Audi Exec Squashes Turbo R8 Rumors

2016 Audi R8 (Credit: © Audi)

Just a few weeks back, we released a report claiming that Audi was working on a turbocharged version of the R8. According to the report, which came from the not-always-reliable Motoring.com.au, the Audi team was working on creating a rowdy V-6 to rest behind the R8’s seats. Now, a new report from Car Advice claims that we shouldn’t hold our breath for a turbocharged R8.

The report stems from an interview the Aussie site had with Jurgen Konigstedt, Audi’s head of development for V6, V8, and V10 engines. During this interview, Konigstedt said “The performance potential of this current engine means we don’t need to even look at turbocharging at this point. Do we actually need the power that turbocharging would generate? I would say no.” He then went on to discuss how the swelling powerband of a naturally aspirated engine and the exhaust note are all important traits that would disappear with the addition of a turbo.

According to Konigstedt, the idea of a turbocharged R8 wasn’t an open and closed case, however. Instead, there was a pretty hot debate on this topic, as Audi is already known for having some of the most awesome turbocharged engines in the world, so a turbo R8 would seem to make sense. Ultimately, however, the naturally aspirated engine won out and there are now no plans to release a turbo version of the brand’s resident supercar.

Car Advice then prodded regarding a switch to a more exotic transmission or a fast-shifting conventional automatic, but Konigstedt stated that the brand plans to stick with its existing seven-speed DCT. Additionally, the publication tossed the question out about what the next big innovation for the R8 will be, and that was quickly met with “it’s better if I say nothing!”