Will the Audi R8 Return?

It’s been a year since the last Audi R8 rolled off the production line. While Lamborghini has already replaced the Huracán with the new Temerario, Audi has yet to introduce a direct successor.

But just when it seemed like the R8 was gone for good, new reports suggest that Audi might be planning a comeback. Even more surprising? The next R8 could still feature an internal combustion engine.

According to Autocar, the next-generation R8 is expected to return by late 2027. The project has reportedly been approved by Audi’s CEO, though when media outlets reached out for confirmation, the company declined to comment. However, rumors suggest that the new R8 will share the same platform as the Temerario and adopt a V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain—a move that wouldn’t be surprising.

A Delayed Comeback

While previous R8 models were developed alongside the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracán, this time, Audi’s new supercar is expected to arrive a few years after the Temerario’s debut. That’s because Lamborghini developed the Temerario independently, without Audi’s involvement. In recent years, Lamborghini has been thriving financially, no longer needing to split development costs with Audi. In fact, Lamborghini surpassed Bentley in 2024, delivering 10,700 cars—over 100 more than Bentley.

Compared to the Temerario, the R8 has always been the more approachable supercar. Given that it will arrive later, the next R8 will likely be based on an upgraded version of the Temerario’s platform. The first model is expected to be the R8 Performance, and with the Temerario’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and three electric motors producing 920 horsepower, it’s entirely possible that the new R8 could surpass 1,000 horsepower.

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Five years ago, Audi introduced the PB18 e-tron, a pure-electric supercar concept, but it has remained in the prototype stage. Perhaps the new R8 will incorporate some of its design elements.

Originally designed under Marc Lichte, the PB18 e-tron took a fully electric approach. However, since Audi is now expected to use a V8 plug-in hybrid + three-motor powertrain, significant changes to the chassis and dimensions would be required to make it work.

Shifting Priorities at Audi

Last August, Audi largely abandoned its goal of becoming an all-electric brand by 2033. The company’s CEO emphasized the need for “flexibility,” as EV adoption has been slower than expected. More recently, the German business newspaper Handelsblatt reported that Audi and Volkswagen plan to invest further in internal combustion engines. This means the next-generation R8 could be one of Audi’s final models with a combustion engine—alongside the long-rumored three-row Q9 SUV.

Why Bring Back the R8?

Bringing back the R8 isn’t just about performance—it’s about brand identity. Lamborghini has already done the heavy lifting by developing the Temerario’s advanced hybrid system, which meets stricter emissions standards. This means the high-revving, flat-plane crank V8 could be shared across Volkswagen Group’s high-performance models.

But if Audi always planned to bring back the R8, why didn’t they develop their own supercar alongside Lamborghini’s Temerario? One possible reason is that Audi was still focused on an all-electric future at the time. Another is that the R8 was never a massive profit generator. From 2007 to 2024, Audi sold 44,418 units—not a game-changing number in terms of revenue. Instead, the R8’s role was always to elevate Audi’s prestige and draw customers to models like the A4.

Now, Audi is pivoting towards the high-end luxury market. Even if overall sales decline, the company’s goal is to raise prices and solidify its premium status. In this context, bringing back the R8 makes perfect sense.

Image credit: motor1