Audi’s new second-generation R8 supercar has received an online unveiling ahead of the car’s official debut at the Geneva motor show next month.
The new model is lighter, faster and sharper than before and unlike the original R8 will only be available with a V10 engine from launch.
Powering the new R8 is a mid-mounted, dry-sumped and naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 that is carried over from the outgoing model but boosted from 386 kW/530 Nm to 397 kW/540 Nm in standard form, resulting in a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds.
The quicker V10 Plus model uses the same 449 kW/560 Nm unit as the Lamborghini Huracan, and matches the Lambo’s 3.2 second 0-100 km/h time.
The engine isn’t the only part of the R8 shared with the new Huracan either. The new multi-material space-frame platform is also derived from the V10 Lamborghini.
Great R8.
The R8’s passenger cell is a hybrid structure made from a combination of lightweight aluminium and carbon fiber which weighs just 200 kg, allowing for a bodyshell that’s 15 percent lighter than before.
The B-pillar, transmission tunnel and rear bulkhead are all made from carbon fiber reinforced plastics, while the roof and structural framework are made from aluminium.
The result is a body structure that is 40 per cent torsionally stronger than before in the previous R8.
Like the outgoing model, the new R8 uses an S-Tronic 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive system which can now send up to 100 percent of the V10’s torque to either end.
The new model looks essentially the same as the old model with the exception of width – it is now around 11 mm wider.
The overall shape hasn’t changed dramatically either, but sharper lines give it a significantly more muscular appearance.
The first-generation R8 coupe’s trademark contrasting ‘sideblades’ have been included but are now much smaller and only cover the side air intakes.
The new model also features a more significant aerodynamic package with an aggressive rear diffuser, and fixed carbon fiber wing on V10 Plus models.
As standard the new R8 rides on 19 inch alloys with 245/35 front and 295/35 rear tyres which hide unique weight-saving wave-shaped steel brake discs while carbon ceramic discs are fitted to the V10 Plus.
The interior has also received a thorough makeover, featuring a new Audi TT-style wing-shaped dashboard and fully digital instrument display with integrated multimedia.
There is also a new sports steering wheel with engine start/stop and drive mode select buttons. The V10 Plus model gets a further two buttons, one for controlling the sports exhaust system and another rotary dial for selecting dry, wet and snow programs for the stability control system.
Like other Audi Quattro models, the R8 features four different driving modes which vary the throttle response, gear shift speed, steering weight and damper stiffness if adaptive suspension is specified.
Modes include comfort, auto, dynamic and individual, which allows drivers to select their ideal combination.
