The fun thing about talking with automotive executives is that they can play games now and then; however, once and a while you will get a direct answer from an exec. Sometimes they've had a glass or two of something brown, but mostly it takes careful prodding.
It seems that wasn't really necessary for one of Audi's top brass to let it all hang out with a buff book.
Geneva Motor Show #GIMSAudi's Head of Quattro GmbH, Heinz Hollerweger, recently made it quite clear that not only will the company NOT produce a V8-powered, second-gen R8, it also is not looking to offer a three-pedaled R8.
Although initial speculation and another executive even hinted at a potential V8 being used, it seems like this is just about as close to a confirmation we can get at the moment. I guess the only other potential powerplant to be considered for R8 use would be a forced induction six-cylinder but even that sounds like a slim chance.
In addition, a standard gearbox seems pretty much like a dead issue. That's because Audi's Hollerweger simply is pointing to lap times. I guess he and the rest of the decision-makers at Audi don't understand it's about the driving experience and would rather save R&D dollars for other technology as the take rate on the last-gen R8 with a stick was rather low.
Considering most folks' reception of the all-new R8 has been rather cold, this thing better drive damn good. Without a six-speed or lower barrier of entry, the company may have boxed itself into a corner where it may not be able to deliver a truly differentiated experience.
..."You have to look at lap times," he said at the 2015 Geneva auto show, adding that the take rate for manual transmission-equipped Audi R8s, at least in Europe, was almost nil. When pressed on the issue, Hollerweger remained firm. There is simply is no way for a stick-shift to match the performance of the R8's dual-clutch transmission and few buyers wanted one, so Hollerweger believes there's no point in offering a manual on the new car...
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...Hollerweger had one other bit of news surrounding the Audi R8, that a V-8 will not be available for the car. It came as a bit of a surprise that the new R8 launched with the V-10 and now we know why. "We have no interest in a V-8," Hollerweger said. He also indicated that the take rate for the eight-cylinder was low and that interest in the "iconic" V-10 far outstripped expectations in the first-gen car...
Geneva Motor Show #GIMS
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