2012 R8 Gt Spyder 5.2l V10,glacier White,ceramic Brakes,$239k Msrp,1.49% Finance on 2040-cars

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Audi spotted testing new TT RS Roadster at the Nurburgring

Spied testing on the Nordschleife in Roadster form is the forthcoming Audi TT RS. It's based, of course, on the new TT that we've already seen in S spec, but this one will be even faster. To that end, powering the new convertible (and its fixed-roof coupe counterpart) is expected to be Audi's signature turbocharged inline-five driving a good 400 horsepower or so to all four wheels through either a six-speed manual or Audi's S-tronic transmission. That output ought to put it in prime position to outgun the likes of the Porsche 718 Boxster S with its 350 hp and the new Mercedes-AMG SLC43 that's good for 362 hp. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is isn't far behind with its 335 hp, though a new Z4 M would be a welcome addition to the party. We're expecting the brand of the Four Rings to reveal the TT RS coupe before long, and the roadster should follow six months or so afterwards. Then Audi's RS line will be replete with performance models including the RS7 we get here, the RS3, RS6, and RS Q3 they sell overseas, and this pair of TT RS two-doors. Related Video:

Entry-level Audi R8 to go turbo after all?

Would you be shocked if we told you that the better version of the Audi R8 offered a V8 engine rather than a V10? There was something inherently lovable about the company's 4.2-liter V8. Maybe it was the noise or the high-revving nature or some combination of the two, but the R8's original engine is a darn hoot. Sadly, the V8's days appear numbered in the brand's flagship model, according to a new report from Car, which claims Audi will ditch the beloved, off-angle 4.2-liter for a 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6. The rumor cites sources in Ingolstadt who claim the new engine will develop 450 horsepower, up 20 ponies on the current entry level engine. We'd expect a commensurate increase in fuel economy too, befitting of a smaller, force-induced engine. Still, this is counter to what we've heard before. But, if the report proves true, the R8 will join the ranks of turbocharged supercars like the Ferrari 488 GTB and California. It's unclear when such a switch would be made, but according to Car, we can place the blame squarely on China. The country has been combating large-displacement engines since 2008, attaching massive taxes on vehicles with anything larger than a 3.0-liter engine. It's China's position, Car reports, that led to the death of another beloved, naturally aspirated V8, Mercedes-AMG's 6.2-liter model. First the venerable M156 and now Audi's 4.2-liter V8? Just stop this silliness China. Related Video:

Lamborghini could be sold or spun off from the Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen is reportedly considering a sale or stock listing for its high-end Lamborghini brand. The German automaker is looking to fold the Italian supercar brand into a separate legal entity, reports Bloomberg, which cites "people familiar with the matter" who don't want to be identified "because the deliberations are confidential and no decisions have been made." Any of this sound familiar? The goal of spinning off Lamborghini would be to stockpile more cash and other resources for VW's massive planned push into electric vehicles. Back in March, reports circulated that Volkswagen's "Vision 2030" corporate plan might include plans to focus on the brand's core brands — VW, Audi and Porsche. That means the futures of fringe players like Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, motorcycle brand Ducati and design firm Italdesign (and note this isn't a comprehensive list of brand's under the expansive VW Group umbrella) are up in the air. VW, according to the report, is targeting a market value of $220 billion, which is a big jump from the brand's current $89 billion valuation. Bloomberg pegged Lamborghini's valuation at around $11 billion back in August, buoyed by sales and profits generated by the introduction of the Urus sport utility vehicle. On the flip side, Lamborghini is currently grappling with how best to update its supercar lineup in the face of ever-increasing emissions regulations.