V8-powered Audi R8 Spyder in the pipeline?

The Audi R8 Spyder was introduced at Frankfurt with a stonking V10 powertrain nestled snugly in its boot, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the righteous 525-horsepower mill will be the R8 droptop's only source of power. Our West Coast friends at Inside LIne insist that the more reasonable 4.2-liter V8 that powers the "base" R8 is going to be offered as well... eventually.

The availability of a V8-powered Spyder could drop the price of entry by $30,000 or more, and it could prove to be an attractive option to potential customers who are more interested in the R8 Spyder as a fashion statement than as a near-supercar with outstanding performance. IL estimates that a V8-powered, topless R8 could arrive in showrooms sometime next year.
Who knows, perhaps Audi will find it in its collective heart to utilize the updated, better-breathing 450-hp 4.2-liter that is scheduled to arrive under the bonnet of the RS5 – not a bad consolation prize for a luxury car buyer looking to become part of the 500 Horsepower Club.

Audi teases Geneva-bound A1 with LED headlamps

The hype continues... We're still two months away from Audi's official unveiling of the pre-production A1 premium compact at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but the German automaker's going to milk it for all it's worth.
After unveiling not one, but two concepts to preview the A1, followed by some graffiti and spy shots, Audi has released the following video showing – big surprise – that the A1 will have LED headlights.
Although it's doubtful that Audi's rival for the Mini Cooper will make it across the Atlantic to American shores, Audi reportedly hopes to sell some 80,000 units per year. Ambitious? Maybe. But that's the direction the premium market is heading these days. Follow the jump to watch the video and check out the press release.

Audi introduces two new limited-edition packages for the RS6

It wouldn't take much to convince us to lay down the money for an Audi RS6 if our pockets were deep enough (and if it was available in the United States). After all, what's not to like? The twin-turbo V10 puts out 580 horsepower and 479 pound-feet torque through a rear-bias all-wheel drive system, and the super sedan and wagon can reach 60 mph in the mid-four second range. As some extra incentive, Audi has announced that it is launching a pair of new equipment packages that make us North America-bound types even more jealous than we were before.
Limited to just 500 units, the Sport and Audi exclusive packages will each feature carbon fiber trim in the engine bay, 20-inch five spoke wheels and an uprated sport suspension. The Sport package also gets a leather-covered instrument panel hood and center console, while the Audi exclusive option allows customers to specify unique colors for both the exterior paint and leather interior. You can read full details in the press release after the jump, if you can deal with the envy.