Audi already makes performance versions of its TT and R8 models – the TTS and R8 V10, respectively – but even more performance oriented version could be on the way. To better compete in the world of full-on sports cars, Audi is mulling a new Sport line.
According to Autocar, the Sport TT and R8 models will focus on lighter weight, but should also give the two-doors a boost in power. Luxury items such as air conditioning and stereo systems will be left off the Sport models, with items like lighter seats aiding in weight savings.
Audi launched a limited edition TT Sport model in 2005, which followed along a similar premise.
The Sport version of the R8 will likely be limited to the V10 model. In addition to the weight changes, the R8 Sport will feature a more aggressive aero pack. A modified front diffuser and fixed rear wing should give the performance model the extra traction it needs. The R8’s V10 will also see a slight bump in power, although it is not expected to top 550 horsepower.
No word on when the Sport models might bow, but a few prototypes have already been seen testing. With just a few more items to work out, the Sport models could hit the market as early as next year.
08/12, 11:05 AM
posted by:
Borat
I suspect that I am posting ahead of masshole only because he could not contained excitement and ruined the keyboard, again.
08/12, 11:20 AM
posted by:
carmaster4ever
^^ oh god!…. o.O
08/12, 11:36 AM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
also in before the fanboys show up
08/12, 11:55 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
No stereo? How am I supposed to listen to my copy of ” Wohlauf, Kameraden!” while enjoying this pinnacle of German engineering.
08/12, 12:12 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
What, wah? This is gonna suck balls. The R8’s great because it’s a little bit of everything, it’s fast AND livable, now that it’s unlivable, I might as well buy something cheaper and a faster. The TT is funny since if you can buy a R32 and have $20k left over for mods, the TT won’t even be close. Remember that the TT is escencially a Rabbit with some more aluminum in the platform.
08/12, 12:12 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
JohnnyhnnY,Your Comment, u can use ur iPod… but make sure its a nano, u wouldn’t want the big one adding too much weight
08/12, 12:16 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
Crap, don’t post from a cell phone… it makes u say things like JohnnyhnnY,Your Comment
08/12, 1:04 PM
posted by:
A4
sorry guys, my keyboard got all sticky.
08/12, 1:08 PM
posted by:
reedfast
this sounds like what the sport line always should have been, except with AC.
08/12, 1:17 PM
posted by:
zfenderguy
Just what the R8 5.2 needs, more sportiness! The current one is such a dog…
08/12, 1:40 PM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
F150, make that an iPod Shuffle. But what kind of sense does that make to delete the radio? Ferrari pulls that crap everytime they release a top end sports car. I can understand the air conditioning but what gives? a radio, speakers and wires at most will weigh 50lbs. All they have to do is go light on the body and all the unnecessary chrome and technology they throw in like adaptive cruise control, which by the way is for fags, navigation, dual climate controls, and automatic seat controls on passenger and driver seats and stuff like that. Thats how you save weight. But I guess they have the best execs in the design studio.
08/12, 2:32 PM
posted by:
arena
This will only be an effective strategy if they have the performance numbers to compete with the best in the business. No one is going to spend 150k on a purpose-built performance R8 with no A/C if they are still going to be smoked by a GTR…
Audi needs to post some VERY fast lap times for this to be a contender.
08/12, 3:00 PM
posted by:
scratchy
arena, rich people like track day toys , the closer to the real thing , the better. they don’t care if they get smoked by the GTR because that’s a computer driven car, a track day car is supposed to be as raw as possible. it’s all about racing feeling, not track times, being rich doesn’t make you a better driver anyway.
08/12, 3:45 PM
posted by:
krautninja
The lack of a stereo isn’t gonna make this car unlivable. The people that are going to buy these dont car about the extra bits like scratchy said they want somethin track ready. Most automakes that so these special light weight edition cars usually do take out the radio or they put in a super cheap bare bones one (so no bose noe B&O) but at that point who wants it? I think it’s a cool idea. Thought the R8 makes much more sense than the TT version. Yea the addiction of the TT-S and the even hotter TT-RS finally put the TT in sports car realm. i dont see it being a big seller by adding a sport edition with no amenities and light weight. It’s not like BMW or mercedes will be doing anything of the sort anytime soon with the SLK or the Z4 .
08/12, 4:43 PM
posted by:
xcatchmyshadowx
awesome news. weight saving is a huge step to turn a sportscar into a proper track car.
i am really looking forward to the new beasts.
08/12, 4:48 PM
posted by:
Dante_JoseCuervo
I can see how the R8 sport makes sense. If you want a livable car then get a standard R8, that should be more than enough for most people. For those who are a bit more enthusiastic get the sport edition. Not a big deal.
08/12, 7:17 PM
posted by:
arena
@Scratchy, I dont’ know how much interaction you have had with R8 buyers, but I personally have lost several sales because of the customer claiming that the R8 is “Too comfortable”, and “not exciting enough”.
In this segment, the buyer’s ego is a major factor in purchase decisions, and in the US market braging rights are everything.
08/13, 12:43 PM
posted by:
scratchy
@ arena, i only know one guy who owns a R8 and he is a corrupt politician’s son. Eastern Europe, what can you do… anyway , i get your point , guys in the US care about lap times, but if they care so much about those unofficial , unconfirmed ‘Ring times , how come people still buy the 911 GT3 ? the R8-RS will probably be a limited edition aimed at serious drivers who want to have fun and not guys who need to compare dicks.