The all-new Audi R8 has been making waves due to a variety of reasons. Two of the main ones are how much more dynamic and emotional it is over the first-gen product, and how its design is leaving a lot of enthusiasts lukewarm.
In addition, there's been a bit of a lot of head scratching as to why there isn't an entry-level variant much like the first-gen car that had a V8 on offer.
Rumors have emerged that the four rings would build a second-gen R8 with a five-cylinder engine borrowed from the all-new TT RS that was spied completely naked days ago. To us though that seems a bit too close for comfort given how both vehicles are packaged. Seems our instincts were on point.
That's because the latest word from Ingolstadt is that the German supercar will benefit from a 3.0-liter, forced induction six cylinder mill that will produce approximately 450 horsepower. Not only will that be lighter than the V10, it will likely also be competitive with the likes of the base 911, Jaguar F-Type and Mercedes-AMG GT.
To us this seems to make the most sense of the potential options existing in the Volkswagen Auto Group arsenal.
During my time with Audi on the 2017 A4 launch, the R8 product manager remained tight lipped.
What say you, Spies?
...Audi’s entry-level R8 will be powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, Car and Driver has learned from reliable sources. The new model is expected to launch in 2018; its 3.0-liter engine will make around 450 horsepower.
The twin-turbo engine is a variation of the 354-hp V-6 launched in the 2017 Audi S4. It will be mated to the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that is fitted in the R8 V10...
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