Following yesterday’s
leaked photo, Audi has finally taken the wraps off the second generation R8 supercar which will receive its public premiere next week in Geneva.
Embodying the pure definition of an evolutionary styling, the overhauled R8 has received a familiar singleframe front grille with a honeycomb pattern flanked by standard flat LED headlights or optional laser lighting clusters which double the range to 600 meters. The side profile shows curved contours and a prominent shoulder line interconnecting the wheels and also dividing the side blades in two which according to Audi makes the car look longer and more dynamic.
Moving at the back, the LED taillights also adopt a flat configuration and sit above generously sized air inlets providing a muscular appearance. There's a retractable rear spoiler while the Plus model gains a fixed wing manufactured from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The large diffuser sits between trapezoidal exhaust pipes while the rear window should provide a gorgeous view of the R8’s beating heart.
Speaking of which, Audi's revamped R8 comes exclusively with an uprated V10 5.2-liter FSI naturally aspirated engine offered in two states of tune: 540 HP (397 kW) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) in the base model and 610 HP (449 kW) and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) in the V10 Plus model.
In terms of performance, the Audi R8 will need 3.5 seconds for the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run before topping out at 200 mph (320 km/h) whereas the Plus mode does the sprint in 3.2 seconds and hits a maximum speed of 205 mph (330 km/h). Despite the stellar performance, the new R8 manages to provide more than decent mileage as the standard model has a fuel consumption of 11.8 liters / 100 km (19.9 mpg US or 23.9 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 275 g/km while the R8 V10 Plus consumes 12.4 liters / 100 km (18.9 mpg US or 22.7 mpg UK) and emits 289 g/km.
Both versions of the engine are coupled to an updated seven-speed S tronic gearbox with three automatic modes and manual control. It sends power to a permanent quattro all-wheel drive system equipped with a front electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch. In normal operation, up to 100 percent of the drive torque is sent to the rear axle and when necessary the clutch can transfer up to 100 percent of this torque to the front wheels. The rear end hosts a mechanical differential lock which should provide optimal traction on any road conditions.
The base model rides on 19-inch wheels with 245/35 front & 295/35 rear tires while 20-inch alloys with 245/30 & 305/30 tires will be optional. Stopping power comes from steel brake discs on the standard R8 and carbon fiber ceramic discs on the R8 V10 Plus which gets a standard 20-inch set.
The new Audi Space Frame combines several materials like aluminum and CFRP to enable a lightweight construction of 1,555 kg (3,428 lbs) for the R8 and 1,454 kg (3,205 lbs) for the R8 V10 Plus which makes the new model up to 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter than its predecessor. Aside from being lighter, the aluminum body's torsional rigidity has increased by approximately 40 percent. Standard on the R8 V10 Plus (optional on the standard model) are going to be the clear-coated side blades, front splitter and diffuser.
Stepping inside the cabin, there are newly developed bucket seats and a driver-oriented cockpit featuring an uncluttered design as many of the buttons and knobs have been replaced by the configurable 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit. Customers will have to choose between Alcantara/pearl Nappa leather and fine Nappa leather upholsteries and will be able to add clear coated carbon fiber accents. At an additional cost, a 500-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system can be added along with an Audi phone box.
The second generation Audi R8 is scheduled to go on sale this summer, with prices kicking off at €165,000 for the standard model and from €187,400 for the R8 V10 Plus.
Source: Audi
www.germancarforum.com
