The upcoming V10-engined Audi R8 looked poised to set the automotive world ablaze…and then it caught fire at the Nürburgring.
Face-distorting speed, looks to die for and bank vault levels of build quality are the things we usually associate with Audi’s stunning R8 supercar – all-consuming engine fires are not.
As the V10-engined prototype was roaring into the Brünnchen section of the Nürburgring, a mysterious engine fire reduced the 9,6 million Rand test mule to a smoldering hulk – only the roll bar and wheels are really discernable from the wreckage. Fortunately, the test driver was not hurt in the incident.
The V10 engine earmarked for use in this model is based on the 5,0 litre unit doing service in the Lamborghini Gallardo. The addition of two cylinders over the base model’s V8 is said to add a further 60 kW to the 313 kW it delivers.
Speculation over the output of the R8’s V10 continues to gather momentum with rumours that Audi has been ordered to detune the unit to below 373 kW, so that the R8 does not lock horns with the Gallardo. There are those optimistically hoping that the recent release of theGallardo Superleggera’s 395 kW V10 will ensure the R8’s powerplant breaking the 373 kW mark, but if the rumours are anything to go by it seems unlikely.
Much like the engine details and the nature of the test car’s fire, the name of the V10 model is also a mystery at present. The RS8 name has been suggested, but given the potential to interfere with possible plans of releasing a more powerful version of the S8, it seems unlikely to stick. The R10 name, or possibly R8 S, are better candidates to christen the new car.
As far as appearances go, the V10-engined R8 will sport larger side air scoops that, apart from lending the car a more imposing stance, help to siphon more air to the engine. A closer look also reveals an extra flare on the lower side sills that runs the length of the wheelbase, further distinguishing the car from its V8 sibling.
Given the rarity of engine fires in both recent Lamborghini and Audi models, it is likely that the Nürburgring conflagration was just a once off that should be sorted out by Audi’s engineers in no time. Still….better that it happened on the ‘ring than on the road.
To see the V10-engined R8 tearing up the track before the flames set in, click here.