The spearhead of the Audi model line-up is back and better than ever. The R8 sports car is now more dynamic and powerful, thanks to numerous improvements, including a newly developed 7-speed S tronic gearbox. The line-up comprises three different power outputs from two different engines found across the range of: Audi R8 V8; Audi R8 V10 and Audi R8 V10 Plus. Both the V8 and V10 are available in Coupé and Spyder bodystyle, while the new R8 V10 Plus is only available as a Coupé.
Launched in South Africa in 2007, the Coupé showed how Audi’s racing technology could be translated into on-road sports performance. Then the Spyder arrived in 2010. Since its introduction, the R8 has found 255 customers in the local market.
Let us revisit some of the Audi R8’s unique capabilities and some of the new editions. The R8 body is made from an aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF), which weighs just 210 kg, while in total, the R8 V10 weighs just 1 570 kg. Audi has further reduced the weight of the new flagship R8 V10 Plus by roughly 50 kg.
New details on the exterior design include the single-frame grille with the bevelled upper corners painted high-gloss black, with horizontal chrome inserts. The bumper is also new, with the air inlets bearing three crossbars each. The new LED headlights are standard on all models, as are the large, round, tailpipes which were once the reserve of the V10 model.
The rear lights now include new dynamic turn signals. Generated by LEDs, the indicator light ‘swipes’ in the direction which the driver wants to turn. Simple and very cool. The body of the top of the range Audi R8 V10 Plus features many carbon fibre parts, including the signature R8 ‘side blades’, the side mirror housings, the enlarged front spoiler and diffuser. Carbon fibre is also used extensively in the cabin.
The flat-bottomed R8 multifunction sports steering wheel bears a new R8 badge, which also appears at the gearshift lever, at the door sill trims, in the instrument cluster and on the start screen of the on-board monitor. New leather bucket seats come standard on the R8 V10 Plus. The seat upholstery is an Alcantara/leather combination or Fine Nappa. The R8 V10 models now come with the MMI Navigation System and the Bang & Olufsen sound system as standard.
That’s all good and well, but what about the most important change, the updated drivetrains? The 4.2-litre V8 engine powering the Audi R8 V8 Coupé and Spyder produces 316 kW and 430 Nm of torque. In combination with the 7-speed S tronic, it accelerates the R8 Coupé from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h, while the Spyder needs only 0.2 seconds more.
The 5.2-litre Audi R8 V10 Coupé with the same S tronic transmission completes the standard sprint in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 314 km/h, while the Spyder completes the same in just 3.8 seconds. The ten-cylinder engine generates 386 kW and delivers 530 Nm of torque.
At the top of the Coupé range is the new R8 V10 Plus with 404 kW and 540 Nm of torque. Equipped with the S tronic gearbox, it catapults from zero to 100 km/h in the fractionally quicker time of 3.5 seconds, before it reaches a top speed of 317 km/h.
The new 7-speed S tronic is said to significantly boost the performance of the Audi R8. The fast-shifting dual-clutch transmission features a compact, three-shaft layout and includes a launch control function that provides optimal traction when starting.
All models will be offered in South Africa with this transmission. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h is 0.3 seconds faster than the previous generation R tronic. Fuel consumption decreases by up to 0.9 L/100 km. Standard on all models are 19-inch wheels, differing in design depending on the model derivative. Standard on the R8 V10 Plus are carbon ceramic brakes.
| Pricing (incl. VAT) | |
| Audi R8 Coupé V8 | R1 529 000 |
| Audi R8 Spyder V8 | R1 685 500 |
| Audi R8 Coupé V10 | R2 037 500 |
| Audi R8 Spyder V10 | R2 194 000 |
| Audi R8 Coupé V10 Plus | R2 319 000 |
