"Audi's supercar plans take shape
It looks like a Lamborghini Gallardo, but beneath the wedgy bodywork caught testing at the Nürburgring is Audi's road-going supercar, called Le Mans in honor of the company's string of wins there. Codenamed AU714, the new two-seater will arrive in Germany late in 2006, prior to going on sale in North America at prices expected to compete with the Porsche 911. The Le Mans is based on the Gallardo. The two cars will share an aluminum space frame, steel floorpan, lightweight wiring loom, brake system and intricate double-wishbone suspension.
However, Audi sources say new engines and a high-tech electromagnetic damping system will provide the Le Mans with a vastly different character than has the Gallardo. Audi's harmoniously styled aluminum bodyshell will look similar to that seen on the well-received Le Mans concept shown at last year's Frankfurt motor show.
Audi is working on two naturally aspirated engines. The show car had a 5.0-liter, 610-hp twin-turbo V10. Early models will more likely employ the company's 4.2-liter V8 tuned to develop 425 hp. A new 5.2-liter V10 is also under development, with a target output of 520 hp, 100 more than a 911 Turbo.
Power will go to all four wheels via a second-generation DSG (double shift gearbox), re-engineered to handle the Le Mans' high torque loads and provide quicker shifts. Audi is also preparing a new active damping system. Called Magnesport, it's akin to the Magneride on GM's Corvette, using electromagnetic impulses to continuously alter the viscosity of the oil in the dampers. This will provide a smoother ride than Gallardo, despite the Le Mans running on 20-inch wheels and tires. "

 

You're an early riser! Read this article last night.

 

Jetlag baby! ;-)

 

I guess that gives me time to save up.

If it's priced anywhere near the 911 ($75-$90k) I just might buy a new one. If it's in 911 Turbo range ($120-$140k), I'll have to wait to get a used one.

But then again... who needs a house?

 

Remember, you can live in your car but can't drive your house.

 

I read in an Aussie mag that it would be labelled as RS9. It looked really nice.

 

at this point it'll be the RS4 for me to tie me over till then. i love my TT but i've had it for three years and want more power. the new TT is still a mystery (one of the most closely guarded ones by audi EVER) and i don't see it showing up for at least another calendar year as a production model.

 

i'm sure it will be the A9, with S9, and RS9 variants. or just the latter two.

 

Intriguing write up; but, where's the spy shots Mata Hari !?! ;-)

 

has a steel chassis. Aluminum will be used throughout the car on bespoke items, but not shared bits. Top dog will be based on the R36 or possibly S3 and RS3 mechanicals. No confirmation of engines yet.