Photo: Audi
The second generation R8 was all smoke two years ago, but now, it's become a very tangible piece of supercar machinery. With new data emerging today that suggests a 610 PS V10 engine is under-hood, this is nothing short of a Ferrari competitor.
But let's not forget that the R8 started life being compared to the Porsche 911 and it still is. With the Stuttgart classic now having over 20 different variants and being challenged by the Jaguar F-Type and Mercedes-AMG GT, could Audi also be looking to diversity?
According to a recent interview with R8 technical lead Roland Schala done by Top Gear at an event in Spain, the answer is most definitely "YES!". Apparently, the platform for the R8 is now shared with the Lamborghini Huracan. Engineers can do pretty much anything they want with it and that includes sending the power only to the rear wheels or downsizing the engine.
But Schala told TG magazine a RWD version of the R8 is possible. Nobody is going to complain about that, especially when Jaguar offers AWD on the F-Type. The only concerns we have with this idea is that Lamborghini's Gallardo LP550-2 models were horrible to drive, nothing like the Ferraris they were supposed to rival. Also, Audi may not have the knowhow it needs for such a project.
"We're not quite sure what the next step is,but we definitely need engines that sit below the V10 over the life cycle of this car. As low as a V6? Maybe. The V6 is a perfect engine for this kind of car. We have a lot of potential with the V6, from 400bhp upwards, so it's possible."
Notice how they don't mention anything about turbocharging? That's because the details are directly linked to the future of another hot Audi talking point, the all-new RS4/RS5. It should come out in 2016 and rumors suggest a twin-turbo V6 with around 490 horsepower will power it.
Diesels are also being considered, but the weight of particle filters and AdBlue reservoirs may stop further development of this idea, even though the R18 is kicking butt in Le Mans with its TDI engine.
As for the e-tron version, Roland's statements suggest a concept or prototype needs to be shown first, even though a powerful new battery pack with 300 miles of range has been developed. From a pure performance point of view, the electric R8 doesn't make sense, but when you're constantly fighting Mercedes or Tesla for bragging rights, every little bit helps.
According to a recent interview with R8 technical lead Roland Schala done by Top Gear at an event in Spain, the answer is most definitely "YES!". Apparently, the platform for the R8 is now shared with the Lamborghini Huracan. Engineers can do pretty much anything they want with it and that includes sending the power only to the rear wheels or downsizing the engine.
A RWD Audi? That's rare!
Audis that drive only the rear wheels are rather rare. In fact, these guys invented most of the tech that underpins classic FWD legends like the Mk1 Golf. Even flagship models like the A7 and A8 are available with FWD in eco or base form.But Schala told TG magazine a RWD version of the R8 is possible. Nobody is going to complain about that, especially when Jaguar offers AWD on the F-Type. The only concerns we have with this idea is that Lamborghini's Gallardo LP550-2 models were horrible to drive, nothing like the Ferraris they were supposed to rival. Also, Audi may not have the knowhow it needs for such a project.
A downsized supercar
As many of you have noticed, the engines on most performance models are now smaller and turbocharged. Audi may offer an engine as small as a V6 on the R8 some time in the model's future, though for now, they are focused on naturally aspirated mills that are great on track."We're not quite sure what the next step is,but we definitely need engines that sit below the V10 over the life cycle of this car. As low as a V6? Maybe. The V6 is a perfect engine for this kind of car. We have a lot of potential with the V6, from 400bhp upwards, so it's possible."
Notice how they don't mention anything about turbocharging? That's because the details are directly linked to the future of another hot Audi talking point, the all-new RS4/RS5. It should come out in 2016 and rumors suggest a twin-turbo V6 with around 490 horsepower will power it.
Diesels are also being considered, but the weight of particle filters and AdBlue reservoirs may stop further development of this idea, even though the R18 is kicking butt in Le Mans with its TDI engine.
As for the e-tron version, Roland's statements suggest a concept or prototype needs to be shown first, even though a powerful new battery pack with 300 miles of range has been developed. From a pure performance point of view, the electric R8 doesn't make sense, but when you're constantly fighting Mercedes or Tesla for bragging rights, every little bit helps.
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