ooooIYKYK, ISSUE #0002
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Far be it from an automotive outlet to wax on about qualifying media sources, but I guess that’s where I need to start in this issue. Whether it’s science, politics or rumors of interesting new cars, it pays to qualify your sources. Culling stories for the ooooIYKYK feed, I see and hear rumors all the time. Knowing which ones likely true, which ones bogus and which ones are just another link in an inaccurate game of telephone is the magic. Take today’s intel around a third-generation R8 for example.
If it is to be believed (and I reckon it is), the next R8 will be based on Lamborghini Temerario and will be on the market by 2027. That’s thrilling news for Audi afficionados who want to know there’s still passion-driven product in the chute that could result in sportscars and eventually motorsport. More on that via the links below, but I want to say something about rumors before I dive in.
As this ooooIYKYK project begins to take root, I’m going to be relaying rumors. When I do, it’ll either be something I hear from a trusted source of my own or by others in the press. When it is the latter, it’s my intent to put those rumors in context with what we already know and also qualify that source. In this case, it’s the UK’s AutoCar Magazine and, more specifically, it’s contributor Greg Kable. In my book, that’s about as good as reliable gets. Greg’s on a short list of writers I pay attention to based on his proven capabilities over the years. Generally, when he’s wrong, it’s more because the board changing their minds rather than Greg being off the scent.
Next, I’ll be mixing in renderings either created by me or created with AI tools via my own @4Rings.AI Instagram account. I’ll be integrating @4Rings.AI more and more into this feed, to both supplement stories like this and to also entertain. Whenever I do though, I intend to continue @4Rings.AI’s practice of being transparent about the source. There’s too much fakery out there and too little clarification of just what you’re looking at. I don’t wish to contribute to misleading in any way, though these visuals do help improve the experience here by illustrating things like a next-generation R8 long before any new design language is known.
Eventually, I’d like to add regular spy photography to the mix as well. This site doesn’t have budget yet to contract with spy photographers, so for now I’m going to be relying upon prolific spy photographer Instagrammers like last week’s A6 allroad images by @Wilcoblok who’ve given me permission to share their posts here, or the occasional shots sent to me by sources.
With all that in mind, enjoy this issue of the newsletter focused entirely on rumors, renderings and spy photos, with particular context on the rumored Audi R8 Mk3 and some technical analysis of the Lamborghini Temerario on which it is expected to be based. It’s a bit rushed and focused on R8 and rumors. That’s also intentional because the new A6 drops tomorrow and I’ll be sending out another newsletter by week’s end with more of a focus on that.
NEXT UP: NEWS & FEATURES
Rumor: Latest R8 Intel Sounds Likely
Autocar Magazine’s Feb 26, 2025 Issue is reporting a replacement for the Audi R8 could be back on again and penciled in for a 2027 launch. According to the Autocar Magazine piece, the car would be a plug-in hybrid utilizing hardware from its Lamborghini subsidiary. The decision allegedly comes following a rethink of the brand’s push these last few years to transition to a full-EV lineup. If true, the new sportscar could be the brand’s fastest road car to date… faster even than the RS e-tron GT performance
Could this be real? I evaluate it HERE.
Spied: Exclusive Photos of Audi RS Q6 & RS Q6 Sportback Cold-Weather Testing
It’s commonly known that Audi plans much hotter RS versions of its new PPE-based EV offerings including the Q6 and A6 e-tron. However, a contact of from Europe caught this RS Q6 Sportback e-tron out testing and so, in sharing them, it’s worth taking the opportunity to revisit what we know.
More photos and details HERE.
Rumor: Audi Sport customer racing To Return on Back of R8 Mk3
As Audi rethinks its position on electric and internal combustion strategies, it appears to be fast-tracking a replacement to the R8 based on the Lamborghini Temerario. One consideration reported as part of that move is to homologate the third-generation R8 for racing. Could this mean a return to endurance racing?
Key details can be found HERE.
Tech Focus: 10K RPM Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid & Aluminum Space Frame Chassis of the Lamborghini Temerario
Given this week’s rumor of Audi fast-tracking a third-generation based on the Lamborghini Temerario, it’s worth taking a closer look at key advancements in technology that would carry over to a Temerario-derived Audi R8. Specifically, the hybrid power based ona 4.0-liter twin turbocharged V8 and the latest advancements in aluminum spaceframe construction.
Dig into these likely R8 Mk2 technical components HERE.
DON’T MISS: UPCOMING EVENTS
03.04.2025 – Audi A6 “C9” Virtual Launch on YouTube WATCH HERE
03.06.2025 – Audi Club Florida Amelia Island Gathering, Amelia Island, FL INFO
03.07.2025 – F1 Drive to Survive New Season on Netflix WATCH HERE
03.08.2025 – Audi Club Kentucky Winter Cars & Coffee, Cincinnati, OH INFO
03.08.2025 – Audi Club Sierra Vintage Euro Cars & Coffee INFO
03.08.2025 – Cars & Caffeine at The Amelia, Amelia Island, FL INFO
03.08.2025 – RADwood at The Amelia, Amelia Island, FL INFO
03.09.2025 – The Amelia Concours, Amelia Island, FL INFO
03.09.2025 – Audi Club Arizona: FCP Euro Sunday Motoring Meet, Mesa, AZ INFO
ALL WEEK – People’s Champ: The Impact of Ken Block at The Petersen Museum, CA INFO
FOUR RINGS PS.
Here’s something extra – a 5120 x 2880 pixel wallpaper of an R8 Mk2 created and for and published by @4Rings.AI. Enjoy.
THAT’S A WRAP. THANK-YOU.
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