Finally, the next-generation Audi R8->ke1440 is nearly here. In fact, we even came across the first reported leak of the German supercar->ke177 yesterday. Unfortunately, the masses say that this leaked image is false, and after additional inspection, I am starting to agree that it’s a phony. But now we have a reported confirmation from an Audi insider that the car will indeed debut at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show->ke228 that kicks off on March 3, with one big surprise: no 4.2-liter V-8 engine.
This information comes from the folks over at Motoring.com.au, and the publication claims that the 2016 Audi R8 will arrive with only the 5.2-liter V-10 at first. The source claims that the V-10 will get around a 27-horsepower bump to around 570. On top of the power bump, Motoring goes on to claim that the V-10 will get cylinder deactivation and stop-start technology to help improve its fuel economy, which currently stands at 13 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined.
Motoring also confirmed with its source that the R8 e-tron plug-in hybrid will be a part of the second-gen R8 lineup, but that it will not arrive for at least three years. The big question is what will power this hybrid? According to the report, Audi->ke14 hasn’t decided yet, but it’s debating between a V-6 and four-cylinder.
Motoring
Click past the jump to learn more about what motorization you will find in the new Audi R8.0}
It’s surprising to see the V-8-powered R8 go away, but with so many other manufacturers axing eight-cylinder engines, I can understand. The truly shocking news, given this report is actually factual, is that the R8 e-tron could possibly be powered by a V-6 or even a four-cylinder. There’s something about an R8 with a high-strung four-pot or six-cylinder screaming from behind the seats that just doesn’t sit well with me. I just have a really hard time believing Audi would do such a thing, and I have serious doubts about the validity of that part of the report.
Come to think of it, the entire report smells a little funky to me, so I will wait until Geneva to see if Motoring is just blowing smoke or was actually privy to insider intel.