Audi SR8 Now Almost Certain
Posted by john Published in Audi, Innovation News
There have been rumours flying around for a long time about a ‘Hot’ version of the R8. A very enticing prospect I have to say.
Audi had problems with the early testing of the SR8 when a fire wiped out their test car at the Nurburgring in April. After that, it seemed like Audi had gone off the boil with the idea. But they’re back testing again, according to those well-informed chaps over at Left Lane News, and it seems almost certain that the Audi SR8 will be with us before the end of 2008.
In many ways the SR8 is a big political problem for Audi. It seems likely that Porsche will take a controlling interest in VW Audi in the very near future, and that means that the group will have 2 cars competing directly with one another - the R8 and the 911. That is difficult enough, but if Audi produce the SR8, which now seems certain, then Porsche will find it very difficult to trump that with the 911 Turbo. If, as seems likely, Audi endow the SR8 with the same engine as the astonishing RS6, then there is every possibility the Audi will out-perform even the mighty 911 Turbo. Now that’s enough to make your mouth water! But then there is an extra piece to this puzzle - the Lamborghini Gallardo. Audi own Lamborghini, but it seems likely the SR8 will do serious damage to the sale of the Gallardo. It will be significantly cheaper, significantly quicker and be an everyday car to boot. Will anyone want a 911 or a Gallardo when they can have a better, quicker car from the same stable for less money? Of course they will, but it’s going to have a few heads scratching in the next year to sort out the pecking order.
But frankly I don’t care. Just give me an SR8!