Following all of the lead up over the past few weeks, Audi has introduced their next-generation R8. To make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week, the new R8 will show off the new design that Audi based off their racing programs. While, the new R8 will have a lot of updates, the new R8 will keep many of the same characteristics as the first-generation R8.
With the two different V10’s, Audi is treating them as different trim levels. This is the R8 V10 with the less powerful version.
As we learned from the test drive video last week, the next-generation R8 will keep its naturally-aspirated 5.2L V10 instead of following the recent trend of using smaller engines and forced induction for better fuel economy. There will be two different versions of the V10 available. The R8 V10 will make 540 hp and 398 ft-lbs of torque that has a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and have a top speed of 200 mph. The R8 V10 plus will make 610 hp and 413 ft-lbs of torque that has a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds and have a top speed of 205 mph. Both of the new V10’s will come with cylinder-deactivation technology, and additional indirect injection for better fuel-economy.
Along with the updated V10’s, the new R8 will have a 7-speed S tronic transmission that has three automatic modes and can also be controlled manually, a launch control system, and a coast mode that will automatically open the clutch so that the car can coast to increase fuel economy. The new R8 will also have a newly developed adaptive all-wheel drive system. The Audi says that their new system will have the capabilities to move 100 percent of the power and torque to the front and rear of the car at a moments notice.
This is the R8 V10 Plus version of the new R8. The R8 V10 Plus will come with a couple of new performance options such as different carbon-ceramic brakes.
The performance parts of the R8 do not stop there. The new R8’s suspension will feature aluminium double wishbones, magnetic ride shock absorbers, special brakes, and a dynamic steering system. The next-generation R8 had also dropped a lot of weight from the first-generation, thanks to its new body made from lightweight materials and Audi’s new multi-material Audi Space Frame. Let’s also not forget the new high-tech high-beams called laser spots that Audi announced would be included with the new R8 last week as well.
The New R8’s Interior
The interior of the next-generation R8 continues this race-bred trend. With race-car-like controls, the interior of the new R8 has been designed around the driver so that the controls are always in reach. The interior of the new R8 will also feature bucket seats that have a balance of lightweight construction and comfort, several high-tech displays, and the choice of two different types of leather with trim elements in carbon fiber, two leather packages, and a new diamond stitching pattern.
The next-generation R8 will continue the trend of sporty performance that was started by the first R8 and other Audi vehicles. Like the last R8, there will be new R8 e-tron and R8 LMS models available later this year and early next year. We don’t know when the new R8 will be available in showrooms yet, but we will probably find out this information at the car’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.
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