Audi R8 to get 5.2L V10 from RS6 Avant, minus the turbos

We reported back in March and April that Audi was preparing a V10-powered version of the R8, and it looks as though the first evidence of such an endeavor is on the road. However, while the V10 R8 will use the same 5.2L V10 found in the Audi RS6 Avant, the R8's powerplant will ditch the wagon's twin-turbo setup.

Audi is reportedly loaning a pre-production prototype of the new V10-powered car to a select few current R8 owners.

Not only will the new model sport two more cylinders, but it will also feature new front and rear bumpers and a revised exhaust system.

It remains unclear what Audi will call the new model, but Autocar reports that the RS8 nameplate is likely, leaving the RS version of the A8 in limbo. However, R10 still remains a possibility.

The 4.2L V8-powered R8 makes 420 horsepower, and it is expected that the new V10 engine will bump the R8's rating to at least 500 horsepower. The V10-powered Audi R8 is expected to bow in September with an on sale date of early to mid 2009.