Spy Shot
Spy Video: 2008 Audi R8
2008 Audi R8 takes on the Nürburgring
We got our first shots of the 2008 Audi R8 prototype months ago and needless to say we were pretty impressed with its similarity to the Le Mans concept from the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, our exclusive spy video gives you an idea of just how nuts this Audi sports car will be as it lays down some hot laps on the Nürburgring.
The R8's ability to rip through the corners of Germany's most famous test track shouldn't come as much of a surprise as it's basically a rebodied Lamborghini Gallardo. Everything from the aluminum space frame to the all-wheel-drive system is from the Lambo (Audi owns Lamborghini). The prototype in this video is even using Gallardo wheels, but our more recent photos show a more traditional set of 6-spoke wheels.
One significant difference between the R8 and its Italian cousin will be the engine wedged behind the cockpit. Instead of the Lambo's exotic 5.0-liter V10 power plant, there's a good chance the R8 will debut with a midmounted version of Audi's 4.2-liter V8. Going with the smaller engine will keep the R8 from undercutting the Lamborghini in both price and performance. There's still no confirmation what gearbox it will use, although judging by the sound of the perfectly throttle-matched downshifts it's something of the sequential manual variety.
Expect to see sales of the 2008 Audi R8 in the U.S. starting about a year from now with a price tag of around $100,000.
The R8's ability to rip through the corners of Germany's most famous test track shouldn't come as much of a surprise as it's basically a rebodied Lamborghini Gallardo. Everything from the aluminum space frame to the all-wheel-drive system is from the Lambo (Audi owns Lamborghini). The prototype in this video is even using Gallardo wheels, but our more recent photos show a more traditional set of 6-spoke wheels.
One significant difference between the R8 and its Italian cousin will be the engine wedged behind the cockpit. Instead of the Lambo's exotic 5.0-liter V10 power plant, there's a good chance the R8 will debut with a midmounted version of Audi's 4.2-liter V8. Going with the smaller engine will keep the R8 from undercutting the Lamborghini in both price and performance. There's still no confirmation what gearbox it will use, although judging by the sound of the perfectly throttle-matched downshifts it's something of the sequential manual variety.
Expect to see sales of the 2008 Audi R8 in the U.S. starting about a year from now with a price tag of around $100,000.
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