Audi has launched its all-new second-generation R8 V10 and V10 plus Coupe in Australia, described as the fastest production Audi ever.
Sporting a sharper design, the R8 is lighter, faster and boasts a higher level of technology than its predecessor.
Its all-new Audi Space Frame chassis combines aluminium and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) to form the basis of the occupant cell that weighs just 200kg – 10kg less than the outgoing model, while improving torsional rigidity by 40 percent.
The new model’s new electromechanical steering system, Audi’s magnetic ride system and the double-wishbone suspension architecture are said to be derived from racing.
Aerodynamics also takes a leap forward, with a near fully-sealed underbody minimizing drag, and a rear diffuser and fixed spoiler combination that contributes more than 100kg of downforce at speed (V10 plus).
At the heart of the new model is the new 5.2-litre naturally aspirated FSI V10 that churns out 397kW of power and 540Nm of torque in the R8 V10, and a potent 449kW/560Nm in the V10 plus.
The immense power enables the R8 V10 plus to hit 100km/h from rest in a claimed 3.2 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 330km/h – making it the fastest production Audi ever built. Australia is also the only global market in the world to offer the trapezoidal sports exhaust as standard, promising spine tingling noise.
Despite this incredible performance, intelligent efficiency solutions ensure that fuel consumption figures remain responsible. The new Cylinder-on-Demand system can shut down an entire bank of five cylinders under light throttle load, while the start-stop system is new to the Audi V10 engine. Among other efficiency technologies, these contribute to claimed fuel consumption figures of 11.4L and 12.3L per 100km, for the V10 and V10 plus respectively.
The quattro all-wheel drive system in the new Audi R8 is a completely new design and engineering concept. Now an electrohydraulic clutch distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, controlled by sophisticated software. Unlike the previous model, there is no fixed distribution. The front-to-rear torque transfer is fully variable, depending on Audi drive select and the driving conditions. Power is sent to the road via a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
Some specification highlights of the R8 V10 include:
- Dual-branch sport exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes
- 19-inch forged aluminium wheels
- LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
- Audi drive select with Audi magnetic ride
- Audi Virtual Cockpit
- MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch
- New Audi Music Interface with 2x USB ports
- Bang & Olufsen sound system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Parking system plus with rear view camera
Some additional features of the R8 V10 plus include:
- Audi drive select with performance mode
- 20-inch forged aluminium wheels
- Carbon ceramic brakes
- Specially tuned R8 V10 plus sport suspension
- R8 performance flat-bottom steering wheel
- R8 bucket seats
- Additional carbon design elements in front and rear spoilers, as well as rear diffuser
The new Audi R8 Coupe is on-sale now.
Price (Excl. on roads):
| R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI V10 Coupe | 397kW | 11.4L/100km | $354,900 |
| R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI V10 plus Coupe | 449kW | 12.3L/100km | $389,900 |