More Details Emerge About the Next Generation Audi R8

More information regarding the second generation of the Audi R8 has emerged. The two-seater sports car entered the market in 2006 and is due to be replaced with a brand new model in 2014, which will be lighter and faster.

According to Autocar, the next-gen Audi R8 Coupé is scheduled for 2014 and the Roadster will make its debut in 2015. The new R8 will powered by updated version of the naturally aspirated 4.2 liter V8 and 5.2 liter V10. The output of the V8 is said to be around 450 horsepower, the V10 is believed to provide 550hp. The power will be transferred to all four wheels via a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Besides these two variants, a limited edition GT is also being developed. This car will come with a lightweight body and will be powered by a more powerful version of the 5.2 liter V10 which should deliver 580hp. The next generation Audi R8 GT will make its debut in 2016.

The construction of the new R8 will follow the same principles as the current model by using an aluminium monocoque built around a space frame. Thanks to use of lightweight materials like carbon-fiber, the next-gen R8 will weigh 60kg less than the current model, resulting in a total weight of less than 1500kg.

Although it appears the new R8 will be an evolution and not a revolution in terms of engineering and design, the new R8 will only share its driveline architecture with the current model. But the second generation Audi sports car will share components, for example parts of the lightweight carbon-fiber and aluminium monocoque, with the successor of the Lamborghini Gallardo which is scheduled for 2013.

The second-generation R8 will reportedly become lower, wider and longer than the out-going R8. The sideblades will disappear, which can been seen in the rendering made by Autocar. The interior could be similar to the R8 e-tron.

More news will undoubtedly follow, so stay tuned!

[Via Autocar]