Audi has made its R8 high-performance sports car even more attractive
and dynamic. The R8 V10 plus is a new top model in the model series,
with a totally new 7-speed S tronic. The LED headlights and the new rear
indicator lights with dynamicized display are standard equipment on all
variants.
4.44 meters (14.44 ft) long, 1.90 meters (6.23 ft) wide and only
1.25 (4.10 ft) meters high (Spyder: 1.24 meters (4.07 ft)) – the broad
Audi R8, developed and built by quattro GmbH, stands firmly on the road,
ready to pounce. New details lend its design even more acuity. The
single-frame grille with the beveled upper corners is painted high-gloss
black, with horizontal chrome inserts adorning the struts on the V10
variants. The bumper is also new, with the air inlets bearing three
crossbars each. As an option, Audi installs a front splitter made of
carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The splitter is standard on the
new R8 V10 plus.
LED headlights with a new technology are now
standard on all variants of the Audi R8. The light-emitting diodes for
the high and low beams have been placed above and below the strip-shaped
daytime running lights, which are specially actuated to serve as
indicators. In addition, static turning lights are integrated in the
headlights.
The housings of the outside mirrors and the side
blades, the lateral air inlets on the Coupé, are made from CFRP on the
new R8 V10 plus top model. In the 10-cylinder variants the blades extend
outwards farther than on the V8 and have special edging; small marks of
distinction also occur at the sills. The vent louvers next to the rear
window have an aluminum look on the R8 V10 Coupé (matt black on the R8
V8 Coupé and R8 V10 plus). As an option, LEDs illuminate the engine
compartment; in the R8 V10 plus this illumination as well as a partial
CFRP lining for the engine compartment are standard.
The LED
lights dominate the rear of the Audi R8. One innovation from Audi is the
indicator light with dynamic display at the bottom edge of the lamp –
its light always proceeds towards the outside, in the direction the
driver wishes to turn. Above the high-gloss black area between the vent
openings sits the new badge – the letter "R" resting partly on a red
diamond, the Audi Sport signature. The large diffusor, optionally CFRP
(standard on the R8 V10 plus), has been pulled far upwards. In all
engine versions the exhaust system terminates in two round, glossy
tailpipe trim sections, painted black on the R8 V10 plus.
Audi
offers the R8 in the two solid colors Ibis White and Brilliant Red, in
four metallic shades and with five pearl effect / crystal effect
coatings. For the R8 V10 plus a matt effect color is available as an
exclusive feature. The side blades on the Coupé come in eight colors,
while the soft top of the R8 Spyder comes in black, red or brown.
The
R8 embodies Audi's full expertise in ultra-lightweight design. The
aluminum body with the Audi Space Frame (ASF) weighs only 210 kilograms
(462.97 lb) on the Coupé, and 216 kilograms (476.20 lb) on the Spyder.
The unladen R8 V8 Coupé with manual transmission registers just 1,560
kilograms (3439.21 lb) on the scales, while the open-top sports car
weighs 1,660 kilograms (3659.67 lb). The R8 V10 plus, available only as a
coupé, brings the needle to 1,570 kilograms (3461.26 lb). Adjustable
bucket seats with glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) chassis, less
use of insulating materials, special light alloy wheels and chassis
components, including the standard ceramic brakes, as well the CFRP
add-on parts at the body all contribute to lowering the weight.
On
the Audi R8 Spyder the lid on the soft top compartment and the side
parts are also CFRP. The elegant, lightweight fabric top, with its
largely aluminum and magnesium linkage, is the crowning touch to the
ultra-lightweight design. The top opens and closes electrohydraulically
in 19 seconds, and during driving at up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). The
heated window pane in the bulkhead between the passenger and engine
compartments stands apart from the soft top; the window can be retracted
and extended by a switch and also serves as a wind deflector. In case
of a pending rollover, two strong, spring-tensioned sections shoot
upwards from the seats.
As in car racing, the aerodynamics of the
Audi R8 has been optimized for propulsion. The underfloor contains five
NACA nozzles, along with two diffusors in the front section, which
increase the propulsion at the front axle. The drag coefficient is 0.35
or 0.36 depending on the engine version and body shape; the frontal area
measures 1.99 m2 (21.42 ft2).
The engines are assembled by hand.
The V8 with 4,163 cc displacement and the V10 with its 5,204 cc
displacement are captivating, naturally aspirated heavy-duty engines
packed with power. The interplay with the new 7-speed S tronic has
reduced CO2 emissions by up to 22 grams/km (35.41 g/mile) and decreased
the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) by three-tenths of a
second. Both engines are compact and comparatively lightweight. The
crankcase is an aluminum-silicon alloy; the bed plate structure provides
high rigidity. The dry-sump lubrication allows low positioning of the
engines; the pressure recirculation pump operates load-dependently, for
increased efficiency.
The FSI direct fuel injection system allows a
high compression of 12.5 : 1. Four adjustable camshafts control the
valves. At low load and engine speed, flaps in the intake ducts bring
about a precise, cylindrical rotation of the incoming air. The exhaust
system is designed for low back pressure. The two tailpipes contain
flaps; they open during sharp acceleration to produce a fuller sound.
The
4.2 FSI engine produces 316 kW (430 hp) at 7,900 rpm, with a torque of
430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. The unit accelerates
the R8 Coupé with S tronic from rest to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.3
seconds and to a top speed of 300 km/h (186.41 mph) (with manual
transmission: 4.6 seconds and 302 km/h (187.65 mph)). For the R8 V8
Spyder the corresponding values are 4.5 and 4.8 seconds, respectively,
and also 300 km/h (186.41 mph). On average the R8 V8 quattro as a coupé
with S tronic consumes 12.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (18.97 US mpg).
The
V10 engine provides a torque of 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm,
with 386 kW (525 hp) at 8,000 rpm. Its crankshaft is a common-pin
design, yielding alternating ignition intervals of 54 and 90 degrees.
This design combines maximum rigidity and low weight, while at the same
time generating the unique car racing-like sound of the V10.
The
Audi R8 V10 Coupé with S tronic accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14
mph) in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 314 km/h (195.11 mph).
With manual transmission the values are 3.9 seconds and 316 km/h (196.35
mph). The R8 V10 Spyder with S tronic completes the standard sprint in
3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 311 km/h (193.25 mph) (with manual
transmission: 4.1 seconds and 313 km/h (194.49 mph)). The average
consumption rate of the R8 V10 Coupé with S tronic lies at 13.1 liters
of fuel per 100 km (17.96 US mpg).
The new top model of the model
series is the Audi R8 V10 plus. Developing 404 kW (550 hp), its maximum
torque is 540 Nm (398.28 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. With S tronic, the R8 V10
plus, available only as a coupé, catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62.14
mph) in 3.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph);
the average fuel consumption rate is 12.9 liters per 100 km (18.23 US
mpg). The key data with manual transmission are 3.8 seconds, 319 km/h
(198.22 mph) and 14.9 liters (15.79 US mpg).
Two power
transmission systems are available for the overhauled Audi R8. The
manual 6-speed transmission, with its lever leading into an open
stainless steel gate, is standard on the V8 and optional on the V10. The
new 7-speed S tronic – optional on the V8 and standard on the V10 –
spaces the gears closely in a sporty mode; the final drive position has a
wide gear ratio. The dual clutch transmission can be shifted at the
selector lever or at the steering wheel paddles; a sports mode is
alternatively available. At the press of a button the launch control
manages starting at an increased initial engine speed and with optimal
tire slip.
The new 7-speed S tronic, with a three-shaft layout, is
less than 60 centimeters (23.62 inches) in length. Two multi-plate
clutches lying behind one another (a new feature), serve two mutually
independent sub-transmissions; gears are shifted directly as the
clutches alternately open and close. Gearshifting occurs practically
without interruption of tractive power within hundredths of a second,
and so dynamically, smoothly and comfortably as to be hardly noticeable.
From
the 7-speed S tronic the propeller shaft runs through the crankcase of
the engine to the front axle, where a viscous coupling distributes the
torque. In normal operation the coupling directs about 15 per cent of
the torque to the front axle; when the rear wheels start to spin, a
maximum additional 15 per cent flows to the front. A mechanical locking
differential operates at the rear axle. The rear-load distribution of
the forces ideally harmonizes with the mid-engined concept of the Audi
R8. The axle-load distribution is 43 : 57 (front : rear), with small
differences between the individual variants.
The chassis of the
high-performance sports car employs technologies from car racing. Double
wishbones forged from aluminum guide all four wheels. On the R8 V10
plus the springs and shock absorbers have been specially tuned and the
camber values at the front axle adapted accordingly. The Audi magnetic
ride adaptive damping is standard on the R8 V10 and optional for the V8
variants; it offers a normal mode and a sports mode. The power steering
delivers finely differentiated, super-sensitive feedback, with sporty,
direct gear ratios.
The overhauled R8 rolls along on large
wheels. The V8 engine versions have the standard wheel dimensions of 8.5
J x 18 at the front and 10.5 J x 18 at the rear, with tire sizes 235/40
and 285/35. On the V10 versions Audi mounts 19-inch wheels of widths
8.5 and 11 inches; the tires come in the sizes 235/35 and 295/30
respectively. The optional wheels have especially attractive designs –
polished to a high gloss, with a titanium look or (on the R8 V10 plus)
in black gloss.
The steel brake disks of the high-performance
sports car are internally ventilated, perforated and joined to the
aluminum disk bowls by pins. The new "Wave" design of the disks – the
wavy exterior contour – lowers the weight overall by about two
kilograms (4.41 lb) compared with round disks of the same dimensions.
The aluminum brake calipers operate at the front wheels with eight
pistons each, and at the rear wheels with four pistons each. In
combination with the 19-inch wheels, Audi can provide optional carbon
fiber ceramic brake disks (standard on the R8 V10 plus). The electronic
stabilization control system ESC offers a sports mode and can also be
fully deactivated.
The Audi R8 is a sports car with excellent
practical skills. The front luggage compartment has a capacity of 100
liters (3.53 cubic ft); the Coupé accommodates an additional 90 liters
(3.18 cubic ft) behind the seats. The long wheelbase of 2.65 meters
(8.69 cubic ft) affords generous space. The interior conveys a car
racing atmosphere on the luxury level; its dominant feature is the
monoposto – the long arc curve running around the cockpit in the area of
the driver. The flattened rim of the optional, more contoured R8
leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel bears the new R8
badge, which also appears at the gearshift or selector lever, at the
door sill trims, in the instrument cluster and on the start screen of
the on-board monitor.
The electrically adjustable sports seats are
optional on the V8 engine versions and standard on the V10 variants.
Depending on the model variant, the seat upholstery is an
Alcantara/leather combination or Fine Nappa; on the R8 Spyder a special
pigmentation reduces heating from direct sunlight. Audi also offers
optional bucket seats with prominent side sections for better lateral
support (standard on the R8 V10 plus).
Numerous control and trim
elements shine with subdued chrome strips or with black paint; the
needles in the instrument cluster and the shift paddles have been
slightly modified. The center console and the handbrake lever are
covered with leather, adorned by delicate seams; in the V10 models the
molding around the standard navigation system plus is also
leather-covered.
With the diamond-stitched, Fine Nappa
full-leather equipment level, the seats and the door trim feature
quilted upholstery; for the R8 Coupé a quilted Alcantara headlining is
also available. More individualistic customers can choose between
leather items in different colors, inlays in Carbon Sigma (standard on
the R8 V10 plus) and piano finish black. A wide range of design, styling
and leather packages from the Audi exclusive customization line is also
available.
The R8 V10 and the R8 V10 plus come with the
navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System as
standard on-board features. Other options for all R8 variants include a
high-beam assistant, a stowage package, various travel case sets, a cell
phone preparation, with belt microphone and voice control, and the
parking system plus with reversing camera.
The overhauled Audi R8 will roll off the line to European customers at the end of the year.
The
base price is EUR 113,500 for the V8 Coupé, and EUR 124,800 for the
Spyder. The V10 variants are listed at EUR 154,600 and EUR 165,900
respectively, while the R8 V10 plus costs EUR 173,200.
