Audi to Give Green Light to New Supercar

Having invested heavily in Lamborghini's junior-sized Gallardo, Audi will finally be reaping the benefits. Like the Le

Having invested heavily in Lamborghini's junior-sized Gallardo, Audi will finally be reaping the benefits. (Photo: Lamborghini)

Mans, the R9 will most likely share many components, but expect to see several key differences, particularly pertaining to size. Despite a similar two-seat, mid-engined layout, expect the Audi version to be longer, wider and slightly taller than its Italian counterpart, for increased comfort and refinement.

At this time, nearly all the components of this supercar puzzle have been put into place; the only thing that bosses can't agree on is what engine will be used. Throughout the gigantic VW empire, there are literally a half-dozen different engines which would prove suitable for use in a supercar. Though the company has V8s, V10s, W12s and W16s at its

Throughout the gigantic VW empire, there are literally a half-dozen different engines which would prove suitable for use in a supercar. (Photo: Audi of America)

disposal, picking one in particular has been a difficult task to prevent an overlap with the Gallardo.

So far, we have learned that the candidate list will include two engines, so as to form a two-model range. First up is the newly-announced, naturally-aspirated 414-hp 4.2-liter V8 from the all-new RS4, which would act as an entry-level model. It is high-revving and features FSI direct injection technology which boosts fuel economy and performance, an advantage which many believe helped Audi win so many races at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with their R8 racers - exactly the reputation and qualities which would be beneficial to a modern supercar.