2016 Audi R8 Spied Testing at the Nrburgring

Stephen Elmer
by Stephen Elmer

Audi is readying the next-generation of its flagship sports car, a German machine that is becoming just a bit more Italian.

That’s because the next R8 will share its chassis with the newly developed Lamborghini Huracan. Called the Alu-CFK Hybrid Chassis, it combines aluminium and carbon fiber to shed weight and add rigidity, likely resulting in the new R8 being between 100 and 200 pounds lighter than the current car.

Not everything will be the same between these two cars however, as the the R8 is expected to be longer and wider than its Italian counterpart.

SEE ALSO: Lamborghini Huracan – Everything You Need to Know

A new turbocharged V8 engine for the base model is expected to be introduced, likely to be a version of the twin-turbo V8 found in the RS7. At the top of the range, the all-new 5.2-liter V10 fitted to the Huracan will give life to the R8, providing around 600 hp.

All-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission will live on in the next generation R8, but the fate of the six-speed manual is in question.

GALLERY: 2016 Audi R8

Discuss this story at our Audi Forum

Stephen Elmer
Stephen Elmer

Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>

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