LONDON: A German automobile manufacturer that designs, engineers, produces, markets and distributes luxury automobiles, Audi has announced its new R8 model, with the V10 model will cost for £119,500 – and that’s before options.
The outgoing model is eight years old this year and due to retire. The new one brings with it a host of advanced new technologies, from the virtual cockpit seen first in the TT to laser headlights which, Audi promises, won’t be able to cut through cars blocking the R8’s path.
To begin with there will be V10 and V10 Plus models, with the latter given performance upgrades spanning the engine, seats and on-board technologies. The Plus will start from £137,500.
The V10 will boast 533bhp while the V10 Plus gets a hefty boost to 602bhp. Bucket seats are fitted to the Plus along with the laser headlights, which are optional in the standard V10.
More steering wheel controls are added to the Plus to enable quicker control of the noise-increasing exhaust flaps and the ‘Sport’ mode – another standard Plus feature that is optional on the lesser V10.
Famously popular with footballers, the new R8 has its share of bling. An LD interior light package illuminates the glass-covered engine compartment and footwells.
For your six-figure sum you don’t get Audi’s magnetic ride suspension system or the Bang & Olufsen stereo, and you’re left on mere 19-inch wheels.
Audi has confirmed that all buyers of new R8s will receive an Audi Driving Experience at Silverstone circuit, to help them get to grips with the performance potential of their cars.
