Ever since Audi released the all-new, second generation R8 in 2015, we've been wondering if there would be a base engine below the 5.2-liter V10. The original R8 was available with a 4.2-liter V8, but thanks to downsizing we knew that this engine would probably be excluded from the new car. A V6 version of the R8 has been rumored for a long time now, and Autocar has just spotted a test car which could be the new base R8. The R8 will borrow the 2.9-liter V6 that is shared with a few other cars from Audi and Porsche.
The twin-turbo V6 is the same engine found in the Porsche Panamera, Audi RS5 and RS4. This engine is also rumored for an upcoming RS Q5. The motor was codeveloped between Audi and Porsche and is known as the 'KoVoMo' engine. For Audi, this engine directly replaces the old 4.2-liter V8. The old RS4 and RS5 both used the old V8, and now use this new twin-turbo V6. In the RS4 and RS5, the V6 develops 450 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This is the same amount of horsepower as the old V8, but the engine develops 125 more lb-ft of torque. In the new Panamera, this engine is tuned more for comfort and develops 434 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque.
Audi will tweak the engine to develop more than 500 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque for the R8. The exact power figures have not been decided on as of yet, but Audi can confirm that more than one power output will be available. We expect the V6 R8 to be a great car, but it won't make the same amazing wail as the V10 engine. At least the V6 versions of the car will be a bit more affordable. The current base R8 starts at $162,900. This new V6 versions should be revealed some time this year, with an expected launch in 2018.
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