Is Audi plotting R8 V6?

Audi is reportedly developing a V6 version of its R8 supercar, thanks to Porsche.

The four-ring brand has been spied testing an updated R8 in Germany recently after several years of speculation a second model is on the way to join the V10-powered R8. Audi has already ruled out a return to the original V8 engine featured in the first generation model due to emissions regulations. Which is why the Porsche developed 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 is reportedly destined for the engine bay of the R8.

First introduced in the Panamera the V6, where it's tuned to produce 324kW of power and 550Nm of torque, it also powered the latest RS5 where it has been boosted to 331kW and 600Nm; which means it wouldn’t be giving away much in terms of performance compared to the 397kW/510Nm 5.2-litre V10.

But the V6 would almost certainly be priced beneath the V10 in order to give the brand a more affordable member of the range which currently starts at $354,616 for the V10 and $389,616 for the V10 Plus. Audi Australia has just introduced the R8 RWS (rear-wheel drive) for $299,500, but that is a limited edition of just 999 examples worldwide.

Adding a V6 would likely give the brand a permanent offering below $300k to entice customers up from the likes of the TT-RS and RS5 Coupe.

Demand for a V6 R8 wouldn’t be a problem in Australia, which is the sixth largest market for the supercar in the world, as demonstrated by our market securing a minimum of 40 examples of the R8 RWS. Australia is also the fifth largest market for all Audi Sport models.

The only spanner in the works is Audi is refusing to confirm the existence of the R8 V6. No official details of the car have been announced and local product planning director, Shawn Ticehurst, said the Audi Australia has yet to see anything about the car.

“If it happens given Australia’s performance for performance cars we’d certainly consider it. But there’s nothing [official] at the moment,” Ticehurst told Drive.

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