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Audi CEO Hints at Possible R8 Return Using Lamborghini Hybrid V8

The comment signals Audi may study a plug-in hybrid mid-engined R8 that would balance a performance halo with the group's emissions plans.

Overview

  • Wednesday comments by Audi chief Gernot Döllner at an RS5 event in Austria included a laugh and the words “Good idea” when asked about an R8 that shares the Lamborghini Temerario’s architecture, marking a public hint rather than a formal program announcement.
  • Döllner praised the Temerario’s 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8 for its 10,000 rpm capability and noted Volkswagen Group opportunities to combine that engine with electric systems to create distinct brand products.
  • The Temerario powertrain pairs the V8 with multiple electric motors to produce roughly 676 kW and delivers about a 2.7‑second 0–100 km/h time, a specification that is driving interest in hybrid V8 architectures for high‑end models.
  • Audi is separately preparing a Porsche‑based fully electric sports car due next year, and executives say a final decision on an R8 return would depend on customer demand and on using more EVs and plug‑in hybrids to meet fleet CO2 targets.
  • The R8 nameplate ended production in 2024 after an 18‑year run and historically shared platforms with Lamborghini, so any revival would follow that pattern but remains exploratory and unconfirmed by Audi.