The Audi R8 Thread

BMW M8 Competition Coupe v Audi R8 V10 Performance v Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-door v Porsche 911 Carrera 4S vs Tesla Model X P100D drag race - Carwow

 
Audi R8's 5,2-litre V10 gains a pair of turbochargers ... and 772 kW!

In standard guise, the facelifted Audi R8 V10 Performance delivers 456 kW and 580 N.m of torque, but Wheelsandmore has upped the power output by quite some margin. The build also features a new exhaust system and suspension upgrades.

Using the naturally aspirated 5,2-litre V10 as a base, Wheelsandmore has added chip tuning, software optimisation for the engine and transmission, a carbon-frame air filter kit and a Garret twin-turbocharging system. This increases the supercar’s peak outputs to a whopping 772 kW and 1 000 N.m of torque. Furthermore, a Dodson Promax dual-clutch transmission has been fitted to deliver the extra power to the Quattro system.


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More Hardcore R8 Possibly On The Way As Audi Trademarks “R8 Green Hell”

The European Union Intellectual Property Office popped onto the radar thanks to the folks from Automobile Magazine as Audi has registered something that caught our attention.

The folks from Ingolstadt have trademarked use of the “R8 Green Hell” moniker which could indicate a new R8 variant specially prepped to tackle the infamous Nurburgring (and other circuits of course).

 
Hennessey Performance Twin-Turbo Package For Audi Costs R1,5 Million

American tuner Hennessey Performance is best known for cranking the output to crazy levels on American performance cars but that does not mean they don’t like to tinker with products from other countries.

They recently took a new Audi R8 Spyder into their garage and fitted it with the HPE900 package. That means the V10 is bolstered by a pair of turbochargers and results in a bonkers output of 912 hp (680 kW).

Hennessey says that only 6 PSI of boost was applied to the R8 on the dyno and it still uses pump fuel. The engine, fuel system, and transmission are all stock, as well.




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Audi R8 RWD 2020 UK review

Should I buy one?

We said it of the pre-facelift, limited-edition R8 RWS, and the same applies to this new R8 RWD: removing the front driveshafts yields a sweeter-riding, better-steering and finer-handling car. That the RWD is also £15,000 less expensive than its quattro-equipped range-mate should seal the deal, because neither the 29bhp deficit nor the absence of adjustable magnetic suspension, which is standard on the more expensive model, harm its appeal one bit.

There’s also the R8’s exceptional usability to consider. This is an approachable supercar; it keeps its snout a sensible height above the ground, visibility is good and the cabin is comfortable and quiet enough for all-day driving. To that end, our car’s motorway economy of 27mpg also suggests a cruising range of almost 500 miles. When you also consider the effortless V10 torque you can lean on at any moment, overall you’ll find the R8 RWD doubles up as a grand tourer very well.

What the R8 doesn't do – in RWD form or otherwise, and despite its sometimes edgy handling – is gritty involvement. The engine is wonderful, but those searching for an unambiguously ‘connected’ feel from their supercar would be better served by McLaren’s 570S or something along the lines of the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3. Lightly used examples of both cars can be found for less than the £116,280 of the R8 tested here.

Still, if the R8 takes your fancy – and there are plenty to reasons why it might – be in no doubt that the rear-driven version is the finest of the breed. Owners in wetter climates should carefully consider whether to get the regular quattro model, but they should also know that the RWD amounts to something more entertaining, more challenging, probably more rounded – and yes, something more special.

Audi R8 RWD specification

Where Bedfordshire Price £116,280 Engine V8, 5204cc, petrol Power 533bhp at 7900rpm Torque 398lb ft at 6400rpm Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic Kerb weight 1595kg 0-62mph 3.7sec Top speed 201mph Economy 22.2mpg CO2 289g/km Rivals Aston Martin Vantage, Porsche 911 Carrera S, McLaren 570S


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Audi: No rear-wheel drive option for RS performance models

New rear-driven R8 isn't a sign that Audi's performance brand is detaching from its Quattro origins

There are no plans for rear-wheel-drive variants of Audi Sport models, despite the recent introduction of the R8 V10 RWD.

The German maker changed the name of its performance arm from Audi Quattro to Audi Sport in 2016 in order to better encompass its sporty portfolio and to remove confusion with the Quattro four-wheel drive system offered on all Audis, sporty or otherwise. It was also thought to open the way for front- and rear-wheel-drive variants of RS models.

A move to rear-wheel drive would help enable lower emissions for the Audi Sport line-up, alongside introducing electrified variants, as the pressures of tightening emissions legislations are felt across the company.

 
Say Goodbye to the Audi R8 V10 quattro

Audi is offering just 30 Limited Edition units of its R8 V10 quattro as a final send-off for its baby R8.

Audi is streamlining its R8 offering by culling the base model R8 V10 quattro while the R8 V10 Performance will forge ahead.

To call this car a baby does it a huge disservice as it still packs notable performance from its naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine which produces 419 kW and 550 Nm of torque and is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that lays power down via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

That all translates into a zero to 100 kph sprint time in roughly 3.4 seconds before going on to a top speed of 324 kph. The R8 Spyder is slightly slower to 100 kph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 322 kph.

The R8 V10 Limited Edition sets itself apart with milled 20-inch silver wheels, alu-optic silver mirror housings and lower trim finishes in carbon fibre. Colour choices are limited to Mugello Blue, Avus Silver or Sonoma Green for the R8 Coupe while the R8 Spyder will only be offered in Mugello Blue.


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Audi R8 V10 Plus gains handful of tuning upgrades and louder exhaust!

The Audi R8 V10 Plus is an accomplished supercar in standard guise but for those who desire a touch more performance, Mariani has tailored some parts to assist.

The catalogue includes a new exhaust, suspension tweaks and aerodynamic upgrades.

A handmade stainless-steel exhaust system with a sport silencer amplifies the distinctive soundtrack from the naturally aspirated 5,2-litre V10. Those who want to control the volume can opt for a flap control.



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Audi's new boss considering killing off the TT and R8, says report

A report out of Germany claims Audi’s new chairman is considering killing off the TT and R8 as part of the Ingolstadt-based firm’s cost-cutting plan.

A source told Autocar that Audi CEO Markus Duesmann’s plan “aims to provide an even more effective streamlining of operations and greater savings”.

The report furthermore suggests a “number of combustion-engined” models may be under threat as the German company sharpens its focus on electric vehicles.

“Cars like the TT and R8 were reviewed as part of a general cost-cutting process in the past. However, they have now come under increased focus,” the source said, according to Autocar.

 
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