What will be different on this facelifted R8?
Audi is clearly working on a facelift for the R8, because we've spotted several test mules going around with camouflage over the front and rear fascias. The last R8 we spotted testing was a coupe model with a fixed rear spoiler, hinting that it could be a hardcore GT model. The next R8 will keep its 5.2-liter V10, but our sources say it could produce as much as 650-670 horsepower. This would be a significant increase over the current model which produces 610 hp.
So far, it has been difficult to tell if these prototypes are a more powerful GT version, or just a facelift for the regular R8. Now we have spotted an R8 Spyder, sporting many of the changes we initially saw on the coupe prototype. The front fascia has some minor changes to coincide with upcoming models like the RS Q8. The front air intakes are now a different shape, and feature a painted area between the opening and the headlights. The grille also has a new shape and new inserts, there's an additional mesh area between the rear taillights, and a new lip spoiler on the rear deck.
We'll have to wait to see if these changes are simply a facelift, or if a more powerful R8 is on its way. Audi has recently released special editions of the R8 in the shape of the hardcore Performance Parts Edition and rear-wheel-drive RWS model. If we've learned anything about supercars, special editions usually signify that a new model is on its way.
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