A test version of Audi's Le Mans quattro-inspired car, the R8, has been circulating the 'Ring -- as PistonHeads' exclusive spy shots by PH's top spy-shotter Sebastian Geisler show.
Audi unveiled the concept in 2003, and confirmed last November that it would be produced. To be called the R8 -- the same as the incredibly successful Le Mans racing car -- the car starts production towards the end of 2006, and is to appear in showrooms in mid-2007.
A mid-engined two-seater, it'll be propelled by a five-litre V10 bi-turbo engine with FSI direct fuel injection, developing 610bhp at 6,800 rpm and 553lb-ft of torque availble from as low as 1,750rpm. Performance is likely to be in the region of 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and to 125mph 10.8 seconds.
Audi's subsidiary quattro GmbH will build it using lightweight components at its Neckarsulm plant. Audi is relying on intelligent lightweight design for the R8, a core area of expertise at the plant; the Audis A2, A6 and A8 were all developed there using similar technology.