Normally we like to be quite sure of something before labelling it as a leaked image of a future production model. This time however, we’re not 100% sure, although there is sound logic that suggests this is indeed the new Audi R8, due to be revealed publicly at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
Posted by Instagram user DreBoog (the account has since been deleted), he claimed this was an image sent to him by an Audi insider. There is nothing to suggest the car is indeed at an Audi test facility, however the bonnet line, headlamps, and new grille all match those that have been seen on test mules at the Nurburgring. The grille is also one that has been long-rumoured to be the direction Audi was taking their future models.
The shot also depicts greatly shrunken side blades – something which has been rumoured of the new R8, but not confirmed. If this is indeed the new R8, then it would appear it takes little influence from the Audi sport quattro concept, or the Audi Nanuk concept which were believed to preview the R8. The front end styling in particular looks to take influence from the 2010 Audi quattro concept, almost carbon copying the front end design, including the blade elements below the headlamps. This also fuels the idea that this may be a privately owned car with a body kit, or perhaps Audi has decided to pursue a sub-R8 model – long rumoured as the R4 – using the quattro concept’s styling to do so.
All will hopefully be revealed at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, and we’ll bring you all the news on whether or not this is legitimately the new R8 or not.
The next generation R8 will feature a variant of the 5.2-litre V10 found in the Lamborghini Huracan, whilst the entry level model should retain a reworked version of the company’s 4.2-litre V8 engine.
