Audi has recently confirmed that the curtain is set to fall on the iconic R8 supercar after its final 2023 model year. The announcement, made during the unveiling of the new GT model, marks the end of an era for the beloved V-10–powered coupe and convertible. While rumors of an electric successor are in circulation, the exact timeline for its release remains uncertain.
The 2023 R8 lineup includes the 562-horsepower RWD model and the 602-horsepower Quattro model, alongside the GT variant, featuring a 602-horsepower RWD configuration with various enhancements.
Debuting in 2008, the first-generation R8 featured a 4.2-liter V-8 engine and a 5.2-liter V-10. The subsequent second-generation R8, starting from the 2017 model year, was exclusively V-10. Despite relatively modest annual sales, the R8 has played a significant role as Audi's flagship model, particularly for the brand's RS performance vehicles.
While bidding farewell to the R8 after over 15 years, Audi enthusiasts are encouraged to act swiftly if they wish to secure one of the remaining models. To commemorate this milestone, Audi has put the R8 front and center at the Monterey automotive festivities, culminating in a prominent display at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday.
As the supercar takes its final laps around the track at Laguna Seca during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Meeting, the stage will be led by racing legend Tom Kristensen in the RS e-tron GT. The latter will soon become the emblematic model for Audi Sport following the retirement of the R8.
While Audi has yet to unveil specific details about the R8's potential electric successor, the company has committed to an all-electric product lineup from 2026 onwards, extending this initiative to the Audi Sport division as well. Past discussions have suggested the possibility of an electric R8, with the PB18 e-tron concept in 2018 hinting at the potential design. This concept showcased solid-state batteries, anticipated to offer reduced weight and faster recharging, aligning with Volkswagen's upcoming second-half-of-the-decade technology advancements.
In a related development, the Lamborghini Huracán, the R8's cousin, is also preparing to bid adieu. Its successor, slated for a late 2024 release, is expected to utilize an iteration of the Revuelto's carbon-fiber platform along with a new V8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain.
