2019 Audi R8 unveiled with more potent V10 and sportier styling

Audi has officially taken the wraps off its facelifted 2019 R8 Coupe and Spyder duo which is set to go on sale in Europe early next year.

The facelifted models feature a more aggressive styling with a wider Singleframe grille and a trio of bonnet slits that is said to be a tribute to the iconic Ur-quattro. The new grille is flanked by a pair of deeper air intakes and new front splitter for a more aggressive look.

Three styling options are also on offer which add an assortment of highlights to the front splitter, side trims and diffuser, while two new colours have been added to the R8’s palette – Kemora Grey and Ascari Blue. Customers can also black out the car’s badges with an optional high-gloss finish.

Inside, the update is limited to new colour options carrying fancy names, including pastel silver with rock grey contrasting stitching, palomino brown with steel grey stitching and black with utopia blue stitching.

The range-topper will also be offered with an R8 performance design package bringing leather and Alcantara upholstery along with carbon fibre trim and Mercato blue accents.

Under the bonnet, the R8 V10 gains an upgraded mill that now develops 419kW and 550Nm of torque – 22kW/10Nm more than before. As a result, the V10 Coupe dispatches 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds before topping out at 324km/h.

The R8 V10 plus also cops a power hike compared to its predecessor although at a more modest 7kW/20Nm to 456kW and 580Nm of torque from its 5.2-litre V10. 0-100km/h is a fraction quicker at 3.1 seconds, while top speed is rated at 331km/h.

According to Audi, the 2019 R8 sports revised suspension which promises to provide “even more stability and precision”. The company has also retuned the car’s power steering system and the optional dynamic steering for better feedback and response.

Elsewhere, the updated model’s Electronic Stabilisation Control system has been enhanced to improve braking, while a set of 20-inch ultralight milled wheels with new summer and sport tyres is set to provide more precise handling.

Customers are also able to specific the optional carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer/aluminium front stabiliser.

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