Evolution of a supercar – the reinvented Audi R8
- R8 V8 Spyder now available in South Africa
- New flagship model, R8 V10 plus, generating 404 kW
- New 7-speed S tronic for all variants
- New LED headlight technology
The R8 is the sporty spearhead of the Audi model line-up. The high-performance sports car is now more dynamic and powerful than ever before thanks to numerous improvements, including a newly developed seven-speed S tronic gearbox. The line-up comprises three different engine variants: the R8 V8, the R8 V10, in both Coupé and Spyder guise; and the new R8 V10 plus, available only in the Coupé.
This iconic model was launched to the South African market in 2007 initially only in V8 Coupé form. The Coupé showed how Audi’s racing technology could be translated into sensational on-road performance. “Then came the Spyder” in 2010, firing emotions with its eye-catching design and offering the ultimate open-top driving experience. Since its introduction, the R8 range has been a resounding success story for Audi in South Africa and has found 255 customers in the local market. The product update makes the high-performance sports car more attractive than ever with an array of design measures both inside and out combining to inject the Audi R8 with added appeal.
Exterior
Audi showcases the full extent of its capabilities in ultra-lightweight construction with the R8. The complete body is made from an aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) which weighs just 210 kilograms, while the R8 V10 weighs in at 1,570 kilograms. Audi reduced the weight of the new flagship model by roughly 50 kilograms compared to the R8 V10 Coupé on which it is based. The exterior design has been honed and enhanced even further with the facelifted model.
New details lend its design even more acuity. The single-frame grille with the bevelled 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. The newly structured LED headlights that are standard on all models and the large, round tailpipe trims are the most apparent changes. The rear lights of all models also include the innovative dynamic turn signals, a new development in LED technology. Generated by LEDs, the indicator light “swipes” in the direction which the driver wants to turn.
The body of the R8 V10 plus features numerous add-on parts made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), including the sideblades on the flanks, the side mirror housings, the enlarged front spoiler and the distinctive diffuser. Carbon fibre is also used in the cabin which is now even more refined. The updated R8 Spyder gets the same upgrades as the Coupé. The body of the open-top high-performance sports car weighs 216 kilograms. 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 aluminium and magnesium linkage, is the crowning touch to the ultra-lightweight design. The top opens and closes electrohydraulically in 19 seconds, and can be operated while driving up to 50 km/h. 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. Interior 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 R8 leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel bears the new R8 badge, which also appears at the gearshift 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 standard on the V8 and V10 engine versions with bucket seats standard on the V10 plus. The seat upholstery is an Alcantara/leather combination or Fine Nappa; on the R8 Spyder a special pigmentation reduces heating from direct sunlight.
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 centre console and the handbrake lever are covered with leather, adorned by delicate seams; in the V10 models the moulding around the standard navigation system plus is also leather-covered. The R8 V10 models come with the MMI Navigation System and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System as standard on-board features.
Engines
The eight-cylinder engine powering the Audi R8 V8 Coupé and Spyder produces 316 kW and 430 Nm of torque. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, it accelerates the R8 Coupé from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h, while the Spyder needs only 0.2 seconds more. The Audi R8 V10 Coupé with the S tronic completes the standard sprint in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 314 km/h, while the Spyder completes the same in just 3.8 seconds. The ten-cylinder engine generates 386 kW and delivers 530 Nm of torque to the crankshaft. At the top of the Coupé range is the new R8 V10 plus with 404 kW and 540 Nm of torque. Equipped with the S tronic, it catapults from zero to 100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h. The R8 V10 plus is not available as a Spyder. T
he new seven-speed S tronic significantly boosts the performance of the Audi R8. The fast-shifting dual-clutch transmission features a compact, three-shaft layout and includes a launch control function that provides optimal traction when starting. Drivers can shift the seven-speed S tronic themselves or let it operate in full automatic mode. All models will be offered in South Africa with S tronic transmission. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h is 0.3 seconds faster than the previous generation R tronic. Fuel consumption decreases by up to 0.9 litres per 100 km, while CO₂ decreases by 21 grams per km. Local engine line-up:
- Coupé and Spyder: 4.2 FSI quattro® with 316 kW
- Coupé and Spyder: 5.2 FSI quattro® with 386 kW
- Coupé (V10 plus): 5.2 FSI quattro® with 404 kW
Power is delivered to the road via the quattro® permanent all-wheel drive system with a heavy rear-axle bias. The heart of the system is a viscous coupling mounted on the front axle. A mechanical limited slip differential at the rear axle improves the traction. Chassis All versions of the R8 feature an axle load distribution of roughly 43:57 – ideal for a mid-engine sports car. Dry sump lubrication enables the engines to be mounted low, giving the vehicle a very low centre of gravity. All of the wheels are mounted on aluminium double wishbones.
The setup is tuned for high dynamics, yet delivers good comfort. The adaptive damping system Audi Magnetic Ride (standard in the R8 V10 Coupé) varies the response of the shock absorbers as needed. The chassis of the Audi R8 V10 is decidedly tuned for dynamics. Standard on all models are 19” wheels, differing in design depending on the model derivative. With an incredibly powerful brake system, all four discs are internally vented and perforated. Standard on the R8 V10 plus are carbon fibre-ceramic brakes, which are even lighter, extremely durable and long-lasting. Equipment and Pricing The R8 range is equipped to include a comprehensive level of specification compared to its predecessor. Audi R8 models include the following items of standard equipment:
- MMI Navigation Plus
- Bluetooth
- 19-inch alloy wheels in 5-twin spoke design
- Full LED headlights
- LED taillights with “swipe” LED indicators
- Audi Music Interface
- Audi parking system at the front and rear
- Bang & Olufsen sound system (V10 only)
The Audi R8 will have the following pricing, inclusive of all taxes and the standard Five-year/100,000km Audi Freeway plan, with all servicing and maintenance included in the price.
- Audi R8 Coupé V8: R 1,529,000
- Audi R8 Spyder V8: R 1,685,500
- Audi R8 Coupé V10: R 2,037,500
- Audi R8 Spyder V10: R 2,194,000
- Audi R8 Coupé V10 plus: R 2,319,000
Availability
The Audi R8 is now available to order at selected Dealers within South Africa. Audi South Africa has increased its nationwide footprint of R8 Dealers over the last year from 9 Dealerships in 2012, to 13 Dealerships in 2013 which now offer this high-performance model. The following Audi Dealerships are Audi R8 Dealers: Gauteng:
- Audi Centre East Rand
- Audi Centre Hatfield (Pretoria)
- Audi Centre Menlyn
- Audi Centre Northcliff
- Audi Centre Rivonia
- Audi Centre Sandton
- Audi Centre West Rand
Audi Western Cape:
- Audi Centre Cape Town
- Audi Centre Somerset West
Audi KwaZulu-Natal:
- Audi Centre Durban
- Audi Centre Pinetown
Audi Eastern Cape:
- Audi Centre Port Elizabeth
Audi Free State:
- Audi Centre Bloemfontein
