The V10 wail is dead. Long live the hybrid V8.
Audi's iconic R8 supercar is returning in 2027 with a formula that will shock purists and thrill tech-heads. The naturally-aspirated V10 engine—arguably the car's soul for two generations—gets axed in favor of Lamborghini-sourced hybrid firepower.
Raging Bull DNA
The third-generation R8 will share its platform with the Lamborghini Temerario. This isn't badge engineering—it's mechanical incest of the highest order.
Ingolstadt's engineers are ditching the glorious 5.2-liter V10 for a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 pumping out 789 horsepower on its own. Add three electric motors to the mix, and total system output hits a staggering 907 horsepower.
That's enough grunt to make this the most powerful road-legal Audi ever built.
An 8-speed dual-clutch transmission will handle shifting duties, replacing the current 7-speed unit. Both coupe and spyder variants are confirmed.
Electrified Performance
The new R8's plug-in hybrid architecture represents Audi's performance future. The electric motors won't just boost power—they'll fill torque gaps and enable limited electric-only driving.
Key technical advantages include:
- Zero-lag acceleration thanks to instant electric torque
- Improved weight distribution with strategically placed motors
- Lower emissions while maintaining supercar performance
Expect the new R8 to demolish the current car's acceleration figures. The outgoing model hits 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. The hybrid successor should shave at least half a second off that time.
Market Positioning
Audi's timing places the R8 perfectly to compete with the next generation of hybrid supercars from Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche.
The R8 has always occupied a unique space—more accessible than a Lamborghini but more exotic than an RS model. This positioning continues with the third generation, just with significantly more firepower.
Sources at Audi hint at a potential 'Performance' variant with even more power coming later in the production cycle.
The V10's death marks the end of an era. But with Lamborghini-derived hybrid power, the R8's future sounds equally intoxicating—just with a different soundtrack.
