The Audi R8 Thread

Audi R8 RWS 2018 UK review

Should I buy one?

If you’re in the market for an R8, absolutely. That being said, it does still feel as though there’s more to come from the RWS - a more focused chassis, a little less weight, stickier tyres, the higher-powered engine, perhaps. A true rival to the 911 GT3. The R8+ RWS, if you like, would immediately become the most thrilling R8 of all time.

Will it happen? Time will tell, but the word ‘series’ in Rear Wheel Series might just hint at more rear-driven high performance Audis to come. Here’s hoping the R8 RWS isn’t merely a one-off.

Audi R8 RWS

Location South Downs, UK On sale Now Price £112,450 Engine V10, 5204cc, petrol Power 533bhp at 7800rpm Torque 398lb ft at 6500rpm Gearbox 7-spd twin-clutch automatic Kerb weight 1590kg Top speed 199mph 0-62mph 3.7sec Economy 22.8mpg CO2 283g/km Rivals Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, McLaren 540C

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/r8/first-drives/audi-r8-rws-2018-uk-review

9831844A-B71A-4E78-BC03-6A1A53BA9216.jpeg
7B1149F1-4BD4-465B-BF2C-B679BF227F5E.jpeg
D35FEE24-A55B-4D88-9092-A0155200B348.jpeg
EED8AD1F-F49C-45DA-AF96-CF6B6A77E17C.jpeg
83C6F45F-C2AD-4243-9FD4-5E56F6857C0B.jpeg
 
Drag race: Audi R8 vs Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid | Autocar

[video=youtube;E-if5hgpVt8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-if5hgpVt8[/video]
 
2018 Audi R8: facelifted range to introduce 2.9-litre V6 variant

Audi is set to introduce turbocharged V6, shared with the Porsche Panamera, to new R8 model

The Audi R8 is soon to become more affordable, thanks to the introduction of an entry-level variant powered by a V6 engine that will arrive as part of a model facelift later this year.

Using a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol unit that's shared with the Porsche Panamera and Audi RS4 and RS5, the model will extend the R8's reach in the sports car segment and in effect fills the void left by Audi’s older, naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine.

The six-pot powerplant is a 90deg engine that has been developed in a joint venture between Audi and Porsche as part of a new modular engine family known under the working title of KoVoMo.

Audi has not offered a V8 with the Mk2 R8 because of what Ingolstadt officials describe as a combination of the high cost of updating it to meet future emissions standards and concerns in markets such as China, where road tax is linked to engine capacity.

In the latest Panamera 4S, that V6 engine delivers 434bhp at 5650rpm and 405lb ft of torque between 1750rpm and 5500rpm when running a relatively low 0.4bar of turbocharger boost pressure.

With subtle tweaks, including greater boost, this engine is claimed to offer more than 500bhp and up to 500lb ft, although Audi has yet to confirm the output of the new R8 variant. Audi officials have told Autocar that the unit will come with more than one power output.

One example of Audi's desire to extend the R8's reach is the recent launch of a rear-wheel-drive version of the V10 model, the R8 RWS. Whether the V6 R8 will adopt an entry-level rear-wheel-drive version has yet to be revealed; Audi might choose not to offer such a low-cost version to retain a certain level of exclusivity for the R8. The RWS model starts at £112,450, suggesting the V6 model could bring the price well below the £100,000 mark.

Despite sharing a layout and the number of cylinders, this 2.9-litre engine differs in capacity from the 3.0-litre V6 recently launched by Audi in the new S4 that was also developed by the joint venture.

Further differentiation is found in the induction system, with the S4’s engine using a single twin-scroll turbocharger and the 2.9-litre version getting twin turbochargers.

The only visual cues to differentiate the V6 model from its V10 sibling, according to spotted development cars, are smaller exhaust baffles hidden behind the rear grilles. The former has been made possible due to the V6's lower volume.

The most recently spotted test car is running with a V10 (above). The fitment of camouflage on the bumpers suggests the aesthetic changes will be focused there.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...acelifted-range-introduce-29-litre-v6-variant

IMG_5711.JPG

IMG_5714.JPG

IMG_5716.JPG

IMG_5717.JPG

IMG_5715.JPG
 
Special (bewinged) Audi R8 loses weight, gains downforce

Audi Sport has revealed what it bills as the “most capable and focused” version of its V10-powered R8 to date, confirming that it will build 44 examples of this special model lathered in Performance Parts.

The limited-edition Audi Sport Performance Parts version of Ingolstadt’s supercar sets itself apart thanks to its “significantly” increased downforce and pared back weight.

It features an aero kit fashioned exclusively from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, including a hefty fixed rear wing and diffuser with red elements. The side skirts, meanwhile, incorporate the Audi Sport logo and special aerodynamic elements have been added behind the rear wheelarches.

Up front, you’ll find more pronounced air inlets, a deep splitter and sculpted canards reminiscent of those fitted to the first-generation R8 GT.

Audi says the various aerodynamic elements contribute to a “significant increase” in downforce: at 330 km/h, the special R8 generates a claimed 250 kg, which is over 100 kg more than the standard R8 V10 Plus. At 150 km/h, the aero package effectively doubles downforce to 52 kg.

Meanwhile, fully milled multi-spoke black 20-inch wheels save up to 8 kg and are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres with a 245/30 profile up front and 305/30 profile at the rear.

A lightweight three-way coilover suspension setup is also fitted, along with ceramic brake discs complete with a titanium backing plate to further reduce weight. Inside, the steering wheel is trimmed in Alcantara.

The naturally aspirated 5,2-litre V10 is untouched, and still sends 449 kW and 560 N.m to all four corners via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/special-bewinged-audi-r8-loses-weight-gains-downforce/

CB75E604-D8BF-4E19-B54E-47AE86265221.jpeg
8294C206-AB79-477E-A91F-237D7254E6F7.jpeg
CF4753E5-89AA-4CB4-85E8-19A30190DA9B.jpeg
 
Audi Sport Performance Parts R8 Edition launched as five-car special

Audi is bringing just five of £176,560 special-edition R8s to UK and they have entire Audi Sport Performance Parts catalogue thrown at them

Just five examples of the Audi Sport Performance Parts R8 Edition will make it to the UK, the brand has announced as the new model is revealed.

The cars, which feature a suite of aerodynamic upgrades for additional downforce, upgraded suspension for better cornering and an exclusive bodykit, will be sold for £176,560. A total of 44 will be sold, although only five will make it to the UK.

Audi claims that downforce produced by the cars at 205mph is 250kg — 100kg up on that of the standard car. At 93mph, downforce is 52kg — double that of the standard R8.

Carbonfibre-reinforced plastic aerodynamic additions make up the bulk of the tweaks; a front splitter and tweaked air intakes, side skirts and a rear diffuser and huge fixed wing add visual drama as well as increased downforce. Elements of the bodywork are inspired by the R8 GT.

Milled lightweight wheels are also fitted to reduce unsprung mass. The suspension is upgraded to three-way adjustable coilovers, while the brakes are now ceramic front discs with a titanium backing plate.

The exhaust has also been upgraded with titanium components. On the inside, the differences are subtle, with equipment upgrades over the standard specification.

The Audi Sport Performance Parts R8 Edition is part of a growing number of R8 specials aimed at broadening the model’s appeal, including the limited-run, rear-wheel-drive R8 RWS, while the imminent facelifted car is reported to be ushering in a 2.9-litre V6 variant.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...ce-parts-r8-edition-launched-five-car-special
 
Next Audi R8 to be a hypercar-chasing EV


Next-generation Audi supercar will abandon petrol engines completely in 2022 to become electric only and all-wheel drive with hypercar pace plus up to 1000bhp


Audi will reinvent the R8 as an electric supercar in 2022 – a move that will spell the end for the use of V10 engines by the firm.

V10s have been a staple of Audi’s most exciting performance models over the past couple of decades. However, the adoption of the all-electric drivetrain for the third generation of its range-topping supercar highlights two unstoppable trends: the rise of electric power and the end of big, high-revving, normally aspirated engines being used without electrical assistance.

Audi is also winding down the use of V8 engines, with the latest RS4 and RS5models switching to downsized turbo V6s, leaving the bigger V8s as the preserve of the most potent models in the A6, A7 and A8 ranges, as well as the bruising SQ7 SUV.

Audi created a limited-run E-tron version of the original R8 in 2015 as its first step towards electrified performance cars. However, it will go one step further with the third-generation model by launching the R8 solely as an electric car, making it a radically different proposition from today’s model, senior company sources have hinted.

It will likely take inspiration from the PB18 e-tron concept, revealed at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. With no combustion engine to find room for, the three motor, 764bhp concept uses a shooting brake-like rear end for greater interior space and improved day-to-day usability than the current R8. Performance is still paramount, however, with Audi theorising a top speed in excess of 186mph, and a 0-62mph time of "scarcely more than two seconds".

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/next-audi-r8-be-hypercar-chasing-ev
 
Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe gets the Competition treatment

Adding a level of menace to the already commanding R8 V10 plus Coupe’s stance, Audi has introduced a limited-edition Competition package to party.

Including an array of track-derived Audi Sport performance parts, the focus of the new Competition package has been weight saving. As such, a total of 12-kilograms alone has been saved via a set of carbon ceramic brake pads and 20-inch, fully-milled, wheels inspired by the R8 GT4.

Downforce has also been doubled via an upgraded aero kit. Comprising a fixed rear wing, side sills, front splitter and flicks and a rear diffuser, this kit allows the R8 Competition to register 52 kg worth of downforce at 150 km/h and 250 kg at its top speed of 315 km/h. Three-way adjustable coil-over suspension is also included.

Powering the most track-focussed road legal R8 to date is Audi’s brilliant naturally aspirated 5,2-litre V10 offering 449 kW and 560 N.m of torque.

Details to the interior upgrades include a pair of racing seats with red contrast stitching, full leather package upholstery for the dash, door and side panels, a Bang and Olufsen sound system and an Alcantara steering wheel with carbon fibre shift paddles.

Sadly only 10 of these special R8 Competition models will be commissioned exclusively for the US market, pricing starting at $237 350 (R3 370 688) each. This comes just before the imminent facelift of the current model.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/audi-r8-v10-plus-coupe-gets-competition-treatment/

image.jpegimage.jpegimage.jpegimage.jpegimage.jpeg
 
Updated Audi R8 shows its fresh face in hazy teaser image

Audi Sport has published a hazy teaser image on various social media channels giving us our first official glimpse of the refreshed R8’s new face.

The image (accompanied by the caption: “Thrilling performance in every single detail”) appears to shown the outgoing, all-wheel-drive, second-generation R8 in the background, with the facelifted version trundling along in front of it.

Judging by the teaser, the updated R8 will gain a new front bumper complete with larger, more aggressive air intakes, as well as a redesigned grille (positioned below three slits in a retro styling cue revived by the new A1 Sportback).

The headlamps, too, appear to have had some work done. As before, the Audi badge is positioned on the R8’s bonnet rather than on the grille.

It’s not yet clear whether the facelift will bring any changes to the naturally aspirated, 5,2-litre V10 engine, which makes 449 kW and 560 N.m in the case of the flagship V10 Plus and 397 kW and 540 N.m in the base V10 (offered locally in Spyder form).

However, rumours suggest Audi Sport may revive the limited-edition rear-wheel-drive version of its R8 with the upcoming facelift…

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/updated-audi-r8-shows-fresh-face-hazy-teaser-image/

R8.jpg
 
Audi R8 Coupe (2019)

Instant response, lightning-fast high-revving and a unique sound - the heart of the Audi R8 is its V10 naturally aspirated engine. It is available to customers in two output ratings. The almost identical drive technology of the V10 engine in the R8 LMS GT3 and R8 LMS GT4 is put to good use on the racetrack. The V10, which is produced at the engine plant in Gyor, Hungary, is very compact. A separate radiator controls the temperature of the engine oil, which comes from a dry sump. This principle was adopted from motor racing and allows for an extremely low installation position of the engine, producing a low center of gravity. The pump module operates with multiple suction stages and assures proper lubrication under all conditions - including during lateral acceleration of around 1.5 G, which is possible in the R8. Both engines have a gasoline particulate filter.

Razor-sharp precision: the suspension

Modifications to the suspension provide even more stability and precision. The assistance has been retuned both with the optional dynamic steering and the electromechanical power steering: Steering response and the feedback from the road come across as even more precise across the entire range of speeds.

Depending on the selected engine, the three additional programs dry, wet and snow are added to the well-known Audi drive select modes with the performance mode. They adapt the key dynamic parameters to the friction coefficient of the road. Thanks to the enhanced Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), the top-of-the-line model brakes from 100 km/h (62.1 mph) to a standstill up to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) earlier; the stopping distance from 200 km/h (124.3 mph) is up to five meters (16.4 ft) shorter - in each case depending on the exterior conditions.

The new Audi R8 is equipped with factory-installed 19-inch wheels. Ultralight 20-inch fully milled wheels in five-V dynamic design with new summer and sport tires, which convey even more precise handling, are available as an option. Audi offers ceramic brake discs as an alternative to the standard steel discs. The stabilizer at the front is optionally made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum, which cuts weight by around two kilograms (4.4 lb).

Sharper and tauter: the design

The honed character of the new Audi R8 models also becomes clear visually. The Singleframe radiator grille has a wider, flatter line. Thick bars divide up the large air inlets. Flat slits in the hood are reminiscent of the Audi Ur-quattro brand icon. The new front splitter is now wider, as is the striking low-set air vent grille at the rear. The grille rounds off the diffuser that extends quite some way up. All of which underlines the sporty look of the Audi R8. In the engine compartment the air filter is situated under a new, three-part cover - available in a choice of plastic or carbon fiber.

R8 customers can choose from up to three exterior packages, depending on the engine variant; these packages add various highlights to the front splitter, the side trims and the diffuser. As an option, the Audi rings and badges on the exterior are painted in high-gloss black. The new metallic colors Kemora Gray and Ascari Blue add to the paint range. The Audi exclusive range gives customers the opportunity to customize many details of their Audi R8 - inside and out.

The new Audi R8 models will be arriving at dealerships in Germany and other European countries in the course of the first quarter of 2019. The models will go on sale in early 2019.

https://www.netcarshow.com/audi/2019-r8_coupe/
 

Attachments

  • IMG_9493.JPG
    IMG_9493.JPG
    377.8 KB · Views: 12
  • IMG_9494.JPG
    IMG_9494.JPG
    338.6 KB · Views: 12
  • IMG_9495.JPG
    IMG_9495.JPG
    276.4 KB · Views: 12
  • IMG_9496.JPG
    IMG_9496.JPG
    220.9 KB · Views: 12
  • IMG_9497.JPG
    IMG_9497.JPG
    227.9 KB · Views: 11
  • IMG_9498.JPG
    IMG_9498.JPG
    188.9 KB · Views: 11
Last edited:
2019 Audi R8 revealed with tweaked design and more power

Audi’s mid-engined sports car gains more power, handling tweaks and fresher looks

Fresh colour options, such as the Ascari Blue of the car pictured here, and additional 19in or 20in alloy wheel designs also feature, including special forged items for the Performance model. An optional black exterior package brings black badging front and rear, and grey matt and carbon side blades are also available.

Other than some new Alcantara trim, the interior is all but unchanged.

The big news mechanically is the changes to the 5.2-litre V10. ECU and other revisions boost the standard R8 from 533bhp to 562bhp, with torque up by 10lb ft to 406lb ft. The Performance, expected to be the biggest seller, takes it a step further again thanks partly to a new titanium valve train, with power rising from the old V10 Plus’s 603bhp to 611bhp and torque by 4lb ft to 417lb ft.

The standard car is now capable of 0-62mph in 3.4sec (3.5sec for the Spider) and the Performance in 3.1sec (3.2sec for the Spider). The power boosts help offset the addition of 20kg worth of emissions-reducing tech to both models to ensure they meet the new WLTP regulation standards.

Audi has also revised the R8’s suspension settings for “even more stability and precision”, while both the standard and dynamic steering systems have been retuned for greater response and feedback, and more discernible differences between the drive modes.

New Michelin tyres are said to have a longer life and more grip and, combined with the retuned ABS system, give a 5m reduction in stopping distance from 120mph.

Pricing for the R8 is expected to be similar to that of today’s model.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...udi-r8-revealed-tweaked-design-and-more-power
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X