Audi’s new supercar looks ‘R8’ to us

Audi will officially unwrap its latest gift to German sports car enthusiasts next week, when it unveils the second-generation, 2016 R8 at the Geneva auto show.

It’s an all-new design, but remains unmistakable as an R8, with its recognizable wedgy profile and distinctive side blades. Notably, Audi’s press release makes no mention of a V8 engine, so initially, the car will be an all-V10 lineup, with base model making “only” 540 hp and a V10 Plus trim getting 610 hp—enough, says Audi, for a 3.2-second sprint from zero to 100 km/h. For that, you can also thank the car’s new, lighter construction, which Audi says weighs “up to 50 kg” less than the outgoing model.

Naturally, quattro all-wheel drive is standard, as is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. There’s no mention of the old car’s gated stickshift, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s gone for good.

Optional laser high beams will complement the standard LED lights, effectively doubling headlight range (if we’re reading Audi’s verbose press release correctly).

The R8 will be revealed to the media middle of next week, and we’ll have more details and images of the car when that happens.