Rumor Mill Flip-Flop: Turbo R8 is Back on the Table

2016 Audi R8 (Credit: © Audi)

Most of our loyal readers know that I take just about everything a manufacturer says with a grain of salt. Just days ago, a report emerged about a turbocharged R8 being under development, but a later report from an Audi executive claimed that this was untrue. Well, the latter statement comes under fire once again, as a new report from Car Magazine indicates that this turbocharged model is in the works, and it even outlines some of the specifics.

We already know that the 4.2-liter V-8 that once powered the base R8 is long gone. In its final year, this engine injected 430 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque into the supercar. This new report claims that the replacement for this base V-8 will be a 2.9-liter turbocharged V-6 that will outmuscle the V-8 to the tune of 450 horsepower.

This turbo V-6 would give the folks at cross-country rival Porsche a thing or two to think about, as this encroaches on the space typically reserved for the 911.

So, besides the obvious desire to give Porsche fits, why would Audi go with this boosted 2.9-liter six-cylinder? Well, according to the report, this is part of Audi’s plans to combat China’s taxes on 3.0-liter and larger engines. This 2.9-liter powerplant would put the base R8 right under the tax threshold and it would still deliver the goods in terms of power.

Now, there is a downside to this boosted V-6, and that is the fact that the R8 would lose its iconic noise in its base format. Many Audi faithful would be up in arms over this loss, but the fact is that Audi still offers its V-10 for those who crave the sound of a naturally aspirate engine. This V-6 engine meets Audi’s need to compete in the growing Asian market, which will drive up profits and allow even more awesome machines to roll out of Ingolstadt. It would be a win-win and makes perfect sense to me.

The countdown has begun until Audi’s next denial.

We’ll bring you more updates on this topic as more information becomes available.