Audi supercar
Audi has given its V10-powered R8 coupe and Spyder its first update since the secondgeneration version launched in June 2016, with uprated engines, new styling and handling changes coming when the vehicle lands in Australia late next year.
Like the current version, the R8’s 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 carries over to the new range in two states of tune, with power increased thanks mainly to an optimised valve train with titanium components.
Power in the R8 V10 quattro has increased from 397kw to 419kw, while torque is up by 10Nm from 540Nm to 550Nm.
Completing the zero to 100kmh sprint takes just 3.4 seconds, in the coupe, while opting for the Spyder adds 0.1 second.
Meanwhile, the more potent R8 V10 Plus quattro – now called Performance quattro – dials up the power from 449kw to 456kw, while torque has increased by 20Nm from 560Nm to 580Nm.
Zero to 100kmh sprint times have shortened to 3.1 seconds in the coupe and 3.2 seconds, Spyder, however, given the R8 Spyder is not currently offered in Australia in V10 Plus/performance guise, it remains to be seen whether the more powerful drop-top will come Down Under.
Changes have been made to the R8’s suspension system, with improvements to steering response in every drive mode, while the enhanced ESC system has reduced braking distances by 1.5 metres from 100-0kmh, and by up to five metres from 200kmh to standstill.
Three new drive modes – dry, wet and snow – have been added to the V10 Performance quattro, while performance-enhancing options include carbon ceramic brakes and a front stabiliser made from lightweight carbonfibre-reinforced polymer.
The German car-maker has tweaked the R8’s styling, with a wider, lower singleframe grille and slits running along the front of the bonnet that give the supercar a more purposeful stance.
The design of the side air intakes and front splitter are now more angular, while the LED headlights have also been tweaked slightly.
At the rear, the air vent grille on either side of the number plate has been extended across the whole rear flank, while the squared-off, quad-exit exhaust pipes have been replaced by oval-shaped dual-exit pipes.
A new three-part engine compartment cover is available in plastic or carbon-fibre, while up to three exterior packages are available that add visual enhancements to the front splitter, side trims and diffuser.
It is offered with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, while customers can option ultra-light 20-inch hoops with a five-v spoke design and sport- ier rubber. Two new paint options are available – Kemora grey and Ascari blue.
Interior changes are minimal, but include options such as contrast stitching and a performance design package for the top-spec version, which adds leather-alcantara upholstery, carbonfibre trim and Mercato blue highlights.
Through the first three quarters of 2018, Audi has sold 30 examples of the R8, down by one-third on the 45 it recorded in the same period last year.
More details on the updated R8 including Australian pricing and further specification will be revealed closer to the model’s release date in quarter four, 2019.