Audi RS8 for 2010

Gotta Have Cars: Audi RS8

Supercar Territory: And now for the V-10 version - and more

By Angus MacKenzie

Audi has completed development of a 530-horse V-10-powered R8. But demand for the regular R8 is so strong here in the United States (we hear dealers are asking astronomical premiums) the company has pushed back the launch of the car until well into 2009. No point undermining a sales success.

With more power-at least 110 horses extra-plus upgraded suspension, wheels, tires, and brakes, the V-10 will move the R8 into genuine supercar territory. The easy way to pick the V-10 version from the regular R8 is the extended scoops on the car's distinctive side blades, needed to get more cooling air into the engine compartment.

Is parent company VW Group worried the V-10 encroaches on Lamborghini Gallardo territory? Not really. The Audi will be a quite different proposition, with more room inside and a different price point.

The new V-10 will be the first of a wave of R8 variants coming over the next few years. First to follow will be a roadster version of the V-8, succeeded by a roadster V-10. For packaging reasons, the R8 roadsters will likely feature a retractable softtop similar to those used on convertible versions of the Gallardo and Ferrari F430.

What about the V-12 diesel version (the recently-shown concept version is pictured)? Audi would like to build it, as it links directly to the Le Mans-winning diesel-powered R10 race car. But Audi engineers are having trouble packaging the particulate trap-required to meet stringent U.S. emissions standards-and the bumper beam needed to meet U.S. crash standards at the rear of the car. One solution being looked at is lengthening the rear of the car, but cost is a problem.

Engineers have considered installing a 4.2-liter V-8 diesel, but reportedly can't get the power they want. The problem is this: If Audi were to build an R8 diesel-the world's first diesel-powered supercar-it would need to deliver more performance than the V-10. And without the 500-horsepower, 737-pound-foot V-12 TDI engine, that's a tall order.