Audi R8 Coupé and R8 Spyder

The R8 is the sporty spearhead of the Audi model range. The lineup comprises three different engine variants: the R8 V8, the R8 V10 and the R8 V10 plus.

Body and interior
Audi showcases the full extent of its capabilities in lightweight construction with the R8. The greatest factor with respect to weight is the body. An aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), it weighs just 210 kilograms (462.97 lb). The version of the R8 V8 Coupé with the six-speed manual gearbox weighs just 1,560 kilograms (3,439.21 lb). The top-of-the-line R8 V10 plus weighs 1,570 kilograms (3,461.26 lb).

The sports car’s exterior design is as impressive as its performance. It received the top accolade of “red dot: best of the best” in the prestigious red dot award: production design 2013. LED headlights are standard. The rear lights of all models also include the innovative dynamic turn signals. Generated by LEDs, the light runs from the inside out in the direction in which the driver wants to turn.

The body of the R8 V10 plus features numerous add-on parts made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), including the sideblades, side mirror housings, enlarged front spoiler and the distinctive diffuser. The same material is also used in the interior. The driver and passenger sit in bucket seats with folding backrests.

Powertrain
The seven-speed S tronic debuted in the model series in late 2012. It plays a major role in the impressive performance of the Audi R8.

All versions equipped with the S tronic saw their times for sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) improve by 0.3 seconds compared with the R tronic used previously. Fuel consumption also decreased by as much as 0.9 liters per 100 kilometers.

The eight-cylinder engine produces 316 kW (430 hp). In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, it accelerates the R8 Coupé from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h (186.41 mph). The Audi R8 V10 Coupé with the S tronic completes the standard sprint in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 314 km/h (195.11 mph). Its ten-cylinder engine produces 386 kW (525 hp). At the top of the range is the new R8 V10 plus with 404 kW (550 hp). Equipped with the S tronic, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph).

Engine lineup:

• 4.2 FSI quattro with 316 kW (430 hp)
• 5.2 FSI quattro with 386 kW (525 hp)
• 5.2 FSI quattro with 404 kW (550 hp)

Besides the six-speed manual, the seven-speed S tronic is also available with the V8 engine. It is standard in all V10 models. Power is delivered to the road via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a heavy rear-axle bias. The heart of the system is a viscous coupling mounted on the front axle. A mechanical limited slip differential at the rear axle improves the traction.

Chassis
All versions of the R8 feature an axle load distribution of roughly 43:57 – ideal for a mid-engine sports car. Dry sump lubrication enables the engines to be mounted low, giving the car a very low center of gravity. Aluminum double wishbones guide all four wheels. The Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system – standard in the R8 V10 Coupé – varies the function of the shock absorbers as needed. The chassis of the Audi R8 V10 is decidedly tuned for dynamics.

The alloys wheels measure either 18 or 19 inches depending on the engine. The brake system is impressively powerful. All four discs are internally vented and perforated, and their wave design reduces the weight. Audi also offers optional carbon fiber-ceramic discs that are even lighter, yet extremely durable and long-lasting. These are standard with the R8 V10 plus.

Audi R8 Spyder
The body of the open-top high-performance sports car weights just 216 kilograms (476.20 lb). The top compartment cover and the side elements are made of CFRP. The fabric top, whose mechanical components are made largely of aluminum and magnesium, is light and compact. It opens and closes electrohydraulically in 19 seconds, even when driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph).

The soft top, whose frame is covered by a headliner, is quiet and fully suitable for high-speed driving. The heated glass window, which is separate from the top, is nestled in the bulkhead between the passenger compartment and the engine compartment. It is raised and lowered via a switch, taking on the function of the wind deflector.

The performance and consumption figures of the R8 Spyder differ only minimally from the Coupé version. The seven-speed S tronic is optional with the V8 and standard with the V10.

Engine lineup:

• 4.2 FSI quattro with 316 kW (430 hp)
• 5.2 FSI quattro with 386 kW (525 hp)