Electrical Audi R8 alternative not due till 2029 – report

The V10-powered Audi R8 will exit manufacturing in 2023, however its successor – set to function an electrical powertrain – is reportedly a way away.

Automobile and Driver reviews an electrical R8 alternative, at the moment being known as the Rnext and internally often known as the AU634/0, has been pushed again to 2029.

The AU634/0 reportedly doesn’t exist in Audi’s present cycle plan, however sources informed the American outlet it is going to seem within the subsequent planning spherical in early 2023.

At the moment, there aren’t any plans for the Rnext to share something with the alternative for the Lamborghini Huracan, in distinction with the outgoing R8 that shares an amazing cope with the Huracan.

Nevertheless, each Lamborghini and Bentley reportedly plan to introduce electrical automobiles that would feasibly share parts with a possible electrical R8 alternative.

Ought to the AU634/0 go forward, it is going to reportedly be supplied as both in two-seat coupe or spyder physique types, plus a roomier 2+2 which might put on a capturing brake physique.

Audi has but to verify a successor for the R8 or the rather more inexpensive TT, although the subsequent era of the sporty e-tron GT will reportedly migrate to the Porsche SSP6 platform in 2029.

Automobile and Driver cites opposing views of Audi chairman Markus Duesmann and newly appointed Volkswagen Group chairman Oliver Blume, previously head of Porsche, with the previous reportedly wanting a bespoke sports activities automobile structure and the latter seemingly preferring Audi to make use of SSP6 componentry.

A future electrical Porsche 911, codenamed PO998, might use a part set versatile sufficient to accommodate the Rnext. It gained’t be the Stuttgart marque’s first electrical sports activities automobile, with Porsche having confirmed the next-generation 718, due in 2025, might be electrical.

One insider informed the publication a choice on the Rnext matter gained’t be made earlier than subsequent spring, although one other stated “Blume will maintain the manufacturers on an extended leash to stimulate creativity and differentiation”.

With the structure not locked in, any technical particulars stay hazy at this level.

Batteries could possibly be sourced from Porsche, whereas Audi’s ‘neuronal’ Quattro system will share its computing energy between the steering, brakes and suspension, promising “complete management and absolute pleasure” in accordance with Audi’s chief technical officer Oliver Hoffman.

Audi naturally needs a brand new, bespoke halo automobile given it’s coming into Components 1 in 2026.

The present R8 is bowing out with a particular version GT RWD variant, with energy bumped up from 419kW to 449kW.

Its seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission has additionally been retuned for faster shifts, whereas weight is down 20kg and there’s a brand new seven-stage rear traction management system with a mode permitting for extra rear-end slip.

Solely 333 models might be produced however none will come right here, with the R8 having been discontinued in Australia in 2021.

The R8 bought in Australia featured a uniquely-tuned naturally-aspirated V10 engine, however Audi ended manufacturing of stated tune at its Hungarian engine plant and wouldn’t re-homolgate the automobile with a unique engine.

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