Audi denies more powerful V10-engined R8

Audi has denied rumours it will fit its R8 supercar with the more powerful engine from the RS6.

With yesterday’s announcement that the new RS6 Avant is to be equipped with a 580bhp 5.2-litre twin turbo V10, rumours surfaced on the internet about a transplant into the R8.

The monstrous powerplant brings the RS6 firmly into supercar territory, posting a claimed 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds – exactly the same as an R8.

Launched to critical acclaim in June 2007, the mid-engined Audi R8 came complete with a 414bhp 4.2-litre V8, as found in the current RS4, propelling the Porsche 911 rival on to a top speed of 187mph.

A spokesperson for the Ingolstadt-based car maker denied there is any intention for future production of a V10-based R8.

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