10 Things Audi NEEDS in the Perfect R8 Successor!

Intro

The final Audi R8 has rolled off the production line and will be heading straight towards the Audi Museum. Not only does that make us all sad, it leaves Audi with a gap in their lineup. They currently don’t have a halo car. The RS e-tron GT is the most expensive model but it is not really what we would consider a halo model. Audi will come out with an R8 successor at some point, but it will have some pretty big shoes to fill. What we have done is list the top ten things that we feel the R8 successor must have in order to give Audi a successful halo model. Do you agree with our list? Is there anything else that you would add? Let us know your thoughts HERE.

10. Physical Buttons

It may sound extremely minor, but automakers are rushing to make everything with touchscreens and capacitive feedback buttons. It looks sleek and modern, but this setup is not the easiest to use, especially in a performance car. Audi should retain physical buttons for major functions. It may seem old-fashioned but the best way to change the radio volume is simply to turn a knob. Audi, please don’t overthink this one.

9. Everyday Drivability/Practicality

Part of what made the R8 so special was that it had epic performance, but it was still comfortable and reliable enough to use every day. It may not be the best machine for running to Home Depot to pick up sheets of plywood. But for a two-seater sports car it was reasonably practical. The ride was not overly harsh and didn’t scrape every speed bump. The successor should have some of these same traits. We don’t need a full-on race car for the street.  

8. Price Advantage

The old Audi R8 borrowed an engine from Lamborghini but the R8 was significantly cheaper. We are not saying the future halo Audi needs to be inexpensive. Part of the point of a halo car is that it is an expensive aspirational model. But compared to a Lamborghini or even a Porsche the Audi should come in at a more reasonable price point.

7. Light Weight

The new car doesn’t need to be Mazda MX-5 light but it can’t be Hummer EV heavy either. Sure, Audi can lower the center of gravity and perform a few other tricks to mask weight. But that only goes so far. Cars are getting heavier because they pack more technology and safety equipment in them than ever before. But the new Audi halo car needs to keep weight in check. Excessive weight dulls just about every aspect of performance.

6. Save the Spyder

The next car should retain the open top option. Not only does a drop top offer driving thrills that are tough for a coupe to match. But an open car always has a more exotic feel to it. Hard core track junkies might want the coupe for reduced weight and increased rigidity. But there are plenty of convertible fans out there that will be turned off if no open car is available.  

5. Advanced Technology

This Audi needs to move the needle from a technology perspective. The car needs to be innovative and show tech that may trickle down to the A3 within 5 – 10 years. Fortunately, this is one area where Audi really excels. We fully expect the R8 successor to be jammed with plenty of technology that we have never seen in an Audi before. And perhaps we have never seen in any car before.  

4. Manual Transmission

The second generation R8 dropped the manual transmission. And we know that asking for a third generation R8 (or whatever the new halo model will be called) to have a manual transmission option is a long shot. But if Audi offered one that would instantly give this car a leg up on almost everything else out there. The manual transmission R8 cars are highly sought after today. People want a manual. Give us this one Audi.

3. Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

Would we love a naturally aspirated V10 under the hood? Of course, we would, but that is just not going to happen. But we also don't want a fully electric car. Audi needs to split the difference and offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the new model. Why? Because they can pass rising emissions regulations while retaining a motor with a soul. So imagine a nice V8 internal combustion engine paired with a couple of electric motors. No one complains about the Ferrari SF 90 Stradale. If Audi could build a mini version of that car, we would be doing cartwheels around the office.

2. Shape of Future Audi Design

This halo car needs to set the direction for future Audi vehicles from a design perspective. That could be a new headlight signature, or grille design or side profile. But the design of this new car will be what future Audi vehicles borrow from.

1. Exceptional Track Performance

It needs to have not just the speed to get around the track quickly, but the durability to last all day. With EVs and powerful hybrids already on the market, the new Audi has to be much more than just quick in a straight line. There are many vehicles that can hit 60 mph in 3 seconds or less on sale today. That will not make the Audi stand out. The new halo Audi needs to set blistering lap times and do it consistently. It needs to turn, brake and sound like a performance machine. This new car should beat every Audi R8 ever built on any track in the world. This new car simply must be better at everything. It is a high bar, but we think Audi can do it. We can’t wait to see what they come up with.

Images: Audi