After realizing it will need more torque to keep pace with the likes of Mercedes and Porsche, Audi executives confirmed that the automaker won't stick with naturally aspirated horsepower for the life of the R8.
At some point, Audi's top sports cars will have to utilize turbocharged power, stated a member of the automaker's development board.
Audi just introduced its 2016 R8 with a naturally aspirated 5.2 liter V10, offering the sports car with 540 HP and 610 HP engine options. The second generation of the R8 appears destined for a turbocharged boost, based on remarks made by Ulrich Hackenberg, who sits on Audi's development board.
"It is inevitable that we will go to a turbocharged motor for it at some point. It would be in this model cycle, to give us a fuller range," said Hackenberg.
Obviously in love with the throttle feedback of traditionally aspirated engines, Hackenberg stressed that Audi isn't going turbo exclusively.
"It's quite unique to build naturally aspirated engines today and our customers love it," said Hackenberg. "It doesn't mean we are not going to do a turbo, but naturally aspirated is here to stay as well."
The company was favoring its five-cylinder turbo engine, according to a senior Audi exec handling sales and marketing. That configuration has a "rich history," the source said.
There "is no sound more 'Audi' than the five-cylinder motor in the RS3," said the source. "It would have more than enough power and torque for the R8, and it's lighter, too, so it would package well, but we will see."
If Audi doesn't go with the five-cylinder engine from the RS3, it may opt for the turbocharged V6 it has been developing to replace the RS4's V8.
