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Report: Audi Working On More Affordable R8 Spyder With V-8 Engine

 
4 1,878 views Feb 24, 2010
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2011 Audi R8 Spyder

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder

Audi currently sells three different versions of its R8 supercar, the original 4.2-liter V-8 model and the newer 5.2-liter V-10 model, which is available in either hard-top coupe or Spyder convertible bodystyles.

However, there are two more versions thought to be in the works: a high-performance RS variant due towards the end of the R8’s model run and a more affordable version of the R8 Spyder fitted with a V-8 engine. The R8 Spyder is currently only available with a 525 horsepower V-10 engine and it’s set to be the most expensive model in Audi’s lineup when it goes on sale later this year.

If fitted with the 4.2-liter V-8 engine from the original R8, the car would naturally be less expensive than its V-10 cousin, possibly by as much as $30,000. Peak output will likely remain at 420 horsepower and either a six-speed manual or R tronic automatic gearbox will be fitted.

The V-10 R8 Spyder is scheduled to go on sale this fall, with the V-8 version due early next year at the latest.

As for the R8-RS, expect that car to bow in with a twin-turbocharged V-10 engine developing upwards of 600 horsepower towards the end of 2011.

[Straightline]





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Comments (4)

  1. By Jgoldb Posted: 2/24/2010 9:31am PST

    I thought Audi had canned the idea of putting its twin-turbo V10 in the R8. Remember those engine fires and melted R8's during testing? It was because the engine got too hot for the cars mid-ship design - they couldn't cool it down fast enough.
    It would be a better choice for Audi to fit their newest twin-turbo V8 in to an R8-RS. Leave the V10 to Lambo.
     
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  2. By  Chicago liposuction Posted: 2/25/2010 1:44am PST

    My fear was that the extra power could upset the balance. Not so. It simply gives the R8's sublime chassis the extra power it can so easily exploit, and makes the V8 feel ever so slightly pedestrian in comparison – the rest of the high points are all present and correct. But the engine deserves special praise.The new 5.2 V10 is so smooth and refined, with an effortless surge of elastic acceleration from way down low. Wind it towards the 8000rpm redline, however, and the soundtrack takes on a highly addictive hard-edged wail. So, loads of torque and flexibility and refinement for daily driving coupled with a race-car soundtrack when you’re in hooligan mode. Perfect.
     
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  3. By Chris Posted: 2/25/2010 5:24am PST

    RS should be lightweight... I think it would be more interesting to see a twin turbo v6 in the RS version i.e. an improved version of the S4 engine than a big v10 lump. Would make a far more dramtic statement in terms of racing intent.
     
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  4. By  r4i gold karte Posted: 2/25/2010 7:14pm PST

    Yes, it looks suspiciously similar to the £77k V8-powered version. A lovely engine; a superbly satisfying manual gear change; beautifully weighted steering, unbelievably supple ride.
     
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