R8 is Le Mans dead ringer (UPDATED)

Newswheel staff :: 29 March 2006 :: Filed under Mid / rear engine sportscar, Audi, Audi Le Mans, Audi R8, Europe & UK, US

[Click on an image to view]

Oh yes, it’s another Audi concept turned production reality

Concept cars, eh? Usually an opportunity for manufacturers to remind you just how dreary their production line up is by dangling something impossibly sleek and sexy below your nose. But not Audi. The TT is the original latter day concept made manifest and with the upcoming R8, the German outfit has done it again. As the latest spy shots prove, it’s a dead ringer for the disgustingly desirable Le Mans concept of 2003.

Even the alloy accent panel, just aft of the C-pillar, is just visible in the new spy shots and appears to have made the transition to production. In fact, the only visible departure from the original concept seems to be the obligatory pop-up rear aero appendage. As previously discussed, the R8 shares its basic aluminium spaceframe underpinnings with Lambo’s Gallardo sportster. Power is expected to come from a mix of existing Audi engines, including the 4.2-litre FSI V8 and the new FSI V10 as found in the S6 and S8 models. The R8 is expected to be unveiled before the end of 2006. Scamper ye over to Fourtitude for the full image fenzy.


We may not entirely jive with many of Audi’s current mono-grilled monstrosities. But we absolutely, positively wouldn’t kick the R8’s nasal appendage out of bed

Linkage:
Fourtitude

Update:
Another set of images, this time from Lehmann, has appeared. We really want to see those fingers:


Linkage:
Auto.cz