Audi R8 Lineup to Grow With V8 Spyder, Sportier Model; Dual-Clutch to Replace R Tronic

With the electric-vehicle stampede seemingly out of control, we are glad to report that Audi, for one, is not forgetting about our enthusiast needs. Our favorite Audi product family, the R8 lineup, has just been expanded with the awesome V-10 Spyder . But it doesn’t stop there, an insider tells us: Late in 2010, Audi will show a less expensive version of the Spyder, powered by the familiar 420-hp, 4.2-liter V-8, which should retail for about $135,000. It will be at dealers in early 2011. On the other end of the spectrum, there will very likely be a sportier version, inspired by the race-ready R8 LMS, with carbon-fiber parts and probably more power. Look no further

than the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera for a glimpse of this V-10 engine’s potential. The nervous six-speed sequential R tronic gearbox will likely be replaced by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission—and our favorite, the open-gate six-speed manual, will remain the standard box. The lack of a strong-enough transmission, along with the weight penalty of the engine, is the reason why the awesome R8 V-12 TDI won’t migrate beyond prototype status. But the R8-based, fully electric e-tron will be produced and sold for around $200,000. Everyone has to have an electric supercar, it seems. No related posts.

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Audi R8 Lineup to Grow With V8 Spyder, Sportier Model; Dual-Clutch to Replace R Tronic