Audi to Launch High-Performance R8 in 2007

FRANKFURT, Nov 15, 2005; Reuters reported that Audi's new high-performance car based on its 'Le Mans quattro' concept car presented at a car show two years ago will make its market debut in the second quarter of 2007 as the Audi R8, Volkswagen AG's premium carmaker said on Tuesday.

Serial production of the car is set to begin at Audi's Neckarsulm, Germany, plant in the fourth quarter of 2006, it said in a statement, adding it would invest 28 million euros ($32.8 million) in the production line for the product.

"Through the R8 we are looking to build on our successes in motorsport and carry them over to series production. This model represents Audi's very own interpretation of sportiness," Audi AG Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said.

Audi has promised to launch six completely new models in the coming three years. By 2008, it expects vehicle sales to breach the 1 million mark, helped by the addition of new models such as the Q7 sport utility vehicle and the R8.