The new Audi R8 is here. Pictures and specs of the second-generation car have been released ahead of the R8’s full reveal at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
The new R8 features a host of cosmetic tweaks, but arguably the most interesting change to the model is the fact Audi’s dumped the V8 engine, but not in favour of any namby-pamby small displacement turbocharged thing. Instead the new R8 will be powered by two versions of Audi’s V10 screamer.
Screw you, Mother Nature.
The 5.2-litre V10 will be available in a 532bhp ‘standard’ guise, as well as a range-topping V10 Plus, which produces a hefty 602bhp. If that last number sounds familiar, that’s probably because it’s the same engine and indeed power output as the Lamborghini Huracan – another member of the Audi family.
The ‘ordinary’ R8 manages 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds on its way to a terminal velocity of 200mph, while the V10 Plus does the same sprint in 3.2 with a 205mph top speed. It should be incredibly rewarding to attempt such feats, too, as maximum torque is available way up in the rev range – as high as 6,500rpm.
As ever, those new engines drive all four wheels via a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The shift-by-wire gearbox has three automatic modes, a manual setting and a launch control feature for rapid starts.
Audi’s gone to great lengths to save weight with the new R8. The V10 Plus tips the scales at a respectable 1,555kg, thanks to use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminium. The company claims the body shell is now 15 per cent lighter than previous R8s, with a 40 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity.
Audi has already begun taking customer deposits for the new car, with first deliveries expected in Q4.
We’ll go hands on with the thing the second it’s unveiled proper at the Geneva Motor Show, so stick around for more information.
Audi R8 V10 and V10 Plus pictures and video
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