2016 Audi R8 – next-gen leaked ahead of Geneva?

Ahead of its scheduled Geneva debut next month, an image purportedly that of the 2016 Audi R8 has surfaced online. Plenty of debate as to whether the photo is actually that of the next-gen R8 or a bodykitted example being fitted out with some new clothes.

Some of the visual cues – in comparison to spyshots of the car undergoing trials on the Nurburgring – suggest that this could be very well a view of the real deal. The largish gap between the bumper and body panel (and missing front wheels) aside, the bonnet line and shape of the headlights match up to that of the spied car, so if this is a replication, it’s aiming to be a dead ringer.

We’ll know soon enough in a few weeks, when the new R8 makes its debut at the Swiss show. Like its predecessor, the upcoming car will utilise a Lamborghini platform, here based on the one seen on the Huracan LP 610-4. It’ll be a lighter proposition as well.

In terms of powertrains, word is that the car will make its debut via the V10 route, with the Lambo-derived 5.2 litre expected to get a power hike. A e-tron plug-in variant is also on the cards for the second-gen R8, but it’ll be a while before that one enters the market.

In the meantime, does the new rakish look (if it is the actual car) work for you? Fetchingly sharp, or trying too hard? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

2016 Audi R8 spyshots

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