Following the world premiere of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 at the Paris Motor Show, Audi has announced that the new and improved R8 will arrive in Q1 of 2019. Alongside the sportier design, the performance of the Audi R8 Coupé and Spyder has been enhanced with the power of the two V10 naturally aspirated engines has been upgraded to 570 hp and 620 hp. With an instant response, lightning-fast high-revving and a unique sound – the heart of the Audi R8 is its V10 naturally aspirated engine. The 540 hp has been increased to 570 hp while the torque has been boosted by 10 Nm to 550 Nm which is on tap at 6,500 revolutions per minute. The Audi R8 V10 quattro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds (Coupé) and 3.5 seconds (Spyder) before reaching a top speed of 324/322 km/h.
The 5.2 FSI in the Audi R8 V10 performance quattro generates 620 hp, an increase from the previous 610 hp, with peak torque of 580 Nm substituting the previous 560 Nm. The increase is primarily the result of an optimized valve train with components made of titanium. The Coupé impressively sprints to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, while the Spyder, with the same tires takes 3.2 seconds. The two V10 naturally aspirated engines with 5.2 litres of displacement come with a particulate filter to reduce emissions more effectively.
Modifications to the suspension of the sports car provide even more stability and precision. The assistance has been retuned both with the optional dynamic steering and the electromechanical power steering. Steering response, transitions between individual drive modes and feedback from the road come across as even more precise across the entire speed range.
On the R8 V10 performance quattro, three additional programmes – dry, wet and snow have been added to the well-known Audi drive select modes alongside the performance mode. These programmes adapt to the key dynamic parameters to the friction of the road. Thanks to the enhanced Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), the Audi R8 V10 performance brakes from 100 km/hto a standstill up to 1.5 metres earlier; the stopping distance from 200 km/h is up to five metres shorter in each case, depending on the exterior conditions. The honed character of the new R8 models also stands out visually. The Singleframe radiator grille has an even wider, flatter line. Thick bars divide up the large air inlets, and flat slits in the hood are reminiscent of the Audi Ur-quattro brand icon. The new front splitter is now wider, underscoring the sporty look. The air vent grille runs across the full width; the diffuser has been drawn upward, making the R8 seem even wider. In the engine compartment the air filter is situated under a new, three-part cover, which is available in a choice of plastic or carbon fiber.
R8 customers can choose from three exterior packages depending on the engine variant; these packages add various highlights to the front splitter, the side trims and the diffuser. Standard specification for the R8 V10 quattro with 570 hp is high-gloss black; the top-of-the-line version R8 V10 performance quattro with 620 hp comes off the production line with a matte titanium look. The high-gloss carbon package is available for both engine variants. As an option, the Audi rings and badges on the exterior are painted in high-gloss black; the new metallic colours, Kemora gray and Ascari blue, are recent additions to the paint range. The new look also includes the Audi R8 interior with its driver focus. New options here include the colours pastel silver with rock gray contrasting stitching, palomino brown with steel gray stitching, and black with utopia blue stitching. The R8 performance design package with leather/Alcantara upholstery, highlights in Mercato blue and carbon-fiber trim is available for the top-of-the-line engine variants. The Audi exclusive range gives customers the opportunity to customise many details of their Audi R8 – inside and out.
The new Audi R8 models will be available in Ireland’s exclusive Audi Sport showroom at Audi Centre, Sandyford, during the first quarter of 2019. Audi is introducing new model designations with the upgrade of the R8. The R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 will become the R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 quattro models; the Audi R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 plus are now called Audi R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 performance quattro – an analogy to the most powerful RS models from Audi Sport.
“The R8 occupies a unique position for Audi in every respect,”says Michael-Julius Renz, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “It’s now even more powerful and faster.” adds Oliver Hoffmann, Technical Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH: “Motorsport is part of our DNA. With around 50 percent shared parts with the R8 LMS GT3, no other automobile is so close to motor racing as the R8.”
For further information on the full Audi 191 range, please visit www.audi.ie or call your local dealership.
