donkeykong
Track Technician
Rumor: Next Audi R8 Will Go MSS and Not MSB Architecture
As the facelifted Audi R8 goes into the hands of press at an Italian launch, questions have again arisen (and likely some answers) as to details on the third-generation all-new Audi R8. Car & Driver European correspondent Jens Meiners has filed a report and it suggests that the car will not migrate to the new MSB-M architecture (modular Sportbaukastan mid-engine) being developed by Porsche.
According to Meiners, migration to this new modular component set won’t happen because it’s too late in the process. The Audi R8, and thus Lamborghini Gallardo, will not yet move this way as a result.
What We Know…The Volkswagen Group is all about modular structures. Audi pioneered the model of the modern modular architecture with its modular longitudinal matrix (MLB), a project said to be pioneered by Martin Winterkorn while he was still at the helm of Audi. This sort of setup allows for a high degree of scaleability in size and also a mix in production materials such as steel or aluminum for those who haven’t followed along.
Even as MLB was in its infancy and the subsequent MQB (modular transverse matrix) destined for the new A3 and next TT were as-of-yet unseen, we had learned from a highly-placed source the basic plan for the R8. In those days before the Porsche purchase and before MSB, our source suggested the R8, the Gallardo replacement and even the ‘Murcielago replacement’ would make use of a modular platform dubbed “MSS”. MSS was planned as multi-material, making use of aluminum and carbon fiber. When we asked about steel (thinking Cayman and R5 back then), our source said it could be done but really expressed little interest in a lower cost application at that time.
We’re guessing that as MSB has moved further into development, it was likely very seriously considered for the next-generation R8 and Gallardo. Reading between the lines of the Meiners report, it sounds like it was too far along to be changed. In that case, we believe it very likely that these cars and likely the Aventador will move to become MSB-compatible cars by their next subsequent generations. In the meantime, expect all of the next-generation mid-engine and even rear-engine sportscars from the Volkswagen Group, including the Porsche 961 aimed at the Ferrari 458 Italia, to also utilize MSB.
Rumor: Next Audi R8 Will Go MSS and Not MSB Architecture - Fourtitude.com
