There's a common saying that everything good must come to an end. Sadly, that statement also applies to the legendary Audi R8, which had a successful and long-lived run. Audi will soon release yet another R8 model, which, in many ways, makes gearheads excited and emotional at the same time. This is the Audi R8 GT, which aims at giving you another taste of speed and V10 glory.

Recently, Audi made the formal announcement that the new R8 GT will be the final chapter in the R8's historic two-decade history. Thanks to the R8 series, we have witnessed some of the most impressive sports cars in automotive history. Therefore, when the production ends, its splendor will stay intact. Scheduled to sell in the first half of 2023, the Audi R8 GT carries on the venerable R8 sports car series tradition. Don’t forget that Audi is the only other company in the car industry, except BMW, that continues to mass-produce V10 engines. Aside from the mighty V10, elegance, and performance are the supercar series' specialties.

In the meantime, 2023 is going to be rather intriguing in the industry as we’ll also see the BMW X1, as well as the newer and more stylish Toyota Prius, which made its debut last month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Let's take a look at why the Audi R8 is leaving, as well as its features, manufacturing run, and impact on the sports car sector.

The R8 Family Made A Strong Statement

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Via: Audi

The R8s made a grand entrance with a thunderous announcement when they first appeared on the circuit in 2008. Its GT sibling, produced between 2010 and 2013, was lighter, more powerful, and more track-oriented. The 2023 model will most certainly adhere to the same formula. Based on the previous-generation R8, the GT model churned out an amazing 560 horsepower, was 220 lbs lighter, and had a number of aerodynamic improvements.

Audi's R8 went on to extend its domineering impact beyond the confines of the car industry. If you recall, this legendary sports automobile, which has only grown in elegance over time, also made an appearance in the Iron Man movies, thus stealing the hearts of many car nerds.

This specific series of cars are all special, giving the collection timeless quality and value. As time went on, we witnessed impressive redesigns and significant advancements. The style, utility, speed, and feel, which go beyond metrics, are what allowed this vehicle brand to go down in history and become an icon.

RELATED: The Final Audi R8 V10 GT And TT RS Icon Mark The End Of An Audacious Sportscar Era

Audi Is Ditching The V10 In Favor Of Electrification

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Via: Audi

The Audi R8 as we know it is about to come to an end. The reason for this is rather something the brand hinted at us. A while ago, Audi revealed what we had all suspected – the following-generation R8 would forgo the V10 in favor of an all-electric drivetrain.

This was part of the brand’s plan to electrify its lineup by the stroke of 2023. But, word on the street is that the electric counterpart might not hit production until 2029. We’re still unclear when it might join the electric segment. So, while it's tough to determine its arrival, or pretty much anything about the electrified model, one thing is for sure: Audi is dropping the gas-propelled Audi R8 to introduce its electric sibling.

While we’re sad, it’s still so cool that the current-generation V10-powered R8 will make a dramatic exit before the next model goes to electric propulsion. Dr. Sebastian Grams, the head of Audi's RS division, said that the limited-edition vehicle pays homage to the R8's renowned V10 and marks the conclusion of the current generation.

What We Know About The Upcoming Audi R8: Celebration with a Hint of Melancholy

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Via: Audi

However, aside from the inherited tradition and class, it has its own unique selling points, which are immeasurable. For starters, it continues that history and boasts more firepower than ever before.

Like the original model, this next R8 GT also comes in the same Matte Suzuka Grey color, as well as the Tangorot Metallic and Daytona Gray Metallic. Inside, the red and black color scheme and the iconic red seat belts from the original vehicle retain the tribute motif.

Auto enthusiasts with sharp eyes won't miss the R8 GT's exterior, which has black-shaded badges, including the word "R8 GT" on the back. It also has a high-gloss carbon body kit that includes a diffuser, front splitter, flics, side skirt covers, and components on the sides of the rear bumper. The back wing receives a similar makeover and has its own gooseneck suspension to enhance wing underflow.

Audi will unveil a collector's version of the R8 GT in 2023. It will have a razor-sharp mix of a rear-wheel-drive coupe and the upgraded 5.2-liter V10 with 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque that was, until recently, Quattro-exclusive. Audi claims that the new R8 GT will achieve a 0-62 mph sprint in just under 3.4 seconds and attain a top speed of 199 mph. With the revamped engine, the R8 will shift much more quickly, and the exciting seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will release more power and satisfy the thirst for speed.

RELATED: Here's Why Gearheads Looking For A Supercar Should Buy The Audi R8

Final Thoughts On The Audi R8 GT

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Via: Audi

We know that only 333 of the impending 2023 Audi R8 GT will get produced. With that number, no retailer could obtain more than one unit. This final piece of a timeless classic is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for vehicle enthusiasts and collectors in particular.

And it certainly doesn’t come cheap. The 2023 Audi R8 GT will cost you $221,000. However, the price seems reasonable given the product's outstanding qualities and the fact that its significance extends beyond its utility. And look at it this way, if you buy one of these bad boys, you, as an owner, will also go down in history.

Sources: Audi USA