Audi R8 : next-gen supercar to feature carbonfibre-infused chassis

Speaking at a Lamborghini pre-Geneva motor show event in the marque’s hometown of Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, Ulrich Hackenberg said the hybrid chassis (pictured below) will be used in Audi cars.

"I can say yes, you will see it,” he confirmed.

“This chassis is a chassis which is developed in combination with both teams [Lamborghini and Audi] but it’s manufactured in Germany and you will see Audi cars also with this technology.”

Though parts sharing between the second-gen Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracan was expected – the first-gen R8 and Gallardo trail-blazed the relationship started when the Volkswagen Group took ownership of Lamborghini through Audi in 1998 – Hackenberg hinted at further expansion, adding that "you will see it in several other cars."

Compared with the R8 and Gallardo’s aluminium space frame, the new chassis combines aluminium components for the front and rear sections of the car, including axle mounts, with carbonfibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) elements concentrated around the occupant cell, floor, sills, centre tunnel, rear bulkhead and B-pillars.

Highly advanced glues and stainless steel rivets bond the two lightweight materials together while adhesives and seals protect contact points from corrosion.

Audi confirmed a mid-2014 production start for the next-generation R8 back in September, with manufacturing to begin at its brand-new 23-hectare Bollinger Hofe facility in Germany.