Audi ’s twin-turbo direct injection V10–the same engine found in the recently debuted RS6 Sedan and Avant–will be available next year in the company’s R8 sports car, according to a new report. Sources say the power plant will be slightly detuned from the RS6 guise, producing 530 horsepower–a 110 horsepower gain over the current 4.2 liter V8 powered R8. It remains a possibility that the engine could meet or exceed the RS6′s 580 horsepower.
According to Edmunds, the V10 powered R8 will also have larger wheels and tires, bigger brakes, a stiffer suspension and a few minor styling tweaks to set it apart from the standard model. Expect the V10 R8 to bow sometime in 2008.
It was also reported earlier this year that the R8 would receive the 4.2 liter diesel found in Audi ’s Q7 SUV.
It appears as though Audi is listening to some of the criticism that the R8 is under-powered. With much more inexpensive cars offering the same amount of horsepower–the new Corvette C6 offers 430 horsepower–Audi is trying to raise the R8′s performance to match its supercar price.
