We have noticed that most carmakers are switching to turbocharged units as they are more efficient and can be tuned to insane figures. A similar situation is with Audi and its R8 supercar.
Everyone loves that 5.2-liter V8 beast that is also offered in Lamborghini Huracan, but reports that showed up suggested that this powerplant is soon to be removed from the lineup. Fortunately for us, Roland Schala, R8 project manager, stated: “We are currently developing a particulate filtration system for the R8 to prepare it for life beyond 2019. It’s an expensive, time-intensive program.”
He continued by adding “We are currently testing systems that use both two and four individual particle filters; our challenge is to package theses filters effectively in a tight engine bay, and to make sure the filters have no detrimental effect on the engine’s sound or outputs. Software changes will help solve those [later] issues.”
While we wouldn’t mind seeing the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbocharged powerplant from S8 that is capable of pumping 600 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque used for Audi R8 we truly enjoy the free-revving naturally aspirated beast. This was speculated to happen in the next few years as we know that new and stricter emission laws are coming to Europe in 2019.
It has been confirmed that the current version of the vehicle will be offering this unit all the way up to the end of its lifecycle. Also, the modifications are prepared for it to be available even after 2024.
We can conclude that the German car maker would not be heavily investing into the 5.2-liter powerplant and develop improvements for it if they plan on ending its production. This can be assumed from Schala’s statement, and hopefully, they will be able to achieve their goals.
