The new Audi R8 will be a hybrid

The next generation of the Audi R8 will have to adapt to the new emissions regulations, so everything points to it being a hybrid

The Audi R8 is one of the most iconic supercars of this century, and it was a bold statement from the brand with the rings, showing they could stand face to face with the greats. However, new emissions regulations are making life very difficult for cars of this kind and, above all, for their engines – the current generation on sale uses a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10.

Therefore, vehicles of this type have to take on their role in today’s world: they must evolve or die. There were already rumours suggesting that the next generation of the Audi R8 could be electric, a prospect that made the purists tear their hair out.

The representative of the brand’s sports division has stated that developing an electrified powertrain is no problem at all, something made clear by models such as the Audi e-tron we tested. However, the great challenge when developing a supercar is that weight cannot be allowed to spiral, and battery packs do nothing to help with that at all.

The solution is clear: the Audi R8 will be a hybrid

Consequently, it seems that the solution could also come through hybridisation, and according to Oliver Hoffman, head of Audi Sport, “electrification will be one of its defining features”. With this information we can share some great news: a third generation is confirmed, so the rumours that the Audi R8 might be dying out disappear completely.

Therefore, it seems that hybridisation would be the perfect solution for reducing emissions, because although these engines also need batteries to supply power to the electric part, they are nowhere near as large as those in a full electric car.

Another problem with the new Audi R8 being electric is that its price would also rise. This has been one of the main issues with the current generation, since its price increased because the only engine available is the V10.

The near confirmation that the Audi R8 will be a hybrid comes from Oliver Hoffman, who said, “the new generation will be built at the Audi Sport plant in Böllinger Höfe”. You might be wondering what this means, but what if we told you it is the same factory where the Audi e-tron GT will be assembled? Coincidence? We don’t think so…