Audi R8 Rumoured to Return as Sensible Twin of Lamborghini Temerario

• Third generation R8 to be a plug-in hybrid supercar
• Expected to produce more than 900 horsepower
• Due in 2027 with coupe and convertible body styles

For a first-timer, Audi struck gold with its wedge-shaped R8 which continued for two generations and remains one of the most desirable supercars ever. However, with a focus on electrification and SUVs, the R8 was allowed to slowly make a graceful exit with the release of a limited-edition R8 GT model (pictured) and its successor never came.

Now, the rumour mill suggests that the tables have turned and that a new generation R8 is already in the works surpassing the feasibility stage while being primed for production.

Both Drive.com.au and Autocar have reported that the new R8 is backed by Audi Chairman Gernot Döllner and will be coming in sooner rather than later as the German brand tries to navigate the tricky waters of global emissions laws while re-igniting some of its internal combustion-engined portfolio. What we know right now is that the next generation R8 would be an attempt to claw back the sporty image of the brand after a raft of electrified products while also extending the life of its ICE range. If it did come back, it would surely serve as a softened version of the recently released Lamborghini Temerario.

The new R8 is reportedly the result of an agreement between Audi and the Volkswagen Group overlords to expand the performance hybrid range. Speaking of which, just like the first two generations, the new R8 would be the more sensible twin of the Lamborghini Temerario and would also be a plug-in hybrid with a lot of power.

This means the new R8 would have more power than the earlier V10 version and return to a V8 configuration with the architecture, electronics and chassis being shared with its Italian sibling.

The raucous twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 in the Temerario would be adjusted with three electric motors, including one between the engine and the standard fit dual-clutch automatic with more than 900 bhp to boot. The new R8 would also have a four-wheel-drive system as standard and the 3.8kWh lithium-ion battery will provide nearly 10kms of electric range for those noiseless early morning starts to not wake up the entire neighbourhood.

Future performance-focused versions will also easily dethrone the RS e-Tron GT, which is the current fastest vehicle wearing the four rings.

Compared to its predecessors, the new R8 will have a more radical styling theme and would be wider along with new styling details being thrown into the mix. Hence, just like the Temerario, expect the new R8 to have a more sculptured look and the interior would be more practical as well along with the latest technology.

Currently, Audi is said to be toying with the idea of calling it the R8 e-Tron with both coupe and convertible body styles also in the offing.

Reports online suggest that more news to be announced on this one soon and we should expect an arrival by 2027 at the earliest along with a substantial price increase over the final edition models of the earlier generation R8 models. During its entire lifecycle, the previous R8s have sold nearly 45,000 units globally but also worked as a halo model for the German luxury carmaker. Plus, with Audi now dabbling in endurance racing, the arrival of a new generation model will foster further excitement for the brand.