Two New Engines and Drop-Top Planned for Audi R8

The first Audi R8 coupes haven’t even hit showrooms but already there are rumors about future drivetrain updates as well as a possible new convertible model. Dutch magazine Autovisie is saying that Audi will release the drop-top version of the R8 sometime next year, likely to be called the R8 Spyder. The super-Audi will also pick up the 5.2L V10 engine from the S6 and S8 sports-saloons, replacing the current car’s 420hp 4.2L V8. Audi may even release a high-performance RS8 version complete with a twin-turbocharged version of this V10 unit developing in excess of 600hp.

There’s also the possibility of a diesel powered version equipped with the 6.0L V12 TDI engine used in the Q7 SUV, however, this model is expected to be limited to European markets only. Unique to the powerful diesel V12 is the world’s first use of a 2000 bar Bosch Common Rail system with cylinders angled at 60 degrees instead of the usual 72 degree angle bank. Amazingly, the V12 in the Q7 still gets a fuel economy rating of 11.9L per 100km, and it should deliver a 0-100km/h time of less than 4 seconds for the 3500lb R8.