R8 The next generation Audi R8: Thoughts & info

[Tumbo]

Rumor: Next Audi R8 Will Go MSS and Not MSB Architecture


As the facelifted Audi R8 goes into the hands of press at an Italian launch, questions have again arisen (and likely some answers) as to details on the third-generation all-new Audi R8. Car & Driver European correspondent Jens Meiners has filed a report and it suggests that the car will not migrate to the new MSB-M architecture (modular Sportbaukastan mid-engine) being developed by Porsche.
According to Meiners, migration to this new modular component set won’t happen because it’s too late in the process. The Audi R8, and thus Lamborghini Gallardo, will not yet move this way as a result.


What We Know…The Volkswagen Group is all about modular structures. Audi pioneered the model of the modern modular architecture with its modular longitudinal matrix (MLB), a project said to be pioneered by Martin Winterkorn while he was still at the helm of Audi. This sort of setup allows for a high degree of scaleability in size and also a mix in production materials such as steel or aluminum for those who haven’t followed along.
Even as MLB was in its infancy and the subsequent MQB (modular transverse matrix) destined for the new A3 and next TT were as-of-yet unseen, we had learned from a highly-placed source the basic plan for the R8. In those days before the Porsche purchase and before MSB, our source suggested the R8, the Gallardo replacement and even the ‘Murcielago replacement’ would make use of a modular platform dubbed “MSS”. MSS was planned as multi-material, making use of aluminum and carbon fiber. When we asked about steel (thinking Cayman and R5 back then), our source said it could be done but really expressed little interest in a lower cost application at that time.
We’re guessing that as MSB has moved further into development, it was likely very seriously considered for the next-generation R8 and Gallardo. Reading between the lines of the Meiners report, it sounds like it was too far along to be changed. In that case, we believe it very likely that these cars and likely the Aventador will move to become MSB-compatible cars by their next subsequent generations. In the meantime, expect all of the next-generation mid-engine and even rear-engine sportscars from the Volkswagen Group, including the Porsche 961 aimed at the Ferrari 458 Italia, to also utilize MSB.

 

[IanDriver]

That would be great. Why? Because MSB is platform which uses aluminium and even steel and MSS uses carbon-fiber-chassis.

I think carbon-fifer-chassis is much better for sports car than platform which uses steel. Simply, MSS sounds like will be better base.

 

[Giannis]

I think carbon-fifer-chassis is much better for sports car than platform which uses steel.

A CFRP based chassis isn't the solution to every problem. Leaving the economics behind it aside, just a reduction in weight tells no more than half the story. The chassis needs to be also rigid, at least as much as it would be if it was made by good old steel or aluminum. There have been cases where the shift from aluminum to CFRP gave exactly the opposite results as to what engineers hoped for

 

[IanDriver]

I think, They who develop these MSS know this very well and stiffness will be at a very high level.
Many of sports cars uses this technology and its rigid is very good much better than any steel chassis

 

[JHF]

Exclusive images show how new Audi R8 supercar could look when it's revealed in 2015

An all new Audi R8 is due in 2015 and our exclusive images show how the car could look.
Replacing the R8 is a tricky task, given how talented the current car is, but Audi hopes to elevate it above the competition with more power, less weight and a jaw-dropping new design.
Despite lacking a rich sports car history, Audi hit the jackpot when the R8 was unveiled back in 2006. In fact, the car was so good that it continued almost unchanged until last year, when the brand carried out a facelift and ditched the car’s only real Achilles heel – its R tronic gearbox – in favour of a slick-shifting S tronic transmission.
The new model is likely to stay close in concept to today’s R8, maintaining the proportions and interior space. However, neat new design features will include a more prominent single-frame grille that will eventually grace all Audi’s RS-badged models. There will also be new matrix-beam LED lights with an updated daytime running light design, and a shorter version of the car’s trademark sideblade.
Audi will use lessons learned from its R8 LMS racer, adding a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bonnet and roof to save weight, while a version of the downforce-generating double diffuser used on the LMP1 Le Mans winner is expected, too. The car will also draw on the R8 e-tron – adopting its Multimaterial Spaceframe body, which uses 23 per cent carbon fibre in its construction to save 23kg. Also likely to be included are the e-tron’s glass fibre-reinforced polymer suspension springs, CFRP anti-roll bars, ceramic brakes and titanium rear wheel hubs. All this will help keep the weight below 1,500kg.
Audi isn’t expected to follow Porsche, Ferrari and McLaren down the hybrid supercar route, though. Instead, the R8 will be fitted with a revised version of the current V8 and V10, with power hikes of around 25bhp for both, taking them to 450bhp and 570bhp respectively. All engines will get cylinder deactivation and stop-start. Expect a 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy.
The interior will benefit from a thorough overhaul, with most functions incorporated into a new MMI system. Digital dials are also likely, as is a digital rear-view mirror that uses a hi-res camera to produce an image on a screen.
Audi is also set to use the carbon fibre bonnet from the R8 LMS, as well as a high-downforce double-diffuser. But carbon fibre isn't just for body panel and interior trim; it will form 23 per cent of the R8's chassis, resulting in a stiffer body. Groundbreaking suspension will see glass fibre-reinforced polymer coils save weight without compromising performance.
The new R8 V8 is expected to cost from just under £100,000.
New Audi R8 details explained

Bold grille
Speaking to Auto Express at the Detroit Motor Show back in January, quattro division boss Franciscus van Meel confirmed the striking grille you see here will feature on future RS cars.
Race tech
Audi is keen to transfer tech directly from the race track to the road. As a result, the carbon fibre bonnet from the R8 LMS will be used, as well as a high-downforce double-diffuser.
Suspension
If you thought suspension springs had to be made of metal, think again. Groundbreaking glass fibre-reinforced polymer coils help save weight without compromising performance.
Chassis
Carbon fibre isn’t just for body panel and interior trim; it will form a key part (23 per cent) of the R8’s chassis in varying thicknesses – and make the body four times stiffer.
Efficiency
Both V8 and V10 will get a major efficiency boost with the addition of stop-start and cylinder deactivation, which cuts half the cylinders under light throttle loads.

 

[Levi68]

The Gallardo replacement will tell, but Audi might stop production of NA 4.2l V8 and NA 5.2l V10. R8 might get the 4.0l V8 from the RS7. Entry level R8 might get 3.0l V6 that is currently found at Porsche and is to power next generations RS4/RS5. It makes more sense to me from a cost perspective, from a performance perspective and from an emission/consumption perspective.


Audi is already on their second generation supercar, BMW not even on their first. Audi can sell, BMW can't.

 

[JHF]

Hope so the next gen R8 looks something like this one, IMO.

 

[JHF]

 

[Rainer271]

Next gen Audi R8 set to hit production lines in mid-2014

Caradvice reports that Audi has confirmed that the production of the next generation R8 will start in mid-2014 at a brand-new facility in Germany. Audi is constructing an advanced 23-hectare facility that will allow all R8 manufacturing to be completely consolidated under one roof.
The 2015 Audi R8 will have similar proportions to today’s model but with a more dynamic design featuring Audi’s new matrix-beam LED lights. The next-gen R8 will again use a mid-engine platform which will be shared by its cousin sister Lamborghini Gallardo (or whatever its replacement is called). It will be lighter and more agile because of the new all-aluminum structure and lighter components.
The new chassis is expected to benefit from carbon fiber reinforced plastic body panels, carbon fiber reinforced plastic anti-roll bars, glass fiber-reinforced polymer suspension springs, ceramic brakes, titanium wheel hubs and a multi-material space frame. Thanks to these changes, the all-new Audi R8 could weigh less than 1,500 kg.
Major changes will be made to the cabin as Audi will finally bestow the R8 with a bespoke interior. The current interior is just a combination of parts from the TT and other Audi models. A few publications report that Audi is working on a digital instrument cluster, a digital rearview mirror and an upgraded MMI infotainment system for the car.
Although engine options will not change, Audi plans to increase the output by 25 hp on both V8 and V10 blocks. The engines are also expected to get start/stop technology and a cylinder deactivation system to boost fuel economy. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission from the current R8, is expected to be retained sending power to all four wheels.


2015 Audi R8 set to hit production lines in mid-2014

 

[Tumbo]

I normally hate CGI's cause most of them are crap and an embaresment. And I normally say the R8 design is so good and timeless, that it's hard to make a better looking car. But that thing right here... Wow! If it looks anything like that, hell yes!

 

[Benek]

Not bad, but not even close to R8 2014.

 

[Deckhook]

If the TT is anything to go by then the R8 changes will be equally subtle.

 

[Benek]

Intel: Audi R8 Mk3 Rumors via Hackenberg

While in Los Angeles for the auto show, Audi AG board member in charge of development Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg sat down with various American journalists for a roundtable interview. During the conversation, Motor Trend is reporting that he chatted on various subjects and specifically about the next-generation Audi R8.

According to Hackeberg, the new car will be about 110-130 lbs lighter than the current generation car thanks to use of carbon fiber in areas of the structure such as the floorboard and center tunnel. Such weight reduction will no doubt improve the car’s overall performance.

Hackenberg was also pressed on whether there would be a manual transmission and he dodged the question, instead focusing on the merits of S-tronic (a.k.a. DSG). Motor Trend left that one then as unconfirmed, though we’ve heard rumors from several sources that there won’t be a manual transmission and Hackenberg’s non-answer answer suggests this is likely the case.

As for engines, MT also suggests the V8 and V10 will carry over. While that is possible, it’s worth noting that the 4.2 FSI high-rev now only sees duty in the R8, RS 4 and RS 5. The latter two are also due for a jump to the B9 chassis and it’s entirely possible that they could ditch the normally-aspirated high-rev 4.2 in favor of a more efficient turbocharged motor. Porsche showed a new 3.0 biturbo and 3.6 biturbo in the new Macan (also on display in LA), though we weren’t there at the show or the roundtable to push that question at Hackenberg. MT makes no mention of any inquiries about Audi’s potential use of these engines, but presumably the 3.0-liter version is based on the Audi V6 and as such it might be viable in a higher horsepower format as a worthy RS 4 and RS 5 engine successor. Were that the case, then whether the R8 might use such an engine or even adopt the incredibly potent 4.0 TFSI remains to be seen. There’s no doubt a 4.0 TFSI-powered R8 would be guano crazy based on our limited time behind the wheel of the Audi RS 7 and RS 6 Avant.

Also not touched upon is the chassis on which the R8 and the new Lamborghini Cabrera will be based. Early intel on our end was that they’d use a modular mid-engine matrix dubbed MSS. However, Porsche is also working on their own flexible matrix dubbed MSB-M for mid-engine applications. Our most recent intel on the subject was that the Cabrera and the R8 Mk3 were too far along to transfer to MSB-M so they will use MSS. Given the flexibility of these new matrices though, it is entirely possible that simply applying one of these nomenclatures to the car might be a bit premature.

For now, check out more information not his subject at Motor Trend.

Intel: Audi R8 Mk3 Rumors via Hackenberg - Fourtitude.com

 

[Deckhook]

Did I read that right, are they saying the new Porsche 3.0L Biturbo is in fact based on Audi's 3.0L V6?

 

[AudiQuattro]

That's what I thought but article does say 'presumably'. However its confusing when Audi initially carried comparative testing of a 3.0 Biturbo and Supercharged variants and decided the supercharged method was better suited for desired end goals. Interesting to know what may have changed. Perhaps Audi are thinking about next RS4/5 and competition with the new M3 that is 6 cylinder now so more publicly acceptable after moving to V8. So back to V6 it potentially looks. However this would most likely mean the next R8 would be 6 cylinder????

 

[AudiQuattro]

And turbo charged! Would love the 4.0 twin turbo in an R8. Would be out of this world!

 

[tristatez28lt1]

Did I read that right, are they saying the new Porsche 3.0L Biturbo is in fact based on Audi's 3.0L V6?

From what I've read the two 3L V6 engines are only related on paper. In reality they are vastly different. But maybe I read Porsche propaganda. Lol, it's the internet you pretty much decide what you want to believe.

 

[JHF]

2015 Audi R8 spied for the first time on the Nürburgring



The everyday supercar returns with sportier styling & upgraded engines
The 2015 Audi R8 has been spied for the first time.

Caught undergoing testing on the Nürburgring, the redesigned model is instantly recognizable but adopts sportier styling. The prototype is heavily camouflaged but we can see an aggressive front fascia with a prominent grille that is flanked by angular headlights and massive air intakes. Moving further back, there's distinctive sideblades, muscular rear fenders and an active rear spoiler. The model also has slender taillights, an aggressive rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe exhaust system.

The entry-level model is expected to use an updated 4.2-liter V8 engine that develops more than 430 HP (316 kW) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. We can also expect an improved 5.2-liter V10 engine that cranks out more than 525 HP (386 kW) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. Both engines are expected to be connected to a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system.

The R8 was scheduled to go into production in mid-2014 but several changes have reportedly pushed the launch back until early next year.

2015 Audi R8 spied for the first time on the Nürburgring

 

[marley71]

The New Audi R8 Begins Testing at the Nurburgring

They're really going to make Lamborghini's obsolete, except for those who are solely interested in looks, and even in that department the next gen R8 will give them a run for their money.

 

[W201]

I don't think Huracan will be obsolete, even next to the R8. It will be a lot cheaper, and Lambo will almost certainly have more hard-core, extreme versions. Plus, there is always that cachet Lambo has as a brand, and let's not forget their design, which wakes young boys in all of us.

@Betty Swollocks Any thoughts on this new model? Can you imagine it in your garage instead of the one you already have?