Audi R8 supercar lands in SA

Audi has sold just under 27,000 units of the first generation R8 worldwide since market launch in 2007 - with 345 of those finding homes in the local market. The close cooperation between race car engineers, motorsport specialists and developers has led to significant performance gains - in both the road-version sports car and the R8 LMS race car that was designed simultaneously.

Engine

The new Audi R8 is available with two engine derivatives - with 397 kW for the R8 V10 and 449 kW for the R8 V10 plus. Their maximum engine torque - 540 Nm and 560 Nm respectively - is available at 6,500 rpm for both engines. Compared to the previous model, power has increased considerably, and the responsiveness of the high-revving (up to 8,700 rpm), naturally aspirated 5.2-litre engine is now even more spontaneous. Like a race car engine, the V10 engine has dry sump lubrication. Its characteristic sound is now even fuller, with an optional sports exhaust system also available for order.

Efficiency has been improved over the previous model by up to 13% (33 g/km CO2). The new V10 engine was given efficiency technologies such as the COD (cylinder on demand) system, which shuts off one row of cylinders under low load conditions. Another is dual injection, which injects the fuel into the combustion chambers and induction manifold according to demand. When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal at speeds over 55 km/h, the new R8 goes into a coasting mode. When the car comes to a stop, a start-stop system deactivates the V10 engine.

The V10 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, and it accelerates to a top speed of 320 km/h. For the V10 plus, the figures are 3.2 seconds and 330 km/h, and it takes 9.9 seconds to sprint from 0 to 200 km/h.

The new quattro drive

Positioned behind the V10 is a seven-speed S tronic that executes speedy gear shifts by electrical control (shift-by-wire). The dual-clutch transmission directs forces to a newly designed quattro drive system with an electrohydraulically activated multi-plate clutch at the front axle. It has active water cooling for maximum performance. Management of the clutch is integrated in the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, and it gives the driver a choice between the basic modes of comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. On the R8 V10 plus (and as an option for the V10), the performance mode comes with three additional modes: dry, wet and snow. They adapt key handling parameters to the friction coefficient of the road surface.

The motorsport DNA of the new Audi R8 also expresses itself in the chassis area with its aluminium double wishbone suspensions. On the V10 plus, the tuning is very sporty, and electronically controlled shock absorbers (Audi magnetic ride) are available as an option in both engine versions. The new electromechanical power steering system gives drivers finely differentiated road feedback. As an alternative, Audi can install dynamic steering, which adapts its steering gear ratio to the vehicle's driving speed.

In both engine versions, the new Audi R8 has standard 19-inch wheels, and 20-inch wheels with size 245/30 tires in front and 305/30 at the rear are available as an option. The brakes decelerate the car effectively; in the top model, the disks are made of carbon-fiber ceramic (optional on the R8 V10). Besides integrating the quattro drive system, the Audi drive select system also integrates other systems into its four basic modes: the accelerator pedal, steering, S tronic, damper control (optional), dynamic steering (optional) and the flaps of the exhaust system. In the dry, wet and snow performance modes, the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) system is also managed.

Lightweight

In the top model, the R8 V10 plus, the unladen weight (without driver) is 1,555 kg, and the dry weight is a low 1,454 kg. Playing a decisive role in this systematic lightweight design concept is the Audi Space Frame (ASF), which weighs just 200 kg thanks to a new type of multimaterial construction. It comprises 79% aluminium and 13% CFRP.

The aluminium parts create a framework that integrates large CFRP components - the centre tunnel, rear wall and B-pillars. On the R8 V10 plus, add-on parts such as the sideblades and diffuser are made of CRFP, which complements the lightweight alloy exterior skin. As in a race car, the aerodynamic concept of the new Audi R8 is designed primarily for driving stability. Its central element is a long and wide diffuser in the underbody. On the R8 V10 plus, a total of 140 kg of downforce is generated at top speed: 40 kg at the front axle and 100 kg at the rear axle.

Design

The new Audi R8 is 4.42 metres long and 1.94 metres wide. Its proportions comprise a cabin placed far forward, a long back and relatively short wheelbase. Characteristic design features of the previous model now take on a sharpened expression.

Large air inlets with vertical fins and LED headlights flank the wide, low-profile Singleframe grille. As an option, Audi can deliver LED headlights with laser spots that double the range of the high-beam headlights. This option also includes dynamic turn signals in front; they are standard in the LED tail lights. The look at the rear is shaped by the diffuser, the ventilation screen of the engine compartment and - on the V10 plus - a CFRP fixed wing.

The eleven exterior colours that are offered may be combined with any of the six versions of sideblades. The R8 V10 plus adds CFRP sideblades with a gloss finish as standard equipment. The Audi Exclusive programme also allows customers to order any paint colour blended according to their wishes. Buyers can also choose any colour for the sideblades.

Interior

In the interior too, the lightweight design concept of the new Audi R8 is expressed in taut lines. The defining element is the arch-shaped "monoposto" that wraps around the cockpit. The instrument panel appears to float weightlessly, and turbine-shaped controls for the automatic air conditioner are arranged along its lower edge. Behind the seats is a cargo space with 226 litres of capacity. It supplements the 112 litre luggage compartment at the front of the car.

The low-mounted sport seats with integrated head restraints are entirely new. In the plus model, there are lightweight bucket seats (optional on the V10). Customers can choose between Alcantara and fine Nappa leather for the upholstery in a number of different colour combinations. In addition, two leather packages are offered as well as a new diamond quilted pattern and decorative
trims in matt CFRP. Individualists can have nearly any other special wishes fulfilled in the Audi Exclusive program.

Controls and displays

The R8 sport leather steering wheel with multifunction plus, which is standard on the R8 V10, integrates two satellite buttons for starting and stopping the engine and for Audi drive select. The R8 performance leather steering wheel with four control satellites (standard on the V10 plus) offers one additional push-button with a turn wheel for the performance mode and another for controlling the exhaust system.

The Audi virtual cockpit, a TFT monitor with a 12.3-inch screen, presents all information in rendered, high-resolution graphics. The driver can choose between three views. In the performance view, the rev counter is centrally located, and other indicators and gauges are arranged around it - such as for torque, power, oil temperature, tyre temperature, g-forces and lap times on the race track.

Pricing

The Audi R8 range will be priced as follows on introduction, including the standard
five-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan:

• Audi R8 V10 quattro S tronic: R 2,630,500
• Audi R8 V10 Plus quattro S tronic: R 2,970,000

View the R8 in pictures.