Audi R8

The Audi R8 is a mid-engined sports car introduced by the German automaker Audi in 2007. The first appearance of the car was in 2006, appearing at auto shows and events all over the world. The R8 is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, as Audi has full ownership of subsidiary Lamborghini s.p.a. Audi announced in 2005 that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car, which was based on the earlier Audi RSQ concept vehicle, appearing at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show and 2003 International Motor Show.

Future Development

For 2009 a second, more powerful engine variant that uses a V10-engine from the Lamborghini Gallardo is rumoured. Audi already uses the Gallardo V10 in different configurations in three models; a slightly bored-out version taking displacement to 5.2 litres used in the Audi S6 (435 bhp) and Audi S8 (450 bhp), and a 5.0 litre version in the second-generation Audi RS6 introduced at the Frankfurt Motorshow in September 2007. This latest iteration of the engine features twin-turbos and develops 580 bhp (433 kW). Which version of the V10 that may find its way into the R8 and if so, which name the model will be given is yet unclear. Audi had announced that a W16 engine may be fitted in if Audi wins the Gumball 3000

Specifications

Top speed 187  mph (301 km/h)
0-60mph 4.0 seconds
1/4 mile 12.5 seconds @ 113.2 mph (182 km/h)
Type V8
Displacement 4.2 L (4163 cc)
Power 420 bhp (313 kW) @ 7800 rpm