Audi has confirmed the next-generation R8 will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March alongside an all-new R8 e-tron EV, according to Car Advice.
Audi technical boss Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg said the new R8 will debut at Geneva, as will an e-tron version with a 400 kilometer electric range. He also confirmed an R8 e-tron was previously slated for production, but was delayed as he felt the 220 km electric range they ahd was not good enough.
“First I did agree to stop such a project,” Hackenberg said.
“The project had to be re-engineered because the range was 220 km – it was not enough. So what I made with the team was to continue to work on this, and we could realise between 400 and 500 (kilometers of battery range). Or something beyond 400 km.”
In addition to confirming the arrival of an e-tron R8, Audi also said the new car will not offer a manual transmission in gasoline-powered models. Instead, a dual-clutch trans will be the only available option.
“Double-clutch gearboxes are extremely sporty, and if you want to drive extremely sporty and fast, for the record of your personal lap time, you will need a double-clutch,” said Hackenberg.
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