We all know the 2016 Audi R8 will rely on conventional propulsion as well as an all-electric version, but now it is confirmed that a plug-in hybrid is also on the horizon, possibly giving consumers six choices − quite unusual for an exotic such as this.
“We are able to make the R8 a plug-in hybrid,” Audi R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg told CAR. “We will see an increase in the efficiency of high-performance cars − they have to meet CO2 regulations of the future in order to survive.”
Right now, Audi’s plan includes V8 and V10 variants, the EV, and now the plug-in hybrid. Other rumored but unsubstantiated options include a smaller turbo motor and a performance diesel.
“The R8 successor will come [in 2015] and we have developed a platform that you can see in the Lamborghini Huracán today. We will have different powertrains available, though. And in the R8 e-tron we will have more than 400km [250-mile] range.”
The new R8 coupe will hit the streets in the summer 2015, followed by the R8 Spyder in mid-2016. When the EV and plug-in version come is unknown but they likely won’t appear with the roll-out.
In other R8 news, other sources at Audi have confirmed to CAR that a manual transmission will be a thing of the past − only the DL800 dual-clutch gearbox will be offered on the new R8.
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