Audi will finally reveal its long-expected R8 Spider at the Frankfurt motorshow in September, alongside a definitely unexpected hybrid-electric version of the R8 coupe
Spider is coming, and maybe a hybrid
The news is still unofficial, but the story comes from respected German magazine
, whose well-connected reporters nurture generally reliable contacts in the German auto business.
Unfortunately AMS offers no further details on a story that has the makings of a high-profile venture into the realms of alternative powertrains for Audi. It could be that the marque will propose a production hybrid model of the car, but it seems equally likely that an electric R8 could be Audi putting down a marker with a concept designed to indicate its future intentions. It is even possible that recent confirmation from Audi that it has canned a planned V12 diesel-powered version of the car left a gap in the company’s Frankfurt show floor plan that the new concept has been designed to fill!
Meanwhile the R8 Spider has been a less well-kept secret, with various ‘spy’ stories in the media predicting a removable targa roof and/or twin speedster-style humps. Either way, you will be reassured to learn the car should be available with either V8 or V10 petrol power, and is sure to be one of the Frankfurt show’s star turns.
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