The
R8 will go on sale in 2008. It is derived from the Le Mans Quattro concept unveiled at the 2003
Frankfurt Auto Show .
These shots, taken during desert testing in the United States, show that the R8 has kept many Le Mans' design cues : its low front and lateral scoops, bubble-shaped roof and Audi's new grille design.The production R8 shares the Lamborghini Gallardo structural underpinnings. This lightweight AWD sportscar may have a detuned version of the Gallardo's 5.0-litre V10, giving 450 hp. Audi hasn't announced pricing for the R8 as yet, but it will be lower than the Gallardo's, which puts it closer to an all-wheel-drive Porsche 911.It will debut at the
Paris Auto Show in September.
photo: Becca Priddy