Audi R8 with a torque monster V12 a possibility?

Audi has stated that the R8, which is initially offered with a 420 horsepower V8 will definitely receive additional engine options.

The most common rumor is a V10 engine possibly out of the upcoming RS6 or the S8.

There is now speculation that a torque monster V12 from the Audi Q7 V12 TDI could find its way into the R8.

The V12 TDI in the Q7 is already capable of reducing the nearly two ton SUV's 0-60 time down to the low to mid 5 second range.

This comes courtesy of 500 horsepower and 737 lb. ft. of torque.

If the R8 were to receive this engine, it would easily out-accelerate the Lamborghini Gallardo and would put the car in Murcielago territory. That is not something Lamborghini would like to hear.

Audi estimated the RS4 from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. It has been clocked as low as 4.3 seconds, a .5 second difference.

The BMW 335i coupe with automati is supposed to go 0-60 in 5.5 seconds but managed to pull off 4.8 seconds.

The 420 horsepower V8 with 316 lb ft. of torque, R8 is estimated at 0-60 in 4.6 seconds by Audi and therefore could easily pull off a 4.0-4.2 time.

If this V12 TDI engine finds its way into the R8 we are looking at 0-60 times in the 3.4-3.6 second range.

This probably will not happen in order to protect the Lamborghini Murcielago sales, ut if it were to occur, Audi would have a lightning fast supercar with an equally fat price tag.

PolePosition - 11/29/2006 9:52:53 AM

0 Boost

Marketing people sometimes get lost in a total fog of stats and numbers and demographics, and completely eliminate the emotional component of buying a car. NO person who wants to buy a Murcielago is going to be looking at an Audi R8 as well. The mindset for those two purchases is polar opposite. And if there's a question, at these price points, the buyer can probably afford both.

07mcs - 11/29/2006 5:25:47 PM

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True, even though they are both fast cars, a person buying the lamborghini is buying the prestige, exclusivity and the exotic looks that come with the car.

JUGNU - 11/29/2006 9:54:19 AM

0 Boost

What in Murcielago territory ?

Have u lost your mind nut ?

JUGNU

StepYaGameUp - 11/29/2006 12:41:40 PM

+1 Boost

When GermanNut found this info, he ejaculated on the spot.
get ready for him to mention a "v12 R8" in every forum from here on out....

S4cabriofoxone - 11/29/2006 2:17:22 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, and I'm sick of it.

This would be cool, but all I hear is "RS4 is faster than any BMW around the 'Ring.." and "The R8 is more expensive than any BMW ever produced..." and "The new RS6 will kill the M5..."

It's not like Audi fans don't think he's getting way too repetitive.

chewy - 11/29/2006 10:14:07 PM

+2 Boost

The V12 TDI is probably too heavy for the R8, but another diesel is possible.

Homer008 - 11/29/2006 11:13:59 PM

0 Boost

Another "statement making" car.

BMW_DRVR - 11/30/2006 8:09:12 AM

0 Boost

Exactly. The momment i saw the heading for this article the first thing that came to my mind is that ferrari would never allow it. Now do you people see the benefits of an independent company?

S4cabriofoxone - 11/30/2006 5:00:40 PM

+1 Boost

This is GermanNut's article, not Audi's, so don't expect it to come out.

Unlike Mercedes (SL65 AMG jello handling), Audi has restraint, and wouldn't put a 12-cylinder in such a small car. The twin-turbo V10 that will be used in the RS6, however, makes a lot more sense. I would expect that to be priced at about $150,000 and standard with everything, because the V8 is rumored to be at about $110,000.