Audi has made its R8
high-performance sports car even more attractive and dynamic. The Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi R8 V10 Coupé (matt
black on the R8 V8 Coupé and R8 V10 plus). As an option, LEDs illuminate the
engine compartment; in the Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi
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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 Audi 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 2012.
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 Audi R8 V10
plus costs EUR 173,200.
