Lamborghini might not be fond of a hybrid exotic, but Audi is ready to embrace the technology.
Audi R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg confirmed that the next-generation Audi R8 will add both plug-in hybrid and electric variants to the lineup and the successor will debut next year based on the same platform as the Lamborghini Huracan. Hackenberg pointed to the Lamborghini Asterion, which debuted at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, as proof that a hybrid exotic is possible – since the Asterion is based on the same platform as the R8 – and pointed to increased emissions regulations as to why the R8 is getting electrified.
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Even more surprising, Hackenberg said that the R8 e-tron will have an all-electric range of around 250 miles and will be an attractive option compared to the BMW i8. Expect both V8 and V10 engines to also be offered but those hoping for a manual transmission will be out of luck. Instead, the 2016 Audi R8 will only employ a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
GALLERY: Audi R8 Spy Photos
[Source: CAR]
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