MELBOURNE: The next-generation Audi R8 sports car will be unveiled Geneva Motor Show on March 3 and will be available for order in May 2015. The new R8’s lightweight chassis is made of aluminium and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics. R8 has the ability to transmit 100 percent torque to the front and rear axle.
With cylinder on demand (COD) technology and stop-start as standard, the standard R8 returns up to 23.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 275g/km. The higher-powered V10 Plus version has official figures of 22.8mpg and 289g/km.
An aerodynamic underbody, incorporating a diffuser, boosts downforce, and the chassis features race-style double wishbone suspension. Audi’s variable adaptively-controlled magnetic ride shock absorbers are available as an option.
Inside, all the displays are digital, with the most important controls grouped in button clusters on the steering wheel, building on the success of a similar system in the new TT.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at Audi, said: “With the new Audi R8, our engineers are bringing accumulated racing expertise from the race track to the road. No other model of ours evokes more dynamic emotion. The new R8 V10 plus is therefore the most powerful and fastest series-production Audi of all time.”
The second generation of the R8 forms the basis for the electric R8 e-tron, which will be available to order this year.
Battery improvements mean that the range has increased to 280 miles, compared with the 133 miles of the car based on the previous R8. With 456bhp, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.9sec.
