Audi R8 Resumes Production Until March 2024
Audi delays the end of its R8 production until March 2024. Get yours while you can, it’s the last call for a combustion Audi supercar!
As it turns out, people really love the notion of a naturally-aspirated V10 supercar. So much so, that consumer demand actually got Audi to delay its initial final production deadline. Now, if you want to order a brand-new R8 to your liking, you have until the end of March to do it. According to reports by Motor1, a spokesperson for Audi stated, “It is true, the last Audi R8 will leave the production line at the end of the first quarter of 2024. This marks the end of the production of an iconic sports car at the Audi Böllinger Höfe site in Neckarsulm. The all-electric Audi e-tron GT will continue to be built at the Böllinger Höfe.”
It’s been two months since the projected expiration date of the beloved supercar, so it comes as no surprise that the delay’s been extended. The original date, set to the end of 2023, followed Audi’s announcement to go all-electric by 2026. That means not a single internal combustion engine in their showrooms – V10s included. This leaves some mighty big shoes for the R8’s successor to fill. Right now, the best contender for the mantle is the e-tron GT. It’s produced side-by-side with the R8, and already accelerates to 60 faster than the R8.
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As per their statement, Audi remains steadfast with their 2026 deadline to eliminate combustion engines. As for what this means in its supercar division? The GT marks a massive departure from the R8, being a four-door super saloon. However, a lot of people have the supercar itch, it seems. Not only is the R8’s production extended, but its sales have doubled to 631 units in 2023. An impressive number for even a mid-range low production supercar. Ultimately, however, it seems Audi leaves us with no immediate replacement in the R8’s class.
These R8s mark the final vehicles to be equipped with the 5.2L FSI V10. This, of course, means the end of the Huracan as well, being replaced with a hybrid powertrain. However, the Audi tuning community’s been on the ball with regards to the R8, producing some amazing one-offs and production models. Like this gorgeous rendition of a street-legal race car by Abt, the XGT. So whether through aftermarket support or tuning firms, the community’s looking ready and capable to pick up the slack while we wait for a true R8 successor.