Confirmed: Audi will build Le Mans quattro under 'R8' name

Audi today announced that it will build the R8, a production version of the "Le Mans quattro"? concept. The car was first shown as a concept study two years ago at the Frankfurt IAA Motor Show. Preparations are already being made at Audi's plant in Neckarsulm, with production slated for the fourth quarter of 2006. The car will go on sales in the second quarter of 2007. Development and test construction are said to be well underway. "Through the R8 we are looking to build on our successes in motorsport and carry them over to series production. This model represents Audi's very own interpretation of sportiness,"? said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the German automaker. Audi may use the Lamborghini-sourced V10 already in use in the S8 luxury sedan. German auto magazine Auto Motor und Sport suggests output may raise from 510-horsepower to 610, thanks to a new turbo. Update: Wheels24 says an entry-level model may feature the RS4's 420-horsepower naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8.