Cars’ existence is confirmed.
Very rarely are buyers of, or potential buyers of supercars overly concerned about environmental impact and running costs. Supercars are a flight of fancy, more so than anything else. But in case you are concerned about the fuel consumption of your fanciful supercar, or for some reason you like the idea of engine downsizing a bit too much, Audi's on your side.
The R8 supercar, which we already know is unlikely to be renewed for a third generation, is set to receive a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine in the very near future, it’s been revealed. The new engine is being developed jointly between Audi and Porsche, and mounts the two banks of three cylinders set at a 90º angle as part of a new modular engine family, which Autocar reports is being referred to internally as ‘KoVoMo.’
Anyway. Similar VW Group engines like the 2.9-litre in the Porsche Panamera 4S put out about 323kW of power, whereas the new engine, benefitting from subtle tweaks, can put out more than 372kW. Further, officials from Ingolstadt have told the UK publication that the V6 will be offered in more than one output.
The new engine, measuring at 2.9-litres, will differ from the 3.0-litre biturbo V6 that’s presently employed in models like the Audi RS4. There are, reportedly, differences in the induction system, though the new engine will also have two turbos, like the hot Audi estate.
Should the R8 V6 prove to be popular (and we mean really popular), perhaps it would go some way to reversing Audi’s decision to axe the model after the present generation dies off. Comments made by R&D boss Peter Mertens to Car & Driver at the fringes of the Geneva motor show all but confirmed that the sun was setting on the R8. We pray it won’t.
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