R8 [Renders] 2023 Audi R8

[dalab]

Rimac approached to help Audi launch R8-replacing RS e-tron
Published: 08 August 2019 - carmagazine.co.uk/spy-shots/audi/e-tron-gtr-electric-supercar/

Audi is approaching Rimac for help to launch the RS e-Tron all-electric supercar - the zero-emissions rocketship due to replace the Audi R8, which is on death row as the world turns its back on profligate fossil fuel dinosaurs.

It's the natural fall-out as the VW Group ruthlessly pivots its product range around the new electromobility holy grail. But that doesn’t mean no more exciting Audis - far from it.
The burgeoning Audi e-Tron family of EVs is working towards the 2023 or 2024 launch of this RS e-Tron, an electric replacement for the R8. It was previously dubbed e-Tron GTR, but CAR magazine has uncovered fresh details of the new supercar EV.
The RS e-tron would be assembled in Audi’s own Bollinger Höfe factory near Heilbronn, home of the A6/A7/A8. But due to budgetary constraints, Audi Sport is contemplating farming out large chunks of the development work to Rimac in Croatia, already an ally of Porsche, in talks with Bugatti, and a potential partner of Lamborghini.

The idea is to have Rimac supply the four-motor powertrain and fast-charge batteries for the 950bhp EV sports coupe. According to senior insiders contacted by CAR, the new RS e-Tron would be priced at just under €200,000 (£185,000) when it arrives in four years' time.
Capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in only 2.5sec, the all-wheel drive multi-material lightweight two-seater would be fitted with an active aero assembly (AAA) to boast the lowest drag coefficient in its class.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Rimac getting a lot of love these days good for them.

 

[drifter1]

That rendering in red looks amazing . If the final product looks anything like that it will be a winner.

 

[Centurion]

I guess Lamborghini will remain ICE biased while Audi’s sport cars become the testbeds for BEV performance cars.

 

[tristatez28lt1]

Rimac getting a lot of love these days good for them.

Rimac is also getting love from FCA I heard.
Yes, Lambo is experimenting a lot with supercapacitors and will keep the ICE. Audi will push to EVs.

 

[tristatez28lt1]

If the rumors I’m hearing are true, then Diess is not a fan of Lambo and their portfolio is seriously in jeopardy. The PPE R8 will offer limited access to Lambo and long term it is believed that Aventador will receive one more large facelift and then who knows...

 

[Centurion]

believed that Aventador will receive one more large facelift

No please.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

If the rumors I’m hearing are true, then Diess is not a fan of Lambo and their portfolio is seriously in jeopardy. The PPE R8 will offer limited access to Lambo and long term it is believed that Aventador will receive one more large facelift and then who knows...

Any reason as to why he's not a fan of Lambo? Of all the legacy supercar makers, I think it's one of the better suited in transitioning into all BEV. Lambo's tradition of outrageous wedge designs in some ways makes up for the lack of a sonorous V12 or V10 better than Ferrari. My perception is that there's more emphasis in Ferrari having an ICE than Lambo.

 

[A.P.]

Any reason as to why he's not a fan of Lambo? Of all the legacy supercar makers, I think it's one of the better suited in transitioning into all BEV. Lambo's tradition of outrageous wedge designs in some ways makes up for the lack of a sonorous V12 or V10 better than Ferrari. My perception is that there's more emphasis in Ferrari having an ICE than Lambo.

Outside of design, Lamborghini's 2nd main selling point is the N/A engines. People could care less if Ferrari were only EVs at this point, as they are already well into turbocharging and hybrids.

And those rumours are just false. Considering Lamborghini is already experimenting with alternative hybrid setups rather than your conventional heavy batteries. VAG and Audi overlords are well satisfied with that, that's why Lamborghini might potentially go IPO in the future with VAG/Audi still being in control. They have a lot of trust in the brand, more so than in Bugatti or Bentley. They also return a lot of profits which is another reason to keep them around in the family.

Reason why Aventador's replacement is taking so long is because they want to make compettitors look slow while retaining their core DNA. They want a similar leap in performance like there was from Murcielago to Aventador. Remember when the Aventador came out, it was only compared to older hypercars like the freaking Bugatti Veyron itself. Imagine another leap like that.