RF1
07-06-2006, 05:40 AM
http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/1326/08audir83408cx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
If the recent introductions of the Audi RS4, S6 and S8 weren't enough to make you take a second look at Audi, maybe this prototype of the upcoming 2008 Audi R8 will get your attention. These are the first shots taken of the upcoming sports car during high-speed testing at Germany's Nürburgring racetrack.
Originally introduced as the Le Mans concept at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi announced plans to build a production version last year. It wasn't too much of a surprise as the concept used numerous off-the-shelf parts and Audi has been itching to build an exotic sports car for years.
Like the concept, most of the R8's parts will come straight from the Lamborghini Gallardo. Everything from the aluminum space frame to the all-wheel-drive system will be carried directly over. The prototype in these pictures is even using Gallardo wheels, but Audi will get around to drawing up some new ones once the R8 gets closer to its official unveiling.
Not all of the R8's hardware will get pulled from the Gallardo. Instead of the Lambo's exotic 5.0-liter V10 power plant, there's a good chance the R8 will debut with a midmounted version of Audi's 4.2-liter V8. Going with the smaller engine will keep the R8 from undercutting the Lamborghini in both price and performance. Which gearbox the R8 will use is still up for debate. We have yet to see a version of Audi's Direct Shifter Gearbox (DSG) capable of withstanding V8 power and torque, but Porsche is rumored to be testing one for the 911. Lamborghini offers a similar type of clutchless manual for the Gallardo, so the R8 will get paddle shifters one way or the other.
We'll know for sure come September as the 2008 Audi R8 is expected to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show. Expect to see sales in the U.S. starting about a year from now.
If the recent introductions of the Audi RS4, S6 and S8 weren't enough to make you take a second look at Audi, maybe this prototype of the upcoming 2008 Audi R8 will get your attention. These are the first shots taken of the upcoming sports car during high-speed testing at Germany's Nürburgring racetrack.
Originally introduced as the Le Mans concept at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi announced plans to build a production version last year. It wasn't too much of a surprise as the concept used numerous off-the-shelf parts and Audi has been itching to build an exotic sports car for years.
Like the concept, most of the R8's parts will come straight from the Lamborghini Gallardo. Everything from the aluminum space frame to the all-wheel-drive system will be carried directly over. The prototype in these pictures is even using Gallardo wheels, but Audi will get around to drawing up some new ones once the R8 gets closer to its official unveiling.
Not all of the R8's hardware will get pulled from the Gallardo. Instead of the Lambo's exotic 5.0-liter V10 power plant, there's a good chance the R8 will debut with a midmounted version of Audi's 4.2-liter V8. Going with the smaller engine will keep the R8 from undercutting the Lamborghini in both price and performance. Which gearbox the R8 will use is still up for debate. We have yet to see a version of Audi's Direct Shifter Gearbox (DSG) capable of withstanding V8 power and torque, but Porsche is rumored to be testing one for the 911. Lamborghini offers a similar type of clutchless manual for the Gallardo, so the R8 will get paddle shifters one way or the other.
We'll know for sure come September as the 2008 Audi R8 is expected to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show. Expect to see sales in the U.S. starting about a year from now.