While not replacing the V10 models, a new entry-level R8 is rumoured to join the range come the mid-life refresh, sporting a Twin-Turbo V6.
After news breaking just the other day that the 3rd generation Audi R8 will go full electric, it’s rather daunting that it’s nearly time for the 2nd gen car to have a mid-life refresh. While mildly more power is expected for the current V10 models, it also appears Audi will be bringing in a new entry level model with a new engine.
The lack of a V8 in the 2nd gen car was a discrepancy all car lovers noticed upon its initial release. The only trouble is, the V8 engine that previously powered the R8 has since been killed off entirely from Audi’s RS4, with a Twin-Turbo V6 taking its place. Given that the RS4 gave its engine to the R8 when the MK1 first arrived over 10 years ago, it’s only fitting that the new RS4 should lend its new motor to the incoming baby R8. And from the looks of things, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
The new entry level R8 should use the 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 co-developed by Audi and Porsche. In the RS4, this engine produces 444bhp, and 443lb-ft of torque. Interestingly, that’s 30 more lb-ft of torque than the R8 V10 Plus right at the top of the range.
With the V10 cars expected to see a rise in power, its thought that Audi will tune the V6 further too. If the current entry level V10 car were to gain another 20 horsepower — up to 552bhp — then it would leave enough room for the V6 R8 to have around 500 horsepower.
While Audi wanted to keep the V8 alive, it proved simply too difficult to give it the power required while keeping it within ever tightening emissions regulations. Also, for places like China where customers are taxed on engine displacement, having a smaller 2.9L unit instead of the 4.2L V8 or 5.2L V10 makes perfect sense.
While the V6 engine hasn’t proven to be particularly characterful in the RS4, it has the potential to make the R8 available to a type of customer looking for a supercar at a lower price point. With a V6 engine, the R8 could potentially dip beneath £100,000, making it compete with cars like the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, Mercedes AMG GT, and Jaguar F-Type V8.
It’s unlikely that a manual gearbox would follow the V6 into production, which if you ask me, is a shame. Some may completely turn their noses up at the prospect of a Twin-Turbo V6 R8, and don’t get me wrong, I understand that. But the important thing to remember is that it isn’t replacing the magical V10 — it’s simply becoming an additional model on the range. For that fact, I’m in favour of it.
But what do you guys think? Does a V6 R8 excite you, or leave you apathetic? Let me know in the comments.
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Written by: Angelo Uccello
Twitter: @AngeloUccello
Tribe: Speed Machines
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Photo credits: Autocar
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