The CEO of Audi responded with a chuckle and remarked, "Good idea," when inquired about a third-generation R8.
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Fans of Audi who were upset that the electric Concept C was positioned as the R8 successor can take heart today. The forthcoming electric sports car is not actually replacing the R8. Furthermore, Audi’s CEO recently hinted that a legitimate third iteration of the R8 may indeed be in the works.
Earlier in May, just before the 2027 RS5 media launch in Austria, Audi CEO Gernot Dollner mentioned to journalists, “It’s a great V8 engine in the Temerario. 10,000 rev, really outstanding engine” in response to a question about the potential for a third-generation R8.
This was not a definitive no, and the CEO appeared to recall the Lamborghini V8’s redline without any hesitation. Quite interesting.
Dollner proceeded without skipping a beat, stating, “And as I said, we have opportunities at Volkswagen group to explore different technical solutions and integrate them. The C sport is a prime example of how we create a car with character based on a Porsche platform. The outcome is distinctly Audi, which aligns with our goal of keeping our customers in mind and delivering the right solutions.”
He concluded the discussion with a lighthearted, “Good idea,” while laughing—a laugh that had the tone of “I know something you don’t” rather than one that suggested he was uncomfortable with the line of questioning.
Just prior to the inquiry regarding a third-generation R8, The Drive had asked Dollner about the future of the V8 engine at Audi. “I’m a big fan of [the] V8,” he replied.
Putting it all together, Dollner is a strong admirer of the V8, referred to the Temerario’s engine as “really outstanding,” seemed to know its redline offhand, and acknowledged the possibilities for integrating various “technical solutions” from the Volkswagen group’s lineup, platforms, and powertrains.
The route toward a third-generation R8 appears to be clear, and Dollner showed no indication of downplaying the prospect or rejecting the idea when it was presented to him in front of a group of journalists.
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The CEO of Audi responded with a chuckle and remarked, "Good idea," when inquired about a third-generation R8.
Gernot Dollner neither confirmed nor dismissed the idea of a new R8, and he was well aware of the Lamborghini Temerario's redline.