Audi Denies That A V6 Version Of The R8 Is Happening

Rumours of a V6 R8 have been doing the rounds ever since the introduction of the second-generation version of the car. Such a thing would make sense, wouldn’t it? It’d fill the void left by the magnificent old V8 version, while also bolstering R8 sales in markets like China, where car tax is linked to engine capacity.

A couple of years ago a leaked production schedule showing a V6 R8 debuting in 2018 added fuel to the fire, and as recently as two days ago, Autocar ran a story claiming that a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6-powered version of the car is indeed happening, coinciding with a general mid-life refresh for the range. The publication even gave a rough expectation of output - apparently we’re looking at over 500bhp and 500lb ft of torque.

However, Road and Track has since been told by an Audi spokesperson that “there is no V6 planned for the R8.”

As far as denials go, that sounds pretty indisputable, but the official line given to the press by a manufacturer isn’t necessarily going to match what’s going on behind the scenes. At the very least, it’s highly likely Audi has at least considered and even tested a V6 R8 (prototypes supposedly powered by V6s have previously been spotted).

Then again, it’s looking like there may not be any future R8s beyond this generation and the planned facelift, so it’d be understandable for Audi to let the car bow out with the V10 and the V10 alone.

So is a V6 R8 happening or not? We’ll have to wait and see…