UPDATE: 520-HP V10 for Audi R8 coming in 2008
If at first -- or three times -- you don't succeed, then try a V10 without turbos. After a few RS8's went up like popcorn while testing with the twin-turbo V10 from the RS6, Evo magazine bolsters our report from yesterday that the new supeR8 will come with a normally aspirated V10. However, it will be a clean-sheet-of-paper engine, and not related to the V10s in the RS6 or Lamborghini Gallardo, but rather an evolution of the V8 in the RS4.
In his interview regarding the incinerated R8s, Quattro boss Werner Frowein said that Audi was experimenting with a V10 that would get more than 500 horsepower, but the fact that the brand would commit to a brand new powerplant -- even if it is an evolution -- is somewhat surprising. Evo pegs the new engine at about 520 brake horsepower, which would put it ahead of the M-division unit from BMW and even the freer breathing versions of AMG's 6.2-liter lump. The car's arrival has been pushed back slightly to satisfy demand for the regular R8, though. In the mean time, we'll savor the possibility that the new engine will go in the S8.
[Source: Evo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lucas 3:35PM (11/28/2007)
Develop the convertible first.
Why does Audi think R8 buys want more HP?
They want a subtler, cheaper, Gallardo/430 - or - a more exciting 911. They don't want a million HP.
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aman 3:49PM (11/28/2007)
Audi thinks R8 buyers want more power because they buy the R8. they buy this kind of car.
even the V10 R8 shouldn't cost more than about $130,000 at the most, and that is still an amazing bargain over the Gallardo. I say, get this car out, then develop the convertible for both models.
And who wouldn't want a million hp?
JD 4:45PM (11/28/2007)
Because the car isn't all that powerful as it is for the price. And I have a tough time seeing this car looking as stunning in convertible form, but that's just me. And what R8 buyer wants a subtle gallardo or F430? I hate to break it to ya, but the R8 isn't exactly subtle. And I think that they go after pretty different markets.
Oh, and they should really dump that lame "blade" thing on the side. It'd look way better.
Mark 4:30AM (11/29/2007)
"Oh, and they should really dump that lame "blade" thing on the side. It'd look way better."
you do realise that the radiators are in there don't you? enough of them have been catching fire as it is
Menice 3:38PM (11/28/2007)
such a cool looking car
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Joe K. 3:43PM (11/28/2007)
missed opportunity if they stay with the SR8, should be the GR8, simply for the phonics of it...
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RicardoHead 9:29PM (11/28/2007)
Or, as the blogger almost said ... "incin-R-8"
waiownsyou 4:02PM (11/28/2007)
Wait, so why are gas prices so high again?
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fuelharp 4:14PM (11/28/2007)
seriously, autoblog (and others), it's about time you think a bit and realize audi won't call this beefier version the RS8. it'll be an R8 just like the v8. calling it the RS8 would just tangle up their naming scheme (since an RS 8 would be an RS version of the A8 (and damn, why don't they make one?), much like the RS6 is to the A6, etc.).
also, TT-S and TT-RS are similarly ridiculous names.
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Paul P. 4:14PM (11/28/2007)
Wow, I think the R8 looks so much better blacked out like that.
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Leaf 4:24PM (11/28/2007)
Based purely on what I've read about this car... adding a V10 is completely unnecessary, and for bragging rights only. It's a fantastic machine exactly as-is.
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zamafir 8:28PM (11/28/2007)
Based on extensive track time in this car, I have to agree.
A v10 is overkill, and quite shocking to me. This car has always been about redefining the supercar niche akin to the NSX back in the day. It's already crushingly competent. Why audi isn't going with a blown 4.2 bi-turbo, and why they'd develop a third V10 (they being VAG, and I'm definitely skeptical of that claim) is beyond me.
More power with even more weight is not going to do anything for this car in it's native habitat, where it really shines, on the track. It will provide the lacking punch to the gut when giving the throttle the full beans, but why?
Also, Why would VAG endeavor to provide direct competition to the baby Lamborghini? The R8 can already match the gallardo on the track. This is the sort of brand confusion I don’t expect from Audi, especially with their halo car.
Spaceweasel 4:40PM (11/28/2007)
I'm actually more interested in the potential of an oil-burner supercar to follow up their LeMans success...
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tankd0g 4:37PM (11/28/2007)
With Porsche cutting prices and the GT-R out maybe they feel they have some competition in the 480hp awd dual clutch sports car that most people can't possibly afford segment :)
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meshies 4:42PM (11/28/2007)
all i want for christmas is an audi r8 an audi r8 an audi r8
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Dustin 5:10PM (11/28/2007)
I'm not sure why the word "brake" is highlighted. Just to be clear, "brake horsepower" is measured at the crankshaft just like every other manufacturer rating.
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bill 5:25PM (11/28/2007)
Will there be a flambe' option, or just the usual flame striping to differenciate the cooking versions from the really hot ones?
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bazzz 5:44PM (11/28/2007)
The image says: "Please stop stealing our content. The real autoblog." WTF? I'm HERE, right here on your webpage ;) Any technical difficulties?
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Jonathan gala 12:46AM (11/29/2007)
How can it be a "clean-sheet-of-paper engine" and "an evolution of the V8 in the RS4" at the same time? Wha?
Anyway, I agree this sounds like the wrong way to go with this apparently already fantastic car. If they want to go more extreme, they should go the Superleggera/GT3/CSL route with it. But I guess big numbers sell cars. Sigh.
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vkchu 2:00AM (11/29/2007)
it just isnt the same w/o the twin snails...
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