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.
