Audi R8 updated for 2013 in Oz, joined by 404kW R8 V10 plus

Audi has launched the refreshed R8 range in Australia, including the Audi R8 V10 plus. Said to be the fastest production car Audi has ever launched, the V10 plus is powered by a hand-built 5.2-litre V10 that storms to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 317km/h.

The engine produces 404kW of power and 540Nm of torque. Despite its prodigious power, the R8 V10 plus returns 12.9L/100km in combined fuel consumption.

Besides the range-topping V10 plus, the entire Audi R8 range has been updated with a new 7-speed S tronic transmission – dual-clutch in Audi speak. The new gearbox replaces the old 6-speed single clutch unit.

The 2013 Audi R8 sports a redesigned single-frame front grille and revised front and rear diffuser design for better aerodynamics. There are also redesigned LED headlights that now incorporate static turning lights. Another innovation is the rear LED indicator light with dynamic display where the light ‘moves’ toward the outside, in the direction the driver wishes to turn.

The new range opens with the Audi R8 Coupé 4.2 V8 Manual, priced from $279,500. Standard equipment includes :

• Fine Nappa leather upholstery
• Full LED headlights
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Navigation plus with Audi Music Interface
• New design 19-inch alloy wheels in forge aluminium

The $408,200 R8 V10 plus S-tronic adds:

• Ceramic brakes
• Audi exclusive bucket seats
• Extended Fine Nappa leather and Alcantara headlining
• R8 leather covered flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles
• 19-inch alloy wheels with 5-twin spokes ‘Y’ design in titanium finish