Audi has officially wrapped up the production of its iconic R8 supercar, with the last model recently rolling off the assembly line at Audi’s plant in Germany. The final R8, in V10 Performance Quattro spec, was finished in a Vegas Yellow paint with bronze wheels, and was a coupe with a carbon fibre styling package.
- R8 was first previewed at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show
- Final R8 came powered by V10 engine in Quattro guise
- All-electric successor expected to arrive in 2025
The particular R8 is now set to live a quite life as it will reportedly be placed in a museum. Audi had announced plans to phase out the R8 back in October 2022, but that announcement led to a surge of orders for the last few R8s, which is why Audi reportedly extended production by a few more months.
Audi R8 Legacy
The R8, which made its debut as the Le Mans Quattro concept at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, evolved into a production model three years later. Serving as Audi’s high-performance flagship, it was a celebration of Audi's three successive wins at the arduous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 2000, 2001, and 2002. The R8 was also featured in the original Iron Man movie.
The second-generation R8 was introduced at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The R8's withdrawal is especially significant because of the rarity of its engine – an atmospheric 5.2-litre, naturally aspirated V10. The R8 was one of only two cars on sale today with a V10 engine, the other being its sibling, the Lamborghini Huracan. Audi sold the first and the second generations of the R8 supercar for a limited period in India. The R8 facelift, however, was not introduced here.
Audi R8 to get all-electric successor
As previously reported, Audi is set to replace the R8 with a radically redesigned electric supercar to crown its new era line-up of sports cars. The EV is on track for a mid-decade arrival, and while details remain scarce, it will hold true to the R8’s general formula, with a striking two door silhouette, more power than any other Audi and a lofty price tag. It, however, remains to be seen if Audi retains the ‘R8’ moniker for the electric successor.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
