Next-generation Audi R8 will be electrified

Monday, 17 February 2020

Audi's next generation of its R8 supercar will come with some degree of electrification, Audi Sport Managing director, Oliver Hoffman, has revealed.

'There's no decision yet regarding the technology and platform of the next-generation R8. But with this next generation we have to fulfil all the regulations worldwide. That means it will be a car with an electrification part,' Hoffmann told Top Gear in an interview.

Electrifying the R8 means power can increase while decreasing overall emissions.

If it goes fully electric, the next R8 could look a bit like the PB18 concept pictured here.

However, the challenge for Audi Sport's engineers will be keeping the vehicle's mass down, as current electric tech carries a sizeable weight penalty.

**READ MORE:

The current generation of R8 might be the last hurrah for its mighty V10 engine.

* Twenty new Audi EVs on their way to New Zealand

* The five times that Audi almost made the R8 supercar

* Alpha Audi R8 V10 Plus is an unholy supercar

* Audi reveals new R8 Spyder at New York Auto Show**

Hoffmann didn't say whether the new R8 will be fully electric, like the PB18 e-tron concept, or a hybrid of some sort.

He had previously indicated that Audi Sport wants to keep the V10 but restrictive emissions combined with low sales volume might not allow the big donk a third generation.

If Audi's bosses do green light a pure-electric R8, Hoffmann said the car will have a 'special electric sound,' but added that it won't be a synthetic combustion note.

'I think in the future – my opinion – you will have a special sound for electric cars, and we will see a differentiation in the brands,' Hoffmann told Top Gear.