Before saying goodbye to the ICE-powered R8, Audi has officially given the iconic model one final sendoff with a video showcasing the subtle evolution through the generations. Gated six-speed manuals and naturally aspirated V10s, watch the German supercar strut its stuff through the ages here.
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It all started at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The Le Mans Quattro concept served as the potent beginning to what culminated in the R8 three years on. Now, Audi USA has released a video showcasing the R8 and how it has subtly evolved over the years into the potent V10-powered model we have said goodbye to in 2023.
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In a recent video titled “The Last Lap,” Audi showcasing various R8 versions throughout the years, fans of the supercar were given the opportunity to contribute by selecting shooting locations, storyline, and soundtrack preferences. The video features a diverse range of R8s, including an early version with the coveted six-speed manual gearbox, the hardcore GT based on the first-generation model, and the 2023 GT RWD, which serves as the swan song for the R8. Notably absent from the lineup is the lesser-known fully electric E-Tron version, produced in limited quantities at a high price.
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Looking ahead, the V10 engine, part of the Volkswagen Group, is set to be retired next year with the last Huracan rolling off the assembly line. However, Oliver Hoffmann, head of Technical Development at Audi, has hinted at a third generation for the R8, likely transitioning to a fully electric supercar on the VW Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).
In contrast, Lamborghini is planning a combustion engine replacement for the Huracan, expected to feature a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged V8. Reports suggest it will incorporate an electric motor and a dual-clutch, eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite this, the R8 is set to skip this setup and proceed directly to a full electric vehicle (EV), with Lamborghini expressing financial capability to proceed independently without sharing costs with Audi.
Watch “The Last Lap” Below.
