Report: Audi’s ditching their naturally-aspirated V8 for a five-banger in new R8

The second generation Audi R8 is out and when it was launched, it was only made available with the brand’s cooperatively developed V10 with Lamborghini, whereas the original came with a base naturally-aspirated 4.2L V8 with the V10 as an option.

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Click here for our original post on the 2015 Audi R8.

So far, there has been no mention of a V8 as of recent because Audi’s supposedly working on a new engine choice for the entry-level R8–a new turbocharged five-cylinder.

According to CARandDRIVER, who spoke with Audi’s R&D boss, Ulrich Hackenberg, the new R8 should be offered with the turbocharged five-banger to better conform with fuel economy and emissions requirements from government mandates, as well as foreign engine displacement taxes.

Hackenberg hinted that this five-banger could be the same engine showcased in the Audi TT Clubsport Turbo Concept, which in that guise, provided 600hp with an electrically-assisted turbocharger.

Specifics weren’t revealed about Audi’s new mid-engined five-cylinder R8, but either way, it sounds exciting.

Source: CARandDRIVER

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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