It seems the end of the naturally aspirated combustion engine is drawing to a close with the introduction of turbo power. Car manufacturers are doing so because it’s the easiest, least costly way of meeting strict emissions targets. How ironic then for twin-turbo power to offer more power quickly yet at the same time being less polluting. But times are a changing and no car, be supercar or crappy car (Ford) is immune from the vortex of change. (I like that… vortex of change). Ahem… anyway… It is being reported that the second generation Audi R8 will get a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo as found in the latest Porsche Panamera. The engine is being jointly developed by Porsche and Audi and could also find new homes in the Audi RS4, RS5 and RS Q5. The current V6 Twin-Turbo as utilised in the Panamera generates 434bhp and 549 Nm of torque. Of course the Audi would surely want more power. Rumours suggest that Audi is working with Porsche to ensure that the R8 V6 Twin-Turbo has at least 500bhp, the original V8 powered R8 had 414bhp. The current Audi R8 is available with the 5.2-litre V10 FSi which churns out 538bhp, the V10 Plus derivative generates 600bhp, the respective costs are £117k and £132k. That means the V6 Twin-Turbo will be the entry level R8 and could well be priced at a sub £100k which would make it a bargain supercar, relativity speaking, relative only to those who can afford to spend £100k. Honestly speaking, I have been fortunate enough to drive the original V8 R8 and to be honest it never had the insane savagery that the V10 offers. Yes the V6 Twin-Turbo will be more powerful than the original V8 but it’s still a ‘low fat’ option. If you are interested in an R8 I suggest the V10 should be the default choice.