The Audi R8 is bidding farewell as the supercar took its final laps around Laguna Seca during the Monterey Car Week in California, US.
Audi R8
It was in 2006 when the German automaker introduced the Audi R8 as a mid-engine sports car based on the Le Mans quattro concept revealed in 2003. The concept was said to be “so well received” that the company had to finalize its production plans for the nameplate.
“A mid-engine sports car is something very special again because the technical layout, the position of the engine, results in a completely different language,” said Frank Lamberty, designer of the R8 concept and the first-generation R8 production car.
Initially, the R8 came with a V8 before using the 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine one can also find in the Lamborghini Huracan. Both supercars are slated to be discontinued in favor of electrification, with the R8 replacement reportedly going all-electric.
Audi will herald a new era of performance with electrification
What we know for now is that Audi is targeting to launch 20 models globally by 2026, half of which will be fully electric. From 2026 onwards, the automaker is looking to introduce EVs only, with the goal to fully electrify its lineup by 2033.
The Audi R8 is also leaving a legacy in the world of motorsports. It was named after the championship-winning R8 LMP prototype racecar that secured five consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 2000 and 2005. In 2009, Audi developed a car for its first customer program with the R8 GT3 LMS, which shared more than 50 percent of its parts with the road-going car.
The nameplate also played roles in blockbuster movies including various Marvel movies. Particularly, the supercar was seen driven around by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).
The R8 clocked its final laps
Audi promises to continue delivering high-performance cars, with the e-tron GT currently serving as the brand’s performance EV. By 2026, the automaker will also join Formula One with the Sauber Group.
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