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To the surprise of many, when the second-generation 2016 Audi R8 was recently revealed, it was released solely in V10-specification with no word about whether or not an entry-level V8-powered derivative would be offered. Well while speaking with Automobile Magazine at the Geneva Motor Show 2015, Audi’s head of Quattro GmbH Heinz Hollerweger has revealed that a V8 won’t be offered in the second-gen R8.

As a matter of fact, Hollerweger went as far as to say that “We [Audi] have no interest in a V8”. It is believed that the decision was made to drop the V8 from the line-up due to the relatively low take rate in the outgoing generation of R8 with many more buyers opting for the more powerful 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine.

While a V8 isn’t on the cards, rumours from last month do suggest that a selection of different engines could be offered. As a matter of fact, a V6 has been deemed possible by Audi R8 technical lead Roland Schala. Additionally, a hybrid variant could even be introduced during the production run of the second-gen Audi R8.

As for what is currently offered, that is the aforementioned V10 available in two specifications. In base 2016 Audi R8 V10 specification, that engine has been tweaked from the current one up to 540 hp while the range-topping Audi R8 V10 Plus pumps out 610 hp and 560 Nm of torque. As a result, the Audi R8 V10 Plus will accelerate to 100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds as well as a top speed of 330 km/h. By comparison, the regular Audi R8 V10 will still sprint to 100 km/h in a respectable 3.5 seconds as well as a 323 km/h top speed.

[Via Automobile Magazine]

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