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Audi R8 is coming back as plug-in hybrid

In March 2024, Audi announced that it would officially end production of its popular sports car R8, after 18 years and two generations. However, some reports suggest that the R8 could return as a plug-in hybrid.

According to Autocar, a third-generation R8 is in development and will be based on the same platform as the Lamborghini Temerario, with which it will also share an aluminum chassis, electronics and powertrain. This resolves the dilemma that arose earlier, that the replacement for the R8 could be an all-electric car.

The Temerario is powered by a 4.0-L V8 twin-turbo engine with 800 hp (596 kW) and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque combined with three electric motors, for a total output of over 900 hp (671 kW). The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

At the end of 2023, Audi introduced the R8 Coupe Japan Final Edition as the last edition of this sports car, officially marking the end of its production. It is powered by a 5.2-L naturally aspirated V10 engine with 612 hp (456 kW) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. The same engine powers the R8 V10 GT RWD, but this version has a seven-speed S-tronic transmission that sends power to all wheels.

The arrival of the new Audi R8 is expected in 2027, and fans of this model are now wondering if the German brand will produce a racing version, as was the case with previous generations.

Source: Autocar

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Volkswagen may soon launch the ID.1 GTI

The VW ID.2 GTI will be launched in 2026, but some reports suggest that the German manufacturer is also developing a smaller and more powerful hatchback. Volkswagen board member Kai Gunitz has revealed that the company is considering the production of the ID.1 GTI model.

In an interview with Autocar, Kai Gunitz said that there is a possibility for the ID.1 GTI because it uses modules from the MEB platform, but that it depends on the customer reaction to the ID.2 GTI. “We also have the ID.Every1 and the ID.2all, which will get a GTI version. Having everything in the ID.1 means that you don’t need to have everything in the ID.2. The ID.2 is bigger and has many more features and values. The same goes for the Polo and Up! models. We’ll see,” Gunitz said.

Both models will use the same MEB Entry platform and will be powered by a single electric motor and will have front-wheel drive. Currently, the options listed are the 95 hp electric motor that powers the ID.Every1, but also the more powerful 231 hp electric motor in the ID.2all model, which is considered a better option.

Of course, the ID.1 GTI would also get many improvements compared to the standard version, since it is a sports car. This would include a sporty redesign, bumpers, deeper sills, a rear spoiler and a new set of wheels.

The ID.2 GTI will succeed the Polo GTI model that will soon be discontinued, while the ID.1 GTI should succeed the sporty version of the Up! model.

Source: Autocar

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1991 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe RUF RCT Evo sold for $661,500

For more than 47 years, the German company Ruf Automobile has been turning Porsche models into exceptional creations that fetch high prices at auctions. One example, a 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe RUF RCT Evo, recently sold for $661,500.

This RUF RCT Evo was completed in 2024 in Linden Green color. It started life as a Carrera 2, but during construction the tuner used a Porsche 964 chassis. The car is equipped with a sunroof, headlight washers, fog lamps, RUF badging, blue-lens reverse lights, a rear wiper, fixed spoiler, strut brace, front and rear anti-roll bars, and adjustable Bilstein coilovers at each corner.

Inside, the front bucket seats are re-trimmed in tan leather that also covers the door panels and rear jump seats, while black leather covers the dashboard. Additional equipment includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, power windows, a heated rear window, cruise control, automatic climate control, black carpets, and a Porsche Classic head unit with navigation. In front of the driver is a three-spoke RUF steering wheel and a six-digit odometer showing 34,218 miles.

When it comes to the powertrain, the RUF RCT Evo is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 3.6-liter flat-six engine with 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via a RUF five-speed manual transmission. The car is mounted on a set of silver 18″ RUF five-spoke wheels wrapped in 225/40 front and 265/35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires, while anti-lock brakes with body-color Brembo calipers over cross-drilled and ventilated four-wheel discs are responsible for safe braking and stopping.

The Carfax report shows damage history prior to the completion of the build including “minor” damage to the right front in November 2016 as well as “minor to moderate” damage to the front and left rear in March 2019.

Source: Bring a Trailer

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1991 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe RUF RCT Evo sold for $661,500