If you were waiting for the Audi R8 to make a return, it’s time to stop holding your breath. Volkswagen Group of America has officially confirmed that there are no plans to bring the legendary R8 back. The news comes straight from the top, as the VW Group’s new CEO, Kjell Gruner, spoke to the media at the 2025 New York Auto Show.
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Audi R8 Will Not Return
When asked about the future of the R8, Gruner made it clear—there’s no revival in sight. He called it a matter of portfolio planning and market relevance. According to him, there’s no place for a mid-engine, internal combustion supercar in Audi’s future road map. That statement essentially marks the final chapter for the R8.
The Audi R8 first made waves in 2007 with its naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 and signature Quattro all-wheel drive. Over the years, it evolved into a true halo car for the brand, eventually getting a Lamborghini-derived V10 that turned it into a fan favorite among performance enthusiasts. The second generation arrived in 2015, but lost the option for a manual gearbox. Production officially ended in 2023.
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A Shift In Focus For Volkswagen Group
While this may be disappointing for R8 fans, Volkswagen hasn’t completely turned its back on performance. The company says it will continue to support more affordable enthusiast cars like the Golf GTI and Golf R. These remain important to the brand’s identity, even as their sales face pressure.
“The US market isn’t a hatchback market anymore,” Gruner explained. “People now want SUVs that offer versatility. Hatchbacks may never be mainstream in the US again, and that’s okay.”
Still, he emphasized that performance hatchbacks like the GTI and Golf R are deeply tied to Volkswagen’s DNA. “If you drive a GTI or a Golf R, you’ll come out smiling. That’s what the brand stands for,” he said. VW plans to keep offering these fun-to-drive models, even as the overall hatchback segment shrinks in the US.
Sales Slowdown Due To Model Refresh
Sales for both the GTI and Golf R took a hit in early 2025. The GTI dropped over 21 percent, while the Golf R saw a steeper decline of nearly 38 percent. Gruner attributed the slowdown to the recent model changeover. The refreshed 2025 versions are only now arriving in showrooms, and the company expects a rebound once inventory stabilizes.
