2016-audi-r8-leaked

The first official image of the next-generation Audi R8 has apparently been leaked online prior to its public unveiling at the upcoming 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March. The image, first seen on Motor Pasion, could not be verified but comparisons between it and earlier spyshots indicate a rather close resemblance.

Looking back at the official teaser image released earlier on by Audi, one can see that the layout of the air intake as well as the head lamp assembly does indeed match up quite closely. Furthermore, the design of the Singleframe grille up front does appear to tally up with a shot of the camo'ed mule featured in a video released by Audi, which shows the second-generation Audi R8 speeding around the Ascari circuit.

Audi zeigt Laser-Scheinwerfer des neuen R8

As reported, the 2016 Audi R8 is expected to debut with a naturally-aspirated 5.2 litre V10 engine pumping out at least 540 hp in its mildest state of tune. A 'Plus' variant is expected to top the range with the same engine, albeit in a higher state of tune - around 610 hp has been touted.

Another novelty on the new R8 would arrive in the form of its (optional) laser head lamps. By employing high-intensity laser diodes, the system is able to generate a lot more light energy and therefore, be able to project a beam that is nearly twice the range when compared to conventional LED head lamps.

GALLERY: Next-gen Audi R8 prototype driven around Ascari