Audi has stated that the R8, which is initially offered with a 420 horsepower V8 will definitely receive additional engine options.
The most common rumor is a V10 engine possibly out of the upcoming RS6 or the S8.
There is now speculation that a torque monster V12 from the Audi Q7 V12 TDI could find its way into the R8.
The V12 TDI in the Q7 is already capable of reducing the nearly two ton SUV's 0-60 time down to the low to mid 5 second range.
This comes courtesy of 500 horsepower and 737 lb. ft. of torque.
If the R8 were to receive this engine, it would easily out-accelerate the Lamborghini Gallardo and would put the car in Murcielago territory. That is not something Lamborghini would like to hear.
Audi estimated the RS4 from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. It has been clocked as low as 4.3 seconds, a .5 second difference.
The BMW 335i coupe with automati is supposed to go 0-60 in 5.5 seconds but managed to pull off 4.8 seconds.
The 420 horsepower V8 with 316 lb ft. of torque, R8 is estimated at 0-60 in 4.6 seconds by Audi and therefore could easily pull off a 4.0-4.2 time.
If this V12 TDI engine finds its way into the R8 we are looking at 0-60 times in the 3.4-3.6 second range.
This probably will not happen in order to protect the Lamborghini Murcielago sales, ut if it were to occur, Audi would have a lightning fast supercar with an equally fat price tag.