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The sports car R8 has been in the top range of the Audi lineup with a powerful engine and luxurious interior. Unfortunately, the 2023 Audi R8 will be the last of its kind that carries an ICE powertrain.
There isn’t much left time for the Audi R8 anymore—at least not for the internal combustion engine-powered version that it is now. It was already confirmed a couple of years ago that 2023 will be the last year it is produced and the next generation of the supercar will come as an all-electric variant. Until that time arrives, see how the 2023 Audi R8 rolls out soon as a part of the nameplate’s sophomore generation.
The Audi R8 Possible Powertrain, Interior Design, and Features
The R8 is a mid-engine sports car with a two-seating arrangement manufactured by the German automaker, Audi in 2006. It is currently in the second generation, which was released in the 2017 model year.
The two-seater supercar is offered in RWD and AWD systems. Both are equipped with a 5.2L V10 engine. Last year, the RWD variant receives an additional 30 HP and 8 lb-ft of torque, resulting in total production of 562 HP and 408 lb-ft. meanwhile, the AWD version stays at slightly higher outputs of 602 HP and 413 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates RWD R8 fuel economy at 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, while the AWD model is rated at 13 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
The 2023 Audi R8 is most likely to provide a minimal, luxurious interior like last year’s model. Its digital cockpit console does double-duty as the infotainment screen display. The clean and sleek layout feels refreshing, moreover being combined with thoughtfully designed sports seats.
Some standard features predicted to be maintained in the 2023 Audi R8 are including a navigation system and smartphone connectivity options (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). A premium B&O audio system is available as an option.
The Spotted Testing Vehicle of the Audi R8
Spied photographs of the 2023 Audi R8 in the winter in early 2022 show that the supercar is tested amidst snowed environment and is believed to be an upcoming R8 RWD GT—the billed successor of the current R8.
Not much can be concluded from the photos, but there is a reason why there’s a potential it is a unit of the high-anticipated R8 RWD GT: it carries a slightly different façade profile, suggesting a revised design to support the new trim. That being said, the giveaway details that indicate this is indeed a special R8 is the rear wing section that adds a touch of racing vehicle visual to the sports car.
The End of an Era for the R8
The German-based luxury automaker has announced that 2023 is going to be the last production year of the R8. The glorious era of its powerful naturally aspirated ten-cylinder engine is going to end soon. As per recent, Audi dropped some upgrades for all models in its lineup for the 2023 model year, but there is certainly no mention of the R8—besides several other models left out from the announcement as well—which admittedly leaves some hope of a follow-up statement separately.
All in all, there is no doubt that the V10, a gasoline-powered model will drive into the sunset as per the official revelation years prior, as the manufacturer shifts into a new era of electrified vehicle production in the future. The brand is slated to bring only EV models to the market by 2026. In the meantime, the successor of the R8, which name is still a mystery, is expected to be uncovered in the next couple of years by featuring a fully electric engine.
There are plenty of circulating rumors trying to predict what type of powertrain the forthcoming generation of R8 will feature. Some say a possibility of the hybrid V8 engine, which may be meant to bridge the gaps between the current ICE-powered models and the full electrified variant.
What’s certain is the electric successor of the R8 won’t arrive so soon. There’s a chance that a special edition of this supercar might come with a badge of an RS or GT version. If it does arrive, then it could produce at least 630 HP—around the same output range as the Lamborghini Huracan.
The Audi R8 Arrival Date
The R8 supercar will not stick around for long, anymore. According to the official reports, the sports car will be available by the fall of 2022 and stays in production until the 2023 calendar year as its final year. Pricing of the 2023 Audi R8 is expected to be similar to the current model year. Expect more news about the all-electric super R8 version to be announced later.