A lightweight construction concept, dynamic chassis with newly developed quattro drive system affords top-of-the-range performance of 449 kW (610 hp). R8 now goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.2 seconds. Top speed is pegged at 330 km/h (205.1 mph).
Second generation high-performance R8 with fully variable torque control has been newly developed from the ground up. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at Audi says motorsport is in Audi’s genes, and a permanent feature of the brand’s character.
New Audi R8 brings forth race track expertise onto the road and is the most powerful and fastest series-production Audi of all time. With racing engineers and drivers, and developers contributing, Audi R8 performance is bettered and benefits both the series production car and R8 LMS.
5.2 FSI engine is tuned for two versions. 397 kW (540 hp) from its 5,204 cc displacement and a torque of 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) at an engine speed of 6,500 rpm, and 449 kW (610 hp). It goes from 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.5 seconds, and reaches top speed of 323 km/h (200.7 mph).
R8 V10 plus is more powerful and is the fastest series-production Audi of all time. Developing 449 kW (610 hp), maximum torque of 560 Nm (413.0 lb-ft) is available at 6,500 rpm. It goes from 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.2 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 330 km/h (205.1 mph).
New Audi R8 sounds fuller and sharper, and max torque stands at 6,500 rpm for the freely aspirated V10 engine. 7-speed S tronic transmission works for drive torque to adapt as per driving condition. In select situations, 100 percent of torque can be transmitted to the front or rear axle. S tronic has 3 automatic modes, and can be controlled manually. Shift commands are transmitted electronically (shift-by-wire). Launch control manages full-throttle acceleration from a standing start. When a driver’s foot is removed from the accelerator pedal at speeds above 55 km/h (34.2 mph), both clutches open for the R8 to go into coasting mode to save fuel, especially in daily use.
Top model R8 V10 plus has a dry weight of 1,454 kilograms (3,205.5 lb). Despite added equipment and greater rigidity, new Audi R8 is 50 kilograms (110.2 lb) lighter than its predecessor. Multimaterial Audi Space Frame (ASF) enables low weight and optimum axle load distribution. Use of aluminum and carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) gives weight, rigidity and crash behavior a new character.
New Audi virtual cockpit displays are digital. Important controls are grouped together in button clusters (satellites) on the steering wheel. Air conditioning controls have a floating effect. MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is standard. Sales begin in summer 2015. Prices are 165,000 euros for R8 V10 and 187,400 euros for top-of-the-range R8 V10 plus.
Apart from the above variants, there is also going to be a plug-in hybrid variant of R8. Electrically-powered high-performance R8 e-tron sports car returns 340 kW and a torque of 920 Nm (678.6 lb-ft) going from 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds. New battery cells double driving range at more than 450 kilometers (279.6 mi).
More information can be read in the 14 page official release. Before that, have a look at the 2016 Audi R8 photos below.
