R8 Convertible And More Engines Planned

[LEXION]

Volkswagen boss Martin Winterkorn has indicated that a Spider version of the Audi R8 could be here by as soon as 2008, along with a new range of engines.

Suggested optional powerplants include the 5.2L units from Audi’s S6 & S8 models, as well as a super-hot 600 bhp bi-turbo V10 model. Our money’s on the R8 receiving a version of the company’s mighty V12 TDI engine.

[TopGearNL]

/\/\ Can only say thats good news!

Though I don't like the car it is awesome!

I like the technical plans, except the cabrio looks weird :bah:

[Fleischmann]

I don;t care how many cylinders or peak power, a Diesel is still a freakin' diesel, why do they have to have it in the line up? V10 sounds promising though it's a strange move from Audi, it will divert customers from the Gallardo.

I'm still not too keen on the looks of the R8, it's way too complicated and fiddly, this cabrio hasn't changed my opinion.

[so_innocent]

It probably will get a V10 engine, but it won't get much more power than the V8. May be say 450-480bhp max. Gallardo are rated at 520bhp at the moment, so Audi wouldn't give R8 too much power or Gallardo will lose sales

[ViperASR]

I want to see the TDI in it

[inso]

gallardo will have minor facelift soonish, with some R8 parts and also new 550hp v10.

V12TDI sounds fabulous idea, ams is also talking about it coming to new A5 too.

[Z3uS]

Good news enginewise and i think the R8 looks good without the top, unlike the other one.

[SPEEDKILLAR]

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas I'm not sure about the cabrio, and how the soft-top will suit the looks of the R8... As for the engines, the V10 sounds like the logical step if they want to rivalize with better cars than the 997 Carrera the bi-turbo V10 sounds wicked, but more than in the R8, I'd kill to see this engine on a RWD Gallardo SV Finally the diesel - oh the diesels... I quite like the decision. It's risky, and sure no-one has ever put a diesel engine on a "supercar"... but that's exactly why I applaud them. Same happened with the R10 diesel at Le Mans. At the end, they proved they could develop a competitive engine with TONS of torque. This 500hp V12 TDI sounds a great challenge as well. And I'm willing to see what they'll come up with in the future

You read my mind.

[Stoopie]

Hm the convertible looks awkward IMO.. The engines seem a good plan to me

[silentm]

hmm cabrio doesn't look good imo but if they have to do it...

the power upgrades sound really nice though i have nothing agains a strong diesel

[Schwalbe]

C'mon guys this is only a PS picture of the official Audi R8 coupe pix, it's obvious it looks wrong. The real thing will be much more cooler.

Personally I don't like cabrio cars, because they are always less stiff than coupe and here we can only use these cars a couple of days in a year.

Already that Audi respected the initially original shape of the LeMans concept, now it will have the V10 biturbo engine...that's great ! :good:

[79TA]

Originally Posted by Fleischmann I don;t care how many cylinders or peak power, a Diesel is still a freakin' diesel, why do they have to have it in the line up? V10 sounds promising though it's a strange move from Audi, it will divert customers from the Gallardo. I'm still not too keen on the looks of the R8, it's way too complicated and fiddly, this cabrio hasn't changed my opinion.

What's wrong with turbo diesels? I've been hoping they'd offer the TDI option ever since the Le Mans concept came out. If you're really opposed to the TDI option, there will be plenty of petrol R8's for you to take solace in.

[HeilSvenska]

1000kW electric engine per axle! How about that? That'd shut environmentalists and "petrol" heads alike!

[79TA]

Electric engines are neat in that they deliver peak torque instantaneously.