JessePS

http://www.caradvice.com.au/142190/2...fibre-chassis/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Not surprised, a good move IMO. Though cost of this terrific beast with surely soar

Coconut

Awesome, Audi's going to make a new R8. This means the price of used current gen R8 may drop to around $60-70k. Here's hoping!

GS69

2014 Audi R8 to Do Away with Manual GearBox

Perception versus reality. It's the schism that defines so many struggles in life – sports cars among them. While we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the latest automated dual-clutch transmissions can shift faster and smoother than any human possibly could, purists still want that manually operated clutch pedal and a proper stick to row through the gears. Sure, many will tell you, though the robotic transmission might do a better job of it, they (and by they, we include many of us here at Autoblog among them) still take pleasure in doing it the old-fashion way.

Those purists are finding themselves increasingly disappointed by many automakers who are fazing out the old 3-pedal setups. And the latest performance icon to join those ranks could very well be the next-generation Audi R8, if the latest reports are to be believed. Although the current R8 is encumbered by a lackluster automatic transmission option, later in 2012 Audi is expected to offer a 7-speed DSG that will, according to the ruminations, be the only gearbox offered once its complete replacement rolls along in 2014.

The manual won't be the only element missing from the next-gen R8, though. Britain's Car magazine also claims it on good authority that the iconic side-blade that distinguishes the current R8 will be gone from the next model, and while a V10 may be offered at the beginning, it may be fazed out for a turbo 8 with more power. Here's to progress, then, and enjoying working that clutch pedal in the meantime.

jpvarghese

iTrader: (1)

RIP Manual. You will be missed.

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

for the price of the car, i find that to be a very ugly looking gearbox

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Its sad though not really unexpected considering the trend. Heck Ferrari dropped manuals not to long ago, and aside from the Gallardo looks like future Lambo models will also follow suit. What saddens me is the loss of the side blades.

perhaps the design, but the "materials used" are super nice

UberNoob

i thought they would one up porsche and do something like 11 speed manual
lol

its strange to see this after they are selling Audi TTRS in nothing but manual configurations

Blackraven

Yeah, I'd rather have an S-tronic DSG for the R8 supercar than a stick shift anyday. I reckon it's also cheaper for Audi (since they only need to focus on one gearbox configuration instead of allocating for two transmission options).

Fixed that for you mate

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Details on 2015 Audi R8 leak out

News on the next-generation 2015 Audi R8 has been spilling forth for a bit now, but a report in Autocar has begun to put them into a single package. We knew that next R8 wouldn't offer a manual option, only a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and that the monocoque would be a lighter, aluminum and carbon affair. Audi has apparently pegged a target weight of under 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds), meaning it will shed more than 135 kg (305 lbs.) versus today's 4.2-liter V8 manual.

That will make the two engines in the next car – refined versions of the current naturally aspirated V8 and V10 – even more potent. Autocar didn't mention an increase in displacement, but horsepower bumps were rated at 20 hp for the V8, to 450 hp, and 25 hp for the V10, to 550 hp. The GT will also benefit from 20 additional horses, getting 580 hp. More interestingly, neither mill will benefit from forced induction as Audi wants to maintain "the throttle response, the soaring nature of the delivery and the inherent sound."

The evolution or disappearance of the sideblades on the "clean-sheet design" also wasn't broached, but the trademark signifiers don't appear in Autocar's rendering. The report states that it will take cues from the R8 e-tron (pictured), but they see intakes at the door shut-line, which feature very MP4-12C-like dual strakes. It's only a rendering, but if sideblades are what you're after then the future doesn't look bright. We'll see the sibling Lamborghini Gallardo replacement next year, a year before the R8 is shown in 2014.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/d...i-r8-leak-out/

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Damn, that gearbox is pretty damn ugly considering how nice an R8 is. Disappointing!

lol 11 speed manual, that would be a b**** to drive in the city

pvmike1

Please tell me they won't use that front end.

Hope used prices drop into the $70's.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

That's the R8 E-Tron (electric), so probably not lol

LexFather

So by the time the Honda Unicorn arrives, we will be on the new and improved R8. NSX=DOA

Audi is kicking *** and taking names.

rkyat

Ahh good ol' R8. Everytime im on the westside highway i cant help but slow down at the Audi dealership and stare.