Audi’s Subsequent R8 Will Be an EV Referred to as Rnext: Sources

• The shortage of high-performance-sports-car plans is obvious at Audi, however Automotive and Driver has discovered that an EV alternative for the R8 is within the works.
• Do not get too anxious, although: the launch date for this new mannequin, at the moment known as the Rnext, has been pushed again to 2029.
• Whether or not Audi will design its personal platform or use a Porsche matrix continues to be unclear, but when Ingolstadt can have issues its method, Lamborghini and Bentley are more likely to get bespoke spinoffs.

Think about Audi competing in Method 1 in 2026 and not using a high-performance sports activities automobile in its portfolio to reap the motorsports rub-off. How foolish would that be? And but, in the mean time, the model’s future street map has no successor to the TT, no alternative for the R8, or in actual fact another ultrafast, high-visibility, big-margin, image-building product.

Whereas elsewhere within the Volkswagen Group, Lamborghini has the subsequent Aventador and Huracán just about solid in stone, Rimac is getting ready a follow-up to the Bugatti Chiron fitted with an superior 1800-hp hybrid V-8, and Porsche is significantly considering an electrical supercar and hypercar, Audi’s suppose tank harbors loads of nice concepts however not sufficient exhausting plans.

So far, the duel between Markus Duesmann (carrying the four-rings livery as Audi chairman) and Oliver Blume (with Porsche embossed in his armor because the model’s CEO) has resulted in a lifeless warmth, however now that Blume has stepped into the recent seat not too long ago vacated by Herbert Diess, the younger CEO is looking the photographs. Will he let the Audi CTO Oliver Hoffmann develop his personal bespoke sports-car structure as deliberate? Or is he going to induce the group’s Bavarian satellite tv for pc to make use of the SSP6 componentry being compiled completely for Porsche? “A call will not be made earlier than subsequent spring,” claims one insider. “Blume will hold the manufacturers on a protracted leash to stimulate creativity and differentiation,” believes one other. “Ultimately, the underside line is all that issues,” quips a 3rd.

Let’s assume for a second that Audi has free rein and may push forward with AU634/0, which is the code identify for Rnext. Whereas the automobile at this level doesn’t share a single merchandise with the Huracán alternative, the high-voltage effort is destined to spawn a Lamborghini mannequin late within the decade and a Bentley offspring within the early 2030s. There may be nonetheless a protracted solution to go, however that is the plan. We anticipate three physique types to make it into manufacturing: a two-seat coupe and spyder in addition to a roomier 2+2, the latter maybe as a capturing brake.

Porsche Batteries, Slim Packaging

Modularity and scalability are key to preserving the prices down, which is why all fashions allegedly will use Porsche-sourced high-performance batteries. Will the development be aluminum or carbon fiber? Maybe a little bit of each, with an artificial weave for the bathtub and light-weight metallic for the suspension. A cell-to-chassis idea, the place the battery pack is a careworn element, guarantees even fewer energy, slimmer packaging, and additional rigidity.

What we now have to date is one more electrical supercar to be positioned within the $250,000-to-$300,000 vary which may be eaten for breakfast by the much less expensive Tesla Roadster, if that ever comes. In all chance, not even breathtaking design, extraordinary effectivity, and excellent high quality will make the Rnext a sure-fire success assured to eclipse the competitors.

True, admits Audi’s Hoffmann. What defines the distinction between greatness and mere competence is how such a automobile drives. No, we’re not speaking 1000 watts of energy right here, as a result of 1000 horsepower can already be taken without any consideration when the subsequent RS6 e-tron bows. As an alternative, the car dynamics specialists are waxing lyrical about their breakthrough neuronal Quattro system that shares its huge mind energy with the steering, brakes, and suspension for, to cite Hoffmann, “whole management and absolute pleasure.”

Branding Is All the things

That is the excellent news. The dangerous information is that AU634/0 is conspicuous by its absence from the newest cycle plan, which does present the next-gen e-tron GT with a Porsche SSP6 platform moniker and a 2029 launch date. We requested round and had been informed that the Rnext will seem within the not but finalized Planning Spherical 72 in early 2023.

So, at this level, it appears something is feasible. Porsche nonetheless may permit Audi to make use of the Cayman/Boxster platform for a 2027 TT alternative. And it may design the dramatically totally different electrical future 911, code-named PO998, round a element set versatile sufficient to additionally accommodate the Rnext.

Porsche may, however we would not guess on it. Model identification is vital when a premium nameplate trades on the inventory trade. And let’s face it: After three years of fierce good cop/dangerous cop rivalry, is not it about time for the brand new King of Wolfsburg to indicate some leniency and tolerance in direction of the Duke of Ingolstadt?