noone1:
Of course VAG doesn't care. If this was a problem, they'd kill models. They aren't going to just cannibalize sales knowingly for a decade. The R8 is nearly 10 years old now. They're aware of what's going on with sales and they are obviously OK with it.
Audi acquired Lamborghini in 1998 and since Porsche wasn't part of the VW Group family at that time, Audi developed their own super sportscar, as some sort of a more (socially) acceptable version of the Gallardo. At that time, the R8 made probably a lot of sense, it's success (almost 25000 cars in 10 years) says a lot about it.
Now, things have changed. I get it, R8 development was already far and Quattro GmbH couldn't switch to the new Porsche sportscar platform, which also allows a mid engined version and Lamborghini Huracan development was almost ready, so Audi had to keep both, the R8 and the Huracan on their own (developed) platform.
Using the Porsch platform for the "960" only, would cost too much money though, so I assume that Porsche will offer some sort of "960" once the current R8/Huracan platform is obsolete, maybe with the facelift but I rather think with the next generation. I doubt that Audi will keep the current R8 in it's current form (space frame, engine, etc.) for another 10 years, so the R8 will probably die once the "960" pops up in maybe three to four years. Just a wild guess though, nothing substantiated by accurate information.
It is also highly possible that the R8 and the "960" will be available side by side but in my opinion, this doesn't make sense and would really hurt both models. Not so much the Huracan though, different story, since it is considered to be an "exotic", especially in Germany and/or Europe.
Long story short: Porsche needs a "960" type of car and they need it fast. I doubt that the new 991 GT2 RS will be able to fill this void, maybe only for some enthusiasts. With the next 911 generation, things may change though and hopefully we are going to see a "960" evolve out of the ashes in a couple of years. My guts tells me: One year after the next generation 911 Turbo pops up. Again just a wild guess though.
My R8 lease is four years, so I guess you guys know why now... I can only hope that Porsche makes the 960 more emotional than the 911 Turbo but in case they don't, I can still keep the R8 or go for a R8 facelift or whatever. I have my doubts however that the V10 engine is going to survive the next five years.
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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, Porsche Macan Turbo, Audi R8 V10 Plus (2017), Mini JCW (2015), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014)