DETROIT — Audi will unveil a new concept version of its midengine R8 supercar, powered by a 6.0-liter V12 TDI, next week at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, according to several European press reports.
A spokesman for Audi of America confirmed to Inside Line that the company will display three significant new models at the Detroit show, including the North American debut of the 2009 A4, as well as the world debuts of "a new production car and a concept." The production car is the TTS, a performance edition of the TT coupe.
A report in Automotive News Europe quoted an unnamed Audi insider as saying the R8 TDI concept is intended to raise the profile of the brand in North America. The source told the publication that Audi expects more than 15 percent of its North American sales by 2015 will be diesels.
The current R8 is available only with a 4.2-liter V8, but Audi is planning to offer a new V10 displacing around 5.2 liters and delivering more than 500 horsepower.
What this means to you: The TDI engine, if approved for production, would provide R8 buyers with a third option. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
A spokesman for Audi of America confirmed to Inside Line that the company will display three significant new models at the Detroit show, including the North American debut of the 2009 A4, as well as the world debuts of "a new production car and a concept." The production car is the TTS, a performance edition of the TT coupe.
A report in Automotive News Europe quoted an unnamed Audi insider as saying the R8 TDI concept is intended to raise the profile of the brand in North America. The source told the publication that Audi expects more than 15 percent of its North American sales by 2015 will be diesels.
The current R8 is available only with a 4.2-liter V8, but Audi is planning to offer a new V10 displacing around 5.2 liters and delivering more than 500 horsepower.
What this means to you: The TDI engine, if approved for production, would provide R8 buyers with a third option. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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