We’re not even going to ask Mr Sansom for a drive in this one. I’m sure the ‘real’ motoring journos will get to take one for a spin on a race track or another exotic location. (Though we wouldn’t say no if he offered.)
The new Audi R8 Coupé and R8 Spyder have arrived in Australia with phenomenal supercar performance, state-of-the-art technology and bold styling that sets them apart on the road. The new R8s are available in two models: the V10 RWD and the V10 performance quattro.
“The R8 is the pinnacle of Audi performance, providing a unique driving thrill that must be experienced to be believed,” said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.
“The R8’s strength has always been its all-round versatility to adapt to its surroundings: on the racetrack, on sweeping country roads, or in every day urban traffic. Such depth of ability is truly unique to the contemporary legend that is the Audi R8.”
The celebrated 5.2-litre FSI V10 boasts incredible power and torque for a naturally aspirated engine. Since 2009, the R8 LMS GT3 racing program has allowed engineers to push the boundaries, delivering the progress found on the racetrack to drivers on the road. In addition, the aural symphony of the V10 engine can be heard from the new ‘R8’ dual oval sports exhaust.
The engine develops 397kW/540Nm in the R8 V10 RWD, and an astonishing 449kW/560Nm in the V10 performance quattro. Race-bred technologies like dry-sumped lubrication, a high 12.7:1 compression ratio, dual injection and lightweight materials throughout contribute to the engine’s incredible character. Nevertheless, intelligent efficiency solutions ensure fuel consumption figures remain responsible. The Cylinder-on-Demand system can shut down an entire bank of five cylinders under light throttle load, further improved with the start-stop system. Among other efficiency technologies, these contribute to fuel consumption figures of 12.2 and 13.4 litres per 100km, for the V10 RWD and V10 performance quattro respectively (Coupé).
The new Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro is one of the fastest Audi sports cars ever built, utilising its quattro all-wheel-drive grip to catapult to 100km/h from rest in just 3.2 seconds (3.3 for the R8 Spyder), before a top speed of 330km/h. The R8 Coupé V10 RWD will sprint to 100km/h from rest in 3.7 seconds (3.8 for the R8 V10 Spyder).
The new Audi R8 shares 50 percent of its DNA components with the R8 LMS, which is rear-wheel drive due to GT3 racing regulations. The R8 RWD makes full use of its low centre of gravity, mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive characteristics for a thrilling driving experience aimed squarely at purists.
The quattro all-wheel drive system in the new Audi R8 V10 performance quattro is a fundamental part of its towering dynamic capabilities, thanks to its legendary engineering concept. The electrohydraulic clutch distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, controlled by sophisticated software. The front-to-rear torque transfer is fully variable, depending on Audi drive select and the driving conditions.
The perfect complement for both the rear-wheel and quattro drivetrains is the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that delivers lightning-fast gearshifts.
The chassis of the new R8 consists of the intelligent, lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) concept. The body of the Coupe tips the scales at just 200kg, combining aluminium and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) to form the basis of the occupant cell. This advanced concept affords an unmatched combination of torsional strength and low weight. Overall, both the R8 RWD Coupe and R8 V10 performance quattro weigh 1,595kg, thanks to the latter’s more extensive use of CFRP and lightweight materials throughout. This includes a new CFRP front stabiliser, which saves 2kg alone.
Additional engineering highlights include the adjustable Audi drive select system, which integrates with the responsive electromechanical steering and the Audi magnetic ride (V10 performance quattro only). The double-wishbone suspension is derived from racing and has been modified in the new R8 to provide increased precision and response. Aerodynamics also represent a leap ahead, with a near fully-sealed underbody minimizing drag, with a rear diffuser and fixed spoiler combination (V10 performance quattro Coupe).
Infotainment and connectivity are highlights of the new Audi R8, embracing functionality and convenience. The MMI Navigation plus system offers a clean, minimalist layout with dual touchscreens and seamless integration of the (12.3-inch) high-resolution Audi virtual cockpit. New standard features include Phone box light for wireless smartphone charging and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 13 speakers and 550 watts of power.
The design of the new Audi R8 V10 RWD and V10 performance quattro is provocatively edgy, exuding an angular exterior with new features that accentuate their sporty characteristics. The Singleframe grille is wider and flatter. In combination with the darkened headlights and adjoining design elements, the R8 looks even sharper. Winglets at the side divide the large air inlets and the front splitter is now wider, underscoring the sporty look. The air inlet grille spans the entire width of the rear end, and the diffuser is more dominant and frames the new oval exhaust pipes.
The spectacular design of the R8 Coupe and R8 Spyder is complemented by 20-inch alloy wheels for all models. The R8 RWD features a new ‘EVO’ design, whereas the V10 performance quattro rolls on specially developed, lightweight milled wheels that further reduce unsprung masses. The R8’s striking design is complemented by metallic paint as standard, as well as LED headlights and taillights (with dynamic indicators). Further visual amplification is provided with standard Audi laser light technology, stretching forward vision to 500 metres when illuminated.
The R8 RWD boasts an extensive list of standard equipment, fitting for a vehicle of such high esteem. A range of metallic paint colours contrast the Mythos black side blades on the outside. Inside, R8 sports seats are upholstered in Fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching, featuring full electric and pneumatic adjustment. A full Fine Nappa leather interior continues throughout the cabin, offset against the piano black gloss inlays and further down, the stainless steels pedals and footrest. Comfort items such as rear-view camera (with parking system plus), cruise control, convenience key, electric/folding/heated mirrors and heated seats are also standard. The R8 RWD comes equipped with 18-inch steel ‘wave’ disc brakes, clamped by red calipers all around, with 8-pistons at the front and 4 at the rear. Sport suspension, a tyre pressure loss indicator and anti-theft wheel bolts and alarm are standard on the R8 RWD.
On top of this, the R8 V10 performance quattro adds an exclusive gloss carbon exterior styling package, from front-to-rear including the side blades. The gloss carbon continues throughout the cabin inlays. The R8 bucket seats hug the driver, and are also in Fine Nappa leather, with a black Alcantara headlining. The standard Ceramic brakes weigh 11kg less than steel and measure 19-inches in diameter, clamped by 6-piston calipers at the front and 4 at the rear. The calipers can be ordered in a choice of anthracite, red or blue at no additional cost.
The new R8 Spyder is available in both RWD and V10 performance quattro configurations, complete with a soft-top that is perfectly integrated into the design line, flowing into two fins that tension the material. Weighing just 44kg, the roof contributes to the vehicles low centre-of-gravity. An electro-hydraulic drive opens and closes the soft-top in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. It folds into a Z-shape, to provide the ultimate immersion into such a thrilling driving experience.
The new Audi R8 range is offered with a range of nine exterior and interior colour combinations, while the R8 V10 RWD is available with a choice of two carbon styling option packages.
The new Audi R8 vehicles are offered with a complimentary three-year Audi service plan package.
The new Audi R8 Coupé and R8 Spyder arrived in dealers in July, with first customer deliveries occurring at the same time. As with all other models in the Audi range, the new R8 will be available to order through the new Audi online purchase platform, at audi.com.au.
Pricing*
| R8 Coupé V10 RWD | 397kW | $295,000 |
| R8 Spyder V10 RWD | 397kW | $316,500 |
| R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro | 449kW | $395,000 |
| R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro | 449kW | $416,500 |
(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)
