It’s the 2.9-liter V6 in the new RS4 or RS5.
Recent reports indicate that the future of Audi’s R8 supercar may not be bright. Audi is shifting its focus to electrified cars and the V10 might be retired at the end the current generation’s lifespan. This will likely occur in 2020 or a year later when the platform-sharing Lamborghini Huracan is transformed into a new generation.
Did we really say V10 supercar? The R8 currently comes with a V10 engine that is 5.2-liter in naturally aspirated form. It can be had in a variety of power outputs. The Ingolstadt-based automaker is looking to fill the gap left behind by the previous entry-level V8 of 4.2-liters. It will introduce a biturbo engine V6 with the facelifted supercar. It is expected that this will happen at the New York Auto Show next Wednesday.
Different sources claim that the motor is the 2.9-liter V6. It’s also used in the new RS4/RS5 and the Porsche Panamera. Audi Sport engineers will tune the engine to produce approximately 500 horsepower (373 Kilowatts) in its top variant, while a lower version is also available.
Although the 2.9-liter engine shares many components with the 3.0-liter V6 found in the new S4, the induction systems are very different. The S4 uses a single turbocharger while the 2.9 V6 has twin turbochargers.
The limited-run R8 RWS is the latest addition to R8’s range. It is 110 pounds lighter (50 kg) than the standard model, and has a better weight distribution (41.59 to 44.56), thanks to the elimination of the Quattro. The V10 engine transmits all power to the rear wheels via a seven speed automatic gearbox. The Coupe and Spyder have acceleration times of only 0.2 seconds less than the AWD versions, despite the lower traction.