New Audi R8: V6 and RWD?

Audi’s second-gen supercar could feature downsized engines and a lightweight 'GT3' version, sources reveal

Like the idea of a rear-wheel-drive only Audi R8? What about an R8with a V6? Or even a ‘GT3'-spec R8: a road-going track monster?

If so, there could be some good news, because Audi has told TopGear.com that the new R8 - set to be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show - will feature a wider range of variants than ever before.

Speaking at a preview event at the Ascari circuit in southern Spain, R8 technical lead Roland Schala told us that the sports car's new platform - shared of course, with the new Lamborghini Huracan - offers previously unimaginable production options.


"The production line for this new car is so flexible," Schala told us, "so there's no problem to change it, to bring different models like a Superleggera, or GT, or Clubsport variants of the new R8."

The new R8 will launch with only the range-topping, naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine for now - in two power outputs of 540bhp and 610bhp - but Schala is aware of a need for a smaller engine.

"We're not quite sure what the next step is," he said, "but we definitely need engines that sit below the V10 over the life cycle of this car."

So a naturally aspirated V8 will appear, but what about a V6? "As low as a V6? Maybe," Roland hints. "The V6 is a perfect engine for this kind of car. We have a lot of potential with the V6, from 400bhp upwards, so it's possible."

An R8 diesel is also under consideration, according to Roland, but with that comes a potential penalty: weight.

"With our history on the racetrack, we've discussed the idea of a diesel, but is it the right step to bring it in?" says Schala. "It would certainly make us unique, but you need more technology around the engine to keep it clean - filters, ad blue for NOX reduction - and of course there's the weight.

"You have a lot of torque though, but the question is whether that's good for a car like the R8, because with lots of torque you don't have to change the gear as much, and the R8 has to have an emotional side," he added.

So does that mean turbocharging is out of the question for the new R8?