Audi is considering a more potent “Sport” version of its R8 supercar, a new report finds. The R8 Sport would be similar in concept to the TT Quattro Sport Audi offered to markets outside of the U.S. in 2005, which featured a slight power increase, a firmer suspension and a lower curb weight than its stock counterpart.
According to Edmunds, the R8 Sport will likely see a bump in power — from the car’s current 480 horsepower to about 500 — and a reduction in weight, mostly through the use of lightweight materials. Edmunds also speculates that the R8 Sport could do away with the stock car’s radio and HVAC controls, along with most sound deadening materials.
The net result would be an R8 that could make the sprint from 0-60 in the high 3 second range.
Audi’s Quattro GmbH head Stefan Reil also indicated that an RS version of the TT is on the way. While this isn’t the biggest news flash — especially since Audi has already shown off it TTS — it is a bit of confirmation from the German automaker that a hot-rod version of the TT is on the way. Sources indicate that the TT-RS will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder, producing about 350 horsepower.
Reil kept tight lipped about a time frame for the new vehicles, but a debut sometime in 2009 would make sense. However, it remains unclear if the R8 Sport — if it makes production — will be sold in the U.S.
04/08, 4:32 PM
posted by:
SWM335
Doesn’t the R8 have 420hp as standard, not 480hp?
04/08, 4:35 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
R8 ruled in the Super Bowl ads.
On the road, I’ll take an A8
04/08, 4:43 PM
posted by:
A4
Yeah it does have 420. LLN is stupid these days.
04/08, 5:11 PM
posted by:
mars_Smiley
A8 is to big, its a spaceship. RS4 is lovely.
04/08, 6:05 PM
posted by:
xkr
The A8 is supposed to be big, it competes with S class, BMW 7 & XJ8
04/08, 6:16 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
The A8 or if you want the best, S8, is in my opinion the best large sedan money can buy. Not only does it have Audi’s interior work which may I remind is only rivaled by the likes of Bugatti and other super high end manufacturers; but it has a Lambo Gallardo V10 in it pushing 450hp. To be honest I cannot think of another car that is so compromising; It is large, luxurious, stylish, and on the other hand it is fast (0-60 in 4.9), controlled, and lighter than other sedans of the size thanks to generous use of aluminum. Audi owns str8 up!
04/08, 6:17 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
thats uncompromising lol
04/08, 6:39 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
F3INT))AP3X,
what about Alpina B7? It’s way more exclusive (unlikely that you’ll see many around, unlike S8), has 500hp and it’s faster too 4.8sec 0-62mph (100km/h). And you can customize Alpina in a way you can’t S8.
04/08, 6:42 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
xkr: you’re right
04/08, 7:16 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
We wont see it, we will see a diesel since that is Audis new gameplan, and even Hondas considering going diesel with Type-Rs.
04/08, 9:40 PM
posted by:
hateful83
I really like the look of this car, it’s unmistakable. Although, I’d personally ignore all of these fancy looking cars and own a corvette. CarandDriver did a comparison in the aug07 issue called the “lightning lap”. The base corvette went thru the course faster than the R8, and the 911 Turbo. Cars costing more than twice as much. I’d rather save some money and have the better performing car, even if it doesn’t look as nice to some.
04/08, 9:41 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
R8 “Sport”? Uh, R8-S?
04/08, 10:09 PM
posted by:
DjRags
350HP out of a 4cylinder? I’m impressed but man I don’t know about hearing that engine work all the time…don’t think the exhaust note will be that great.
04/08, 11:55 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
350 horses from a blown 4-banger? How stupid is that for a production car. There is no substitute for cubic inches.
04/09, 1:41 AM
posted by:
56oval
That’s right howsmydriving. Companies like Audi/VW/Subaru/Mitsubishi should drop the turbo-charged 4-bangers and put 454 V8’s in everything!!!
04/09, 1:43 AM
posted by:
56oval
Hey Bimmer, I rode around the nurburgring last summer with one of the BMW factory test drivers in a B7 (that Alpina loaned him for the weekend.) It was one wild ride! What an amazing car for how huge it is.
04/09, 5:42 AM
posted by:
much
Strange article, thought that the standard RS8 has got 420 hp and that the TTRS will get a 2,5 l 5 Zyl. Turbo.
04/09, 1:19 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
yeah, ok for the record everyone. LLN is incorrect. The Audi R8 has 420hp. Maybe LLN is getting the R8 “Sport” confused with the TT V10 that is supposed to make its way into the R8 or R10 (Whatever they call it). I think if anything a R8 sport would probably have a beefed up suspension, maybe a possible weight reduction, and if anything a slight HP increase. I can’t see a R8 having anything more then 450hp if a TT V10 is supposed to make it’s way into it. Who knows if that engine will go into the R8 Sport, or if there will be a RS8.
04/09, 2:17 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
oval: that’s my solution for everything: put a 454 in it. Hell, I want a 454 on my power toothbrush
04/09, 3:07 PM
posted by:
Jigs
so is it going to be called the Rs8 or R8s or R8rs or rsR8
04/10, 11:46 PM
posted by:
56oval
R8-S Just like the TT-S.
04/17, 9:02 PM
posted by:
bigp
that an kick ass car eight way it goes.