While the 2021 Audi R8 is only the latest model for a nameplate that has become an icon, it may not carry on into the future. Over the last few months, Audi has made its focus on an electrified future quite clear. In fact, last month, the German carmaker announced it would stop the development of new internal combustion engines.

According to an interview with Top Gear, Audi’s Global Chief of Sales and Marketing, Hildegard Wortmann, states the R8 likely won’t carry on as we know it. Instead, this supercar will have to change significantly if it wants to survive. Furthermore, the TT also seems to be in trouble.

Is the 2021 Audi R8 discontinued?

As of writing, the 2021 Audi R8 lives on. However, this may not last for long. In fact, Wortmann told Top Gear:

“The R8 is an icon of our brand. But icons of the past aren’t necessarily icons of the future. A successor to the R8 won’t just be an R8 with an electric motor. It needs to be an R8 but different.”

Hildegard Wortmann via Top Gear

This statement comes as a result of the brand’s latest plan for its electrification. Instead of offering new versions of older models, Audi aims to create brand-new models for new segments of the auto industry. As you might imagine, this is why the carmaker has focused largely on producing coupe-SUVs.

While the 2021 Audi R8 is likely heading for the chopping block, this doesn’t mean we don’t get any exciting cars from the German carmaker. In fact, Wortmann told Top Gear that the brand will always focus on “emotional models,” citing recent electric concept cars as ideas. As a result, a next-generation electric supercar will likely look entirely different from the current model.

The TT also seems to be in trouble

While the potential end of the 2021 Audi R8 is certainly the bigger story, the smaller TT also seems to be in trouble. When asked about the TT, Wortmann told Top Gear:

“The same holds true. The TT is authentic and highly emotional, but customers have changed, and the world has gone away from roadsters.”

Hildegard Wortmann via Top Gear

While these sports cars are undoubtedly some of the brand’s best-looking vehicles, they are hardly sales successes. According to CarSalesBase, Audi managed to sell just 581 R8’s last year in the U.S. Additionally, 830 brand-new TTs found homes last year in the U.S. In contrast, the German carmaker managed to sell 1,283 units of its brand-new e-tron Sportback SUV last year.

How much does a 2021 Audi R8 cost?

Since the writing appears to be on the wall, now is the right time to scoop up a 2021 Audi R8. However, you’ll need deep pockets because this supercar has a base price of $142,700. However, you’re looking at $196,700 if you want the top Performance model. For this top price, you get a naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 developing 602 hp. Unfortunately, it might also be one of the last V10s we ever get to see in a brand-new car.