If you were disappointed by the news that Audi would not put the R8 V12 TDI Le Mans into production, we've got some exciting news to lift your spirits. According to emerging reports, Audi has confirmed previous rumors that a V10 will find its way into the R8's midship engine bay in the second quarter of next year. And not just any V10, either: the 580-hp twin-turbo V10 from the RS6 Avant. (And here we thought Audi developed that engine just for a station wagon.)
The news is attributed to an interview in Autocar magazine with Wolfgang Hatz. What, you don't know who Wolfgang Hatz is? Tssk-tssk. (Okay, we didn't either.) He's the head of powertrain development for the entire Volkswagen Group, and he says the engine has already been signed off on. Initial cooling problems that caused previous prototypes to burst into flames have been solved chiefly through the addition of a roof-mounted vent like the one seen on the previous R8 V12 TDI concept. Reports suggest the supercar will get the nameplate RS8, although there's the potential for Audi's halo car to be confused with an RS version of the A8 sedan. While we're forced to take everything with a grain of salt today, this is one lead we hope isn't an April Fool's Day hoax.
[Source: Autocar via German Car Scene]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mobius_1 @ Apr 1st 2008 11:53AM
Wow, can't wait for a RS8 vs LP560 vs 911 Turbo all Porsche group battle!
MemphisNET @ Apr 1st 2008 12:03PM
Has there been any official explanation for why the diesel isn't being used? It's low-volume super car anyway... they can't find 100 people who want diesel power ?
Brian @ Apr 1st 2008 1:21PM
My understanding was the V10 TDI might just be too big for a production car. Edmunds has an article I believe explaining the engineering difficulties with fitting the engine into the car.
montoym @ Apr 1st 2008 8:10PM
@ Brian: Well, I beleive that's mostly the issue as well. The Diesel is a V-12 though, not a V-10 as you stated.
The engine is large enough that the firewall had to be moved farther forward taking away cabin space.
We will likely see the 4.2L V-8 TDI in the R8 though instead.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/20/did-we-say-50-50-audi-r8-v12-tdi-not-coming-4-2-v8-tdi-instea/
mike @ Apr 2nd 2008 12:57AM
Just to spread the criticism around. The V8 is DEAD. The Electric Motor is more powerful and more efficient. This is a colossal waste of time and money.
MikeW @ Apr 2nd 2008 9:51AM
No, just the crossplane crank V8
Ferrari won't give up a flat plane crank V8.
Right now-V12, V10, V8
So if the eco-mentalists keep nagging.
near future-V10, V8, V6 (something for the Dino)
In a dystopian future
V8, V6, I4
Quattroporte @ Apr 1st 2008 12:26PM
"Audi has pulled such an absolute blinder that I'm looking at my new Gallardo Spyder and wondering if there's some sly way I can get my money back."
Since this was Jeremy Clarkson's reaction to the regular R8, I cannot wait for reaction to this.
500 @ Apr 1st 2008 12:52PM
When I hear the name "RS8", I immediately think of the long-rumored ultra high-performance version of the A8 sedan. Giving two completely different vehicles the same name would be ridiculous.
How about calling the RS version of the R8 the RSR8?
RG @ Apr 1st 2008 12:56PM
Or what about the R10?
It has a twin turbocharged 10 cylinder engine, so that could be a logical explanation.
For the record, I called this this past Nov when the story broke- I thought it was a smoke screen and a relatively easy fix. Needless to say this car is going to kick some serious butt.
GTX141 @ Apr 1st 2008 1:10PM
What about a displacement designation? A4 2.0T, A6 4.2, Q7 3.6, etc.
Maybe this will be an R8 X.X? Just a theory
Max @ Apr 1st 2008 12:58PM
Hopefully these won't catch on fire and burn to the ground like the previous test mules.
madgamer @ Apr 1st 2008 1:39PM
Thats what I was thinking. I guess they got the heat thing figured out, as these were the ones that kept burning.
Leaf @ Apr 1st 2008 1:04PM
Eh, whatever. The R8 is a work of automotive art just the way it is.
Way of the Future @ Apr 1st 2008 2:07PM
One of the two best looking cars in the world IMHO (along with a DB9/S), and to make it even faster is just unbelievable. If I had a 100k+ to burn I would definitely buy an R8
Will @ Apr 1st 2008 2:44PM
HAHAHA! 100k to BURN! I get it, 'cause the test mules were all catching fire. That's brilliant.
Hopefully the R10 will have direct exhaust injection, w00t.
nick @ Apr 1st 2008 3:01PM
The other day as I was strolling past a Carrera GT in front of the bar I was going into, it occurred to me that I could check it off my list of exotics I haven't seen here in S. Fla. The R8 has not be spotted by me or my friends down here. The ballers just ain't into them. Probably that side burn thing.
Matty @ Apr 1st 2008 5:06PM
It doesn't come out in the states until June if I remember correctly.
nick @ Apr 1st 2008 6:13PM
Hmmm, you sure? I just assumed it was out since MT tested it like 4 months ago..
GTX141 @ Apr 1st 2008 6:55PM
Uhhh, guys.........
It came out last September. They've only delivered about 400 or so in the US to date, so it's no surprise you haven't seen one Nick.
I've only seen three since September
turbo-quattro @ Apr 1st 2008 9:04PM
ive seen 1 or 2 here in colorado, and I know there are more. we're ballin, haha.
the reason the R8 (V8) has gotten such incredible reviews is because it is such a perfectly balanced car--it handles incredibly, is great on the street, and wont disappoint on the track. hopefully audi can make it so that the R8 V10 will also be balanced enough to be an amazing car in all situations(i see the extra weight of 2 more cylinders and 2 turbos potentially making the car a bit heavy, throwing the vehicles dynamics)