Report: Next generation Audi R8 coming in 2014

In a report published today by CAR Magazine, Audi-oracle George Kacher revealed his latest intel on what to expect from Audi's next generation R8 supercar. According to Kacher, Audi is planning to roll-out the second-generation R8 by Spring of 2014; with a "mild facelift and tech improvement" coming for the current model later next year. More intel after the jump.

Prior to the second-generation car's debut in 2014, today's report reveals some very valuable insight on what to expect from the current car's upcoming tech improvement later in 2012. According to Kacher, the current R8 will receive a dual-clutch, 7-speed transmission (replacing the current 6-speed R-tronic), improved MMI from the 2012 A6 and an extra 15 horsepower from the 5.2-liter V10 (for a total 540 hp).

The real meat of the report however, concerns the R8's second-generation. Kacher explains that the 2014 R8 "pursues an evolutionary styling theme." Respecting their copyright, we did not post CAR's artistic impression of the car here; however, it is noted that the next-gen car will lose its sideblades and introduce carbon fiber to the R8's previously all-aluminum space-frame (both shedding weight and increasing rigidity) which will remain based on VAG's net-gen MSS (modular sports car system) architecture. CAR's photoshopped impression seems to pull styling cues from Lamborghini as well as previous e-tron concepts.

In addition to the new design, Kacher notes that the current high-revving 4.2-liter V8 will carryover with horsepower getting a bump to 450 hp. However, an S8-derived, bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8 is said to replace the current 5.2-liter V10, which should be "good for 600bhp." Unfortunately for those more inclined to three pedals, Kacher reports that neither model will offer a manual transmission.

Click here to read the full article at CAR Magazine.


Source: CAR Magazine