Major car brand pulls the plug on iconic sports car's comeback as it's not ‘viable in the market'
RUMOURS of the iconic Audi R8's revival appear to have been quashed, with one of the company's key decision-makers claiming its return is not on the cards.
Last month, it seemed the beloved supercar – which first debuted in 2006 but was discontinued just a year ago – was set to return as a supremely fast plug-in hybrid.
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The supercar's reintroduction was reportedly pencilled in for 2027, according to Autocar, which claimed the next-generation R8 had progressed beyond the feasibility stage.
However, speaking to the media at the New York Auto Show earlier this month, Kjell Gruner, the new CEO of Volkswagen Group America, reportedly said the R8's return would depend on 'what's viable in the market.'
Outlets including Motor1 further reported that he went on to say: "A mid-engine, internal combustion engine vehicle, I don't see that on the road map."
Rumours of its return originated from unnamed sources, who claimed it had the backing of Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.
Intriguingly, many of the alleged details of the third-generation R8 had been meticulously planned, particularly its powertrain.
Reports suggested it would combine Lamborghini 's twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 – borrowed from its fellow VW Group brand – with electric motors to deliver hybrid performance.
To that end, Autocar added that the return of the R8 would coincide with the launch of the Lamborghini Temerario, and that the top-of-the-range R8 Performance model would have been capable of producing close to 1,000 bhp.
This seemed plausible, given that the first two generations of the R8 also shared much with their Lamborghini counterparts – first the Gallardo, and then the Huracan.
The rumoured R8's focus on everyday usability also positioned it as a key rival to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Porsche 911.
For now, however, the return of the R8 remains just that – rumours – with the only silver lining being that Gruner's comments don't entirely rule out a new Audi flagship.
Unfortunately, though, it seems unlikely that such a vehicle would be powered by a mid-mounted combustion engine.
A total of 45,949 Audi R8s sold in its original 17-year run.
It comes as Audi revealed last month it is set to axe the incredibly popular A1 and Q2 models next year - with an EV lined up as their replacement.
Both cars, which are big sellers for the German brand - especially the A1 hatchback - are also the two cheapest among their range.
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Image by Євген from Pixabay Negotiation Strategies for Audi Finance Deals: My Insider Tips Now for the part many people find a bit daunting (but it can actually be empowering!): car negotiation. Here's a big tip: almost everything is negotiable. That includes the price of the car, the interest rate on your loan, and even the terms of a lease! Start by making a reasonable offer based on all that great research you did and your budget. And don't ever be afraid to walk away if the initial offer doesn't feel right. Dealerships want to make a sale, and they're often willing to negotiate to do so. Knowing how to negotiate car price is a real skill. When it comes to the interest rate negotiation (or car loan interest rate bargaining), here's a power move: walk in with a pre-approved car loan from your own bank or credit union. This gives you serious leverage because the dealership knows you have another solid option. You can then ask the finance manager to beat your pre-approved rate. A simple phrase like, 'I appreciate you looking at options, but I already have financing secured at – can you beat that?' lets them know you're serious and ready to move. If they can't, you can confidently use your outside financing. Lease terms are also on the table for lease negotiation. Don't hesitate to ask for a lower monthly payment, a shorter lease term, or more miles per year. You can also try to negotiate by improving the money factor (similar to an interest rate for leases) or adjusting the residual value. I once helped a client negotiate a lower mileage penalty on her Audi Q3 lease. How? Simply by pointing out that her primary use was a short commute to work. These are all lease terms negotiation tips that can save you money. I remember going with a friend to an Audi dealership when she was set on an A4. The first offer they gave her was several thousand dollars above the MSRP! We calmly presented comparable sales data from other nearby dealerships and firmly, but politely, stated our willingness to walk away. After a bit of back-and-forth, we successfully negotiated the price down to below the invoice price. The key to successful Audi dealer negotiation and dealership negotiation tactics is to be polite but persistent, know your numbers cold, and genuinely be prepared to leave if the deal isn't right. Remember, you're in control. Avoiding Common Audi Finance Pitfalls: Hidden Fees, Add-ons, and Deceptive Practices Unfortunately, the car buying world isn't always smooth sailing. Some dealerships might try to use deceptive practices to boost their profits. One common tactic is 'loan packing,' where they quietly add extras like extended warranties, paint protection, or fabric treatments to your loan without you explicitly asking for them. These often unnecessary car add-ons can really inflate your monthly payment and the total cost of the loan. Always, always scrutinize the itemized list of charges. These are common car buying mistakes. Another pitfall is hidden fees. These might pop up as 'documentation fees,' 'processing fees,' or other vague charges that aren't clearly explained. Before you sign anything, demand a detailed breakdown of all fees and question anything that seems suspicious, excessive, or wasn't discussed. Don't be afraid to challenge these – these are potential car financing red flags! A knowledgeable consumer is a powerful one. And, of course, be aware of outright auto finance scams – keep your personal information safe and never give it to unverified sources. Avoiding dealership scams is paramount. I recall a client who was shown what looked like a great finance deal on a used Audi A6. But, buried deep in the fine print, were several hundred dollars in 'dealer prep' fees that were never mentioned upfront. I advised him to push back hard, arguing that these fees were unreasonable and unnecessary. The dealership eventually caved and removed them, saving him a good chunk of money. Always understand car loan fees. Checklist of Things to Watch Out For: Unexplained or ridiculously high fees. Add-ons you didn't ask for or agree to. Interest rates that are suddenly higher than what you discussed or expected. Any changes to the agreed-upon price of the car. Feeling pressured to sign quickly without a chance to thoroughly review all the paperwork. Making the Final Decision & What to Expect at Signing: Reviewing the Contract and Understanding the Fine Print You've done it! You've negotiated a deal you're happy with – congratulations! But hold on, the journey isn't quite over. The next super crucial step is to carefully review the car contract, auto loan agreement, or lease agreement before you sign anything. Don't let them rush you through this part! Take your time, read every single page, and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions in the fine print. This is a key part of the car buying final steps. Pay very close attention to the interest rate (APR), the loan term (how long you'll be paying), the exact monthly payment amount, any fees or charges, and the total cost of the loan. If you're leasing, meticulously review the mileage limits, any fees for early termination, and how the residual value is calculated. It's vital to ensure that all the verbal agreements you made during negotiations are accurately reflected in the written vehicle purchase agreement and auto finance paperwork. Don't ever hesitate to ask questions if something isn't crystal clear. It's far better to clarify any doubts or concerns before your signature is on that dotted line. If you're really unsure about any part of the contract, it might be wise to seek advice from a trusted financial advisor or even an attorney. The contract should also clearly state the lender information, the total amount financed, and any service agreements you've opted for. Once you're genuinely comfortable with all the terms and conditions, then you can confidently sign the signing documents and drive away in your amazing new Audi! Maintaining Your Audi's Value During Financing While you're diligently making those payments on your Audi, remember that the car itself is an asset, and its value is worth protecting. Proper Audi maintenance and consistent car care are absolutely essential for preserving its car value and maximizing your trade-in value when you eventually decide to upgrade. Following Audi's recommended Audi service schedule is crucial – this means regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other preventative measures. Over time, consistent vehicle upkeep like this can also positively impact your Audi's resale rate, as any good dealer like Audi Jacksonville would tell you. This is key for how to maintain car value. Beyond the scheduled service, pay attention to your Audi's appearance. Regular washing and waxing will protect that beautiful paint from the elements and help prevent rust. If you get minor scratches or dents, try to address them promptly to avoid further damage. Keeping the interior clean and free from stains also makes a big difference. A well-maintained Audi not only looks better and feels better to drive, but it will also command a higher price when it's time to sell or trade it in. Protecting its appearance with quality products and regular cleaning really does go a long way. This is all part of Audi ownership care and helps in maximizing trade-in. Think of your Audi as an investment. By prioritizing its upkeep, you're not just ensuring its reliability and performance; you're also safeguarding its long-term value. This is especially important during the financing period, as significant depreciation can affect your options if you want to refinance or trade-in down the road. Conclusion: Your Path to a Smarter Audi Finance Deal See? Navigating the sometimes-complex world of Audi finance doesn't have to be an overwhelming nightmare. By understanding the basics of car loans and leases (and getting the best Audi financing for you), diligently preparing for the whole process, mastering a few smart negotiation strategies, and knowing how to sidestep common pitfalls, you can confidently secure the best possible deal on your dream Audi. This expert advice from this car finance guide is all about helping you make smarter choices and, ultimately, save you money, making you an informed car buyer. Like this: Like Related
