At this year’s Geneva Motor Show we will see the unveiling of the much awaited second-generation, mid-engine Audi R8 supercar. The first-gen’ used to be the cheaper alternative to the Lamborghini Gallardo, the second-gen’ takes on the sister-company’s new Huracan.
Aesthetically, the R8 remains a Transformers-inspired divergent design, following the lines of its predecessor; but this time, a mishmash of straight lines highlight the sketch boards at Audi. Good news is, the door “blade” has been retained, but has been slashed in two by a horizontal door panel.
The newly-developed Audi Space Frame is reportedly 15% less lighter, yet is 40% more torsionally rigid. As for dimensions, the car measures 4.42 metre in length, 1.94 metre in width and stands a very low-slung 1.24 metre in height; while wheelbase is a long 2.65 metre.
There isn’t news about the V8 engine, but the range-topping V10 powertrain is available in two states of tune. The is “base” V10 is capable of producing upto 449 kW (602 bhp), allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and top out at 323 km/h; while the uprated R8 V10 plus is even more potent, with an improved 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h. That will give owners plenty to brag about at the local supercar cafe!
All R8 engines are mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, which through a mechanical differential transfers power to the revised quattro all-wheel drive system and eventually onto the tarmac. The new quattro is capable of sending as much as 100 percent of available torque to either the front or rear axle.
As for functionality, you will have full LED headlights lighting up the way, with optional laser high beams. The new cockpit boasts digital instruments, steering wheel controls, shift lights, an almost-palm sized shift lever and a new MMI system with a 12.3-inch display.
Also available will be the Audi R8 e-tron – Iron Man’s choice. The electrically-powered, high-performance sports car includes the Combined Charging System (CCS), making it possible to fully charge the battery in less than two hours. That is definitely better than Apple’s iPhone 5S. The all-electric model is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and has an electronically restricted top speed of 250 km/h.
The second-generation R8 LMS race car is also poised to debut as a rear-wheel-drive GT3 sports car with a V10 engine of 430 kW (576 bhp)
Sales of the new Audi R8 start in summer 2015. Prices are 165,000 euros for the R8 V10 and 187,400 euros for the top-of-the-range version R8 V10 plus.
