Audi's global boss has hinted that the iconic R8 mid-engined supercar might be making a return, and this next-generation model could be powered by the Lamborghini Temerario's astonishing hybrid V8
The brand's CEO Gernot Dollner revealed that despite tightening emissions laws, he still had the V8s on his mind.
"I'm a big fan of the V8," he said, according to Motor1.
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Audi is in the process of replacing the revered 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in its high-performance saloons and SUVs with more efficient V6 hybrids.
We've seen the Audi RS5 move from using a V8 10 years ago to a V6 plug-in hybrid in the just-launched new generation, Future versions of RS6, and others, are expected to also follow suit.
But it appears there will still be a place for the V8, which Dollner admires. The new Lamborghini Temerario plug-in hybrid uses the same V8 paired with three electric motors.
"There's no restriction to an engine like that," Dollner said.
He's not joking. The V8 in the Temerario can rev to 10,000 rpm, which is higher than any V8 production supercar has been able to hit. The output of the PHEV system is outrageous. The combined output of the V8 and motors in the Temerario is 676kW and the 0-100km/h sprint is over in 2.7 seconds.
The same platform could easily be used for a new-gen R8 - Lamborghinis and Audi R8s have shared the same platform in the past.
Production of the Audi R8 ended in 2024 after an 18-year run and during that time was powered by the V8 and a V10, also used by Lamborghini in its supercars.
Whether a new Audi R8 actually happens will be down to demand, and of course Dollner.
Emissions laws may not be the barrier some might think.
Last year Audi Australian boss Jeff Mannering told CarsGuide the existence of more and more hybrids and EVs such as the Q4 and Q6 electric SUVs in the range means a couple of V8 models can be included without exceeding the overall fleet emissions limits.
"A BEV, a PHEV, an ICE car - if you look at the market this is why the Q4 and Q6 are so important because it adds volume to BEVs, but we need plug-in hybrids as well because of those C02 targets," he said.
