|
In mid-2007, Audi will be introducing its first super car, the Audi R8. First introduced to the world at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show as the LeMans Concept (pictured), the R8 will feature an aluminum space frame, an AWD system, and an engine coming straight out of the Lamborghini Gallardo.
The R8 name is derived from Audi's R8 LeMans racecar. To keep the price down (and to avoid crushing Gallardo’s sales), the center-mounted base engine most likely will be the 4.2L V8 from the RS4. The 420 hp should be more than impressive. There has also been talk about a Super R8 that will be released at a later date using the Gallardo's 5.0L V-10; however it will be in a detuned state of 450hp. There precious little detail about the interior. However, ever since Audi merged with Lamborghini, the Gallardo has been easier to shift, the clutch has been smooth, the interior has been nicer, and the overall ride has been improved greatly without losing the Lamborghini’s signature performance. Thus the new Audi R8 most likely will inherit the same traits and will be a force that other super car makers shouldn’t take lightly. Pricing is speculated to start around $115,000 US.
|
|