[footie]

Nissan and GM have managed to attract a lot of attention to their new GT-R and Corvette ZR1 sports cars thanks to some highly publicized lap times at Germany’s Nurburgring race track. With the launch of the V10 version of R8 around the corner, Audi hopes to trump both cars with a time faster than 7 minutes and 26 seconds.


Exact specs of the new range-topping R8 are unknown, but it should deliver around 535 horsepower and is expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.

While Audi hasn’t yet made an official proclamation of R8 V10’s Nurburgring-crushing abilities, a source told Sweden’s Auto Motor & Sport the new model has already beat the ZR1.

A month ago, GM announced a ZR1 piloted by development engineer Jim Mero recorded a time of 7 minutes 26.4 seconds — three seconds faster than the Nissan GT-R time announced in May.

With Nissan aiming for a sub-7:25 lap time with its Spec-V GT-R, it will be interesting to see if the Audi will manage to come out on top.

This article is for LeftLane and here is the link.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-exp...lap-times.html

Sounds a little incredible to me when you look at the current R8's lap times.

[AU335]

I dont see it happening

[Krueger///M3]

+1, how could it be faster than the Gallardo?

[KonigsTiger]

We will see, but somhow I doubt they will make that much hp, etc...

[Year's_End]

No way. Is it gonna have new AWD tech or something?

[lyndon_h]

I dont even think its going to be close.

[footie]

I too doubt the claims by this site and doubt Audi would be stupid enough to say something like this knowing full well that it would bite them on the arse if proven wrong.

Though I would like the say that I do reckon the V10 version will be capable of the low 7:40s and that opinion is based on the R8's new time of 7:56 (can't remember the source), 15~20 seconds is just possible with improved suspension, better brakes and more power. Oh yeah and better tyres.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by footie

I too doubt the claims by this site and doubt Audi would be stupid enough to say something like this knowing full well that it would bite them on the arse if proven wrong.

Though I would like the say that I do reckon the V10 version will be capable of the low 7:40s and that opinion is based on the R8's new time of 7:56 (can't remember the source), 15~20 seconds is just possible with improved suspension, better brakes and more power. Oh yeah and better tyres.

Agreed, a time in the 7:40 range is absolutely reasonable. I seriously can't believe they claim to aim for a sub 7:26 time.

[footie]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Agreed, a time in the 7:40 range is absolutely reasonable. I seriously can't believe they claim to aim for a sub 7:26 time.

I didn't say they wouldn't be aiming for the 7:26 time, only I doubt they will achieve it.

There is some people who believe the V10 will be putting out 545hp, that combined with Audi's slightly different chassis from that of the Gallardo could mean it will be faster than it's much dearer cousin. Two cars aiming at different markets, the Lamborghini is extreme and more demanding to drive, while the R8 being an Audi means the opposite, it will be much easier to drive and may prove quicker because of it.

[!Xoible]

i doubt it

[SoFlo335]

Maybe Audi has a trick up their sleeves? TTV10? Perhaps they found a way around the cooling issues with that engine.

[Year's_End]

It's gotta be lighter (3450lbs doesn't sound too good), it's gotta be much stronger, it's gotta be able to stop much later, and it's got to have a more advanced AWD system that can rival the one implemented in the GTR. That's a lot to do.

[footie]

It will be heavier (50kgs), it will be stronger (125hp), it will stop later (ceramics) but the awd system will remain the same which isn't at all a bad thing because most people feel the one Audi got right was this system.

It's just, to me a time of 7:25 or less is a big ask compared to what it's currently capable of. If they aim for the GT2's time that is a bigger possibility in my opinion.

[OBI_agent]

Originally Posted by SoFlo335

Maybe Audi has a trick up their sleeves? TTV10? Perhaps they found a way around the cooling issues with that engine.

Its already been said that the rs6 TT v10 engine wont make it in R8-S......It will just be a normal V10. I would have loved the TT v10 but the decision has been made to stick with a normally aspirated V10.

On topic, I think the r8 V10 would be able to lap less then 7:40 but, it looks close to impossible to make it go in less then 7:26. Too much tech needed.

[TSM330i]

The only way this is going to happen is if the car comes in at about 3000lbs. They're quoting 100hp LESS than the ZR1 and they don't have the GT-Rs trick AWD system (yet).

[footie]

Originally Posted by AW325xi

The only way this is going to happen is if the car comes in at about 3000lbs. They're quoting 100hp LESS than the ZR1 and they don't have the GT-Rs trick AWD system (yet).

Why do you believe the current AWD system isn't that good?

[footie]

Guys, you have to read this, it's posted on another website but is meant to have been sent to all Audi dealer very recently.

I receive marketing type or informative e-mails once in awhile from one of the marketing guys at AoA. He sends me the interesting ones. This is NOT a press release nor is it considered official. This is part of larger information piece send to Audi sales people or dealers I assume from various sources.

"As first reported by German business publication Der Spiegel, an Audi spokesman indicated Ingolstadt's bleak sales prediction was reason enough for the automaker to halt all project developments.Much like its decision to keep the hybrid out of the hands of U.S. buyers, Audi has most likely factored in the increasing value of the euro versus the dollar, as well as the escalating cost of raw materials.


Interestingly, according to Autobild in Germany, Audi pulled the plug on the gas miser Q7 as a result of the incomplete lithium ion powertrain development. Whatever the reason, hope for the car in what is still considered a very niche market is slim to none.

There was no word on the upcoming smaller Q5 and its possibility of employing a hybrid powertrain, but don't expect the baby Q7 in hybrid form to hit our shores either. Sources at Autobild stated the next generation lithium ion system will find its way into the Q5 further into its production run that begins next year. For those stateside buyers wanting a bit more mpg from the Q7 and Q5, upcoming new diesel powertrains in 2009 and 2010, respectively, should do the trick just as well.

Also hot off the press in Germany are reports of Audi's forthcoming V-10 powered R-8 achieving the latest Nurburgring Nordschleife record, besting the Nissan GT-R and reigning champion, the Corvette ZR1. According to Auto Motor & Sport, a project engineer has revealed the supercar has achieved the production car record on the "Green Hell" with a time lower than the Corvette's 7 minute 26 second run.

Although nothing has been officially confirmed, it is expected the R8 will employ a reworked S8 powerplant ranging in displacement from 5.2 to 5.5 liters. Roughly 535 horsepower will be churned out by the unit that utilizes the automaker's FSI direct injection system. Apart from the extra power and cylinders, the R8 V-10 features revised aerodynamic, braking and engine cooling setups, as well as a full LED headlamp configuration. Look for the more powerful, yet unnamed Audi R8 V10 to make its debut this October at the Paris Motor Show, where we hope we'll see a few of the styling perks from the R8 V12 TDI concept."


I assume they compiled the information from various sources and publications into an internal PR type piece.

There's the link.
http://www.rs6.com/forum/showthread....451#post137451

If true then Audi have done something unbelievable to the R8 because to me it doesn't sound possible with only an extra 120hp and no weight lose.

[OBI_agent]

Good find footie!

After winning the 24hr LeMans race several times, I hope they can use that experience in technology development and achieve this mean feat of ousting the ZR1.

BTW, if you combine GTR's AWD along with the tranny and audi's mid engine chassis with a V10, I think you can have a very very formidable car. With a lighter load to push(R8 V10 estimated to be 3450 from the article above), I think it can do wonders to the car.

[Tim2189]

eitherway id rather be driving an Audi and be a second or two behind then driving a chevy or nissan

[Sniz]

Originally Posted by nyc328ci

eitherway id rather be driving an Audi and be a second or two behind then driving a chevy or nissan

drive the ZR1 and then say that again........of course I have driven neither.

RE: the GTR, I dont believe there is a chance in hell of a current production GTR hitting their ring number again.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by nyc328ci

eitherway id rather be driving an Audi and be a second or two behind then driving a chevy or nissan

+1, but that's kinda OT.

[footie]

I've driven the current R8 and it's the easiest sportscar/supercar to drive quickly, the chassis in so benign compared to Ferraris, Porsches, BMWs etc that I have driven. Whether the slightly heavier engined V10 with that extra power keeps all this intact will have to be seen but if it does then I doubt the GTR will win too many roadtests on the track against it.

It's the straights that have been the current R8's problem with getting a decent ring time and until the figures for this version are posted then I am still struggling to see how Audi have made this almighty improvement in lap time 7:56 (new ring time for R8) to less than 7:26. A bit of head scratching.