Revamped Audi R8 spied up close again testing on the 'Ring

2015 Audi R8 spy photo / Automedia

Should come out early next year

The same second-gen Audi R8 prototype we spotted a few days ago has returned in a fresh batch of spy photos taken during the car's testing procedures on the Nürburgring in Germany.

Although it's wearing a significant amount of camouflage, we easily notice the overhauled Audi R8 will retain most of the styling cues seen on the outgoing model but with a slightly angrier front fascia and larger air intakes. The side blades have been kept while at the back there's a quad exhaust arrangement and a massive diffuser.

Powering the base model will probably be a tweaked V8 4.2-liter engine with 430+ HP (316 kW) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm). There should also be an upgraded version of the V10 5.2-liter unleashing more than 525 HP (386 kW) and 391 lb-ft (530 Nm). These two engines are going to work with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and Audi's quattro AWD setup. There are also talks about a six-speed manual but the rumor hasn't been confirmed so far.

Aside from receiving more power, the second generation Audi R8 will go on a diet and will likely share many of its components with the recently introduced Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4. The model was originally programmed to go into production in a few months but now it appears it has been postponed until the beginning of 2015.