Audi R8 to Return With Lamborghini’s V8 Plug-in Hybrid in 2027

Audi is gearing up to relaunch its iconic R8 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain borrowed from Lamborghini. The mid-engine supercar is expected to go for international release in 2027, following the end of its 18-year production cycle in 2024.

According to a report from Autocar UK, the development of new powertrain integration has already passed the feasibility stage and was supported by Audi AG chairman Gernot Dollner.

Audi hybrid R8 is part of the brand’s push to offer its supercar buyers electrified options. The new Audi R8 will likely be introduced in both coupe and cabriolet variants, while the production for this vehicle will commence in Audi’s Bollinger Hofe facility in Germany.

The all-new third-generation Audi R8 will use Lamborghini’s 920 bhp 4-cylinder V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, already available in the Lamborghini Temerario. The V8 engine can deliver 800bhp of power output, while three electric motors paired with a 3.8kWh battery produce additional power of 120 bhp. The electric-only range of the R8 coupe is 9.65 km while it sprints 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds.

The electric motor configuration matches the 4x4 system in R8, with two motors configured on the front axle and the third motor between the V8 engine and dual-clutch transmission to function as a starter generator and energy recovery system.

Additionally, a more powerful version of the Lamborghini Temerario is anticipated to launch in 2027 with a maximum power delivery of 1000 bhp. The high-performance variants will likely share their powertrains with R8 Performance, making it one of the fastest on-road Audi cars.

The Audi R8 will be designed on a reinforced aluminum space frame with a 25% increase in torsional stiffness. The new frame will be rugged and use limited structural components compared to previous models. With this new configuration, the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracan similar styling, and a new V8 powertrain, the upcoming Audi R8 will deliver more refined and thrilling sound and on-road performance.