Two New Engines and Drop-Top Planned for Audi R8

The first Audi R8 coupes haven’t even hit showrooms but already there are rumors about future drivetrain updates as well as a possible new convertible model. Dutch magazine Autovisie is saying that Audi will release the drop-top version of the R8 sometime next year, likely to be called the R8 Spyder. The super-Audi will also pick up the 5.2L V10 engine from the S6 and S8 sports-saloons, replacing the current car’s 420hp 4.2L V8. Audi may even release a high-performance RS8 version complete with a twin-turbocharged version of this V10 unit developing in excess of 600hp.

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EL34 - 2/19/2007 12:13:03 PM

0 Boost

I knew it, can't wait!

EvoAudi - 2/19/2007 12:23:58 PM

+2 Boost

hopefully its a t-top not a drop top, shame they can't put the diesel v12 in it.

answer - 2/19/2007 12:32:26 PM

+3 Boost

I think the R8 is perfect as is. Engine upgrades are OK, but a drop top doesn't appeal to me.

trd1 - 2/19/2007 1:19:00 PM

+3 Boost

same here the car is beautiful and i dont think they need to change anything about the looks. but its does need a little more power to match its look.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/19/2007 5:03:59 PM

+2 Boost

This is wrong, wrong, wrong.

Yes, there will be an R8 Spyder, but besides that...

The V10 version will NOT be straight out of the S6/S8. It will have at least 500hp, to offset the price difference between it and the V8. It could be straight out of the Gallardo, or even have forced induction. It will also not be REPLACING the V8 as this article stated- it will just be a more expensive model.

There will not be any vehicle with this bodystyle bearing the name "RS8." If an RS8 were ever to go into production, it would be a super-fast A8 variant, most likely an S65 AMG competitor. The high-level R8 (even higher than the aforementioned V10) would probably just becalled R8 V10-S.

Agent63 - 2/19/2007 8:22:47 PM

+2 Boost

It's only right that the R8 comes with the drop-top option. A hot coupe complimented by a hot spyder version is a great idea! The two engines will be outstanding performers. The V10 will be super car territory hands down. The V8 will be very capable as well. The sound they both produce will be mind blowing (of course better with the roof off).

-Agent63

ronnsscooby - 2/19/2007 9:39:48 PM

-1 Boost

FOR THE MONEY THIS CAR COST IT BETTER HAVE THE SUPERCAR ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE NUMBERS

dumpsty - 2/20/2007 10:26:33 AM

0 Boost

With these addtional engine options, can the overall package spawn a small Bugatti roadster?