A second generation of the Audi R8 is due in the next 12 to 18 months, and while it won’t deviate much from the current formula there will be a few key differences. We already know the new R8 will ride on a revised version of the current car’s platform, once again offer the choice of V-8 or V-10 power, and weigh significantly less thanks to the increased use of lightweight materials in its construction, but now we know just how much lighter it’s likely to be.

Speaking with Motor Trend at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg revealed that the new R8 would weigh between 110 and 130 pounds less than the current car. That might not sound like much, but that’s because the current car already benefits from a lightweight aluminum structure and improving upon this substantially would require more extreme measures such as full carbon fiber construction.

Instead, Audi will apply a popular ‘multi-material’ strategy where only some of the aluminum of the current car will be replaced with lighter carbon fiber in the new. Expect carbon fiber to be used in the floor structure and center tunnel. The latest 2014 Audi R8 V8 model weighs in at 3,439 pounds, so the redesigned version may end up weighing as little as 3,300 pounds.

It should be noted that the Lamborghini Gallardo replacement, tipped to be called the “Cabrera”, will share its platform with the new R8 but will weigh even less. Its higher positioning--and higher expected pricetag--means more exotic materials can be utilized in its construction. This new Cabrera will arrive slightly earlier than the new R8, making it to showrooms by the end of next year. The new R8 isn’t due until early 2015.

Production of the new R8 will take place at Audi’s new Böllinger Höfe plant currently under construction in Neckarsulm, Germany.

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