Major car brand pulls the plug on iconic sports car’s comeback as it’s not ‘viable in the market’
RUMOURS of the iconic Audi R8’s revival appear to have been quashed, with one of the company’s key decision-makers claiming its return is not on the cards.
Last month, it seemed the beloved supercar – which first debuted in 2006 but was discontinued just a year ago – was set to return as a supremely fast plug-in hybrid.
The supercar’s reintroduction was reportedly pencilled in for 2027, according to Autocar, which claimed the next-generation R8 had progressed beyond the feasibility stage.
However, speaking to the media at the New York Auto Show earlier this month, Kjell Gruner, the new CEO of Volkswagen Group America, reportedly said the R8’s return would depend on “what’s viable in the market.”
Outlets including Motor1 further reported that he went on to say: “A mid-engine, internal combustion engine vehicle, I don’t see that on the road map.”
Rumours of its return originated from unnamed sources, who claimed it had the backing of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.
Intriguingly, many of the alleged details of the third-generation R8 had been meticulously planned, particularly its powertrain.
Reports suggested it would combine Lamborghini‘s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 – borrowed from its fellow VW Group brand – with electric motors to deliver hybrid performance.
To that end, Autocar added that the return of the R8 would coincide with the launch of the Lamborghini Temerario, and that the top-of-the-range R8 Performance model would have been capable of producing close to 1,000 bhp.
This seemed plausible, given that the first two generations of the R8 also shared much with their Lamborghini counterparts – first the Gallardo, and then the Huracan.
The rumoured R8’s focus on everyday usability also positioned it as a key rival to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911.
For now, however, the return of the R8 remains just that – rumours – with the only silver lining being that Gruner’s comments don’t entirely rule out a new Audi flagship.
Unfortunately, though, it seems unlikely that such a vehicle would be powered by a mid-mounted combustion engine.
A total of 45,949 Audi R8s sold in its original 17-year run.
It comes as Audi revealed last month it is set to axe the incredibly popular A1 and Q2 models next year – with an EV lined up as their replacement.
Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand – especially the A1 hatchback – are also the two cheapest among their range.