Friday 18th November 2005

Audi R8 is go!

610bhp Le Mans concept arrives on-planet in 2007

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610bhp Audi R8

Audi is to build the Le Mans quattro concept it unveiled in 2003, according to reports. To be called the R8 -- the same as the incredibly successful Le Mans racing car -- the car starts production towards the end of 2006, and is to appear in showrooms in mid-2007.

A mid-engined two-seater, it'll be propelled by a five-litre V10 bi-turbo engine with FSI direct fuel injection, developing 610bhp at 6,800 rpm and 553lb-ft of torque availble from as low as 1,750rpm. Performance is likely to be in the region of 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and to 125mph 10.8 seconds.

Audi's subsidiary quattro GmbH will build it using lightweight components at its Neckarslum plant. Audi is relying on intelligent lightweight design for its R8, a core area of expertise at the plant; the Audi A2, A6 and A8 were all developed there using lightweight design technology.

[wab172uk]

Isn't this going to take sales away from Lamborghini???

Fantastic looking car though, shame it'll cost so much.