Last week rumors persisted that the naturally aspirated Audi 4.2-liter V8 was getting the axe, making Audi fans everywhere put on their best grumpy face. But for all those unhappy motorists, there is now hope.
The rumors of the end of the almighty engine started when it was also rumored the next-gen RS4 would receive a turbocharged V6, in place of its V8. Car and Driver reports that the next-gen R8, which is set to be unveiled next year, will retain the 430-horse beast, with several tuning adjustments to add a couple horses.
Decreased emissions and increased fuel economy precipitated the presumed RS4 engine swap. Supercars like the R8, however, do not have these concerns.
Continuing the 4.2 in the R8 is an interesting choice. The uproarious RS7 houses a dragon-like twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, which won our first-ever Engine of the Year award last year.
Unfortunately, Audi states the 4.0 TFSI engine would not be able to be properly cooled in the mid-engine R8. Audi also doesn’t want the R8 to look small alongside the Lamborghini Huracan, with which it will share a platform. As if the car that’s good enough for Iron Man isn’t enough to justify supercar credentials.
Audi also can’t have the V8 outshine the top-of-the-line 5.2-liter V10. Certainly, too, Volkswagen Group as a whole does not want to have the R8 to overtake the Huracan. That would be like Batman being Robin’s sidekick.
