that they have “plans to do more”, confirming that “there will definitely be more to come on this generation of R8 platform” as they “have enough ideas for the future”.
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We don’t know if the new version of the German supercar will mark the return of the R8 GT (2010-2013) nameplate as the rumors suggest, but it will likely be more powerful, faster, and better handling compared to its predecessors. If it is indeed a track-focused special edition, then we should expect a more aggressive aero kit inspired by the racing versions of the R8 (GT2, GT3, GT4), combined with stiffer suspension, beefier brakes, and weight-saving measures.
Speaking of weight, it won’t be surprising if Audi chooses the RWD layout for the last hurrah of the V10 prioritizing driving fun. This was also hinted by Sebastian Grams who while speaking for the upcoming model stated: “as you can see from the R8 with rear-wheel drive we are trying to bring ‘fun-to-drive’ to the front”.
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The Audi R8 LMS GT2 that debuted in 2019 is one of the craziest-looking racing variants of the supercar. It is also the most powerful racing variant with 630 hp (471 kW / 640 PS) from the 5.2-liter V10 and RWD.
Audi is currently offering the R8 exclusively in Performance guise with AWD or RWD, and Coupe or Spyder bodystyle. Looking at the mid-engined supercar’s storyline, it is evident that we are getting close to the end of the current model’s lifecycle. Following the 2003 Audi Le Mans Quatro concept, the first-gen R8 was introduced in 2006 and received a facelift in 2012, while the second-gen debuted in 2015 and was facelifted in 2018.
As for special editions, in 2019 Audi launched the R8 Decennium in a limited production of 222 units, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the V10 engine, while in 2020 they launched the R8 Green Hell Edition in 50 units paying tribute to the five victories of the R8 LMS at the Nürburgring. Both of those models had some visual tweaks but produced the standard 612 hp (456 kW / 620 PS) of the naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 while featuring quattro AWD.
As reported by Top Gear, the final edition of Audi’s mid-engined supercar is expected in autumn 2022, remaining on sale until the discontinuation of the V10-powered R8 range in 2023.
