The high performance engine remains at the heart of the new R8 but boasts more output and more power than ever before. The new R8 features a number of identical parts to its brother model, the R8 LMS GT3, including its compact V10 naturally aspirated engine. The 449 kW engine marks the exact transition between the road and the race track, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds and reaching impressive top speeds of 331 km/h.
Adopting principals from motor racing, the powerful engine in the new Audi R8 includes a gasoline particulate filter and a separate radiator to control the temperature to allow for an extremely low installation position and a low centre of gravity. The pump module operates with multiple suction stages to ensure proper lubrication under all conditions, including during lateral acceleration of around 1.5 G, which is possible in the R8.
“Audi has racing in its genes and the Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro has plenty of this genetic material,” says Audi New Zealand General Manager, Dean Sheed.
“The new Audi R8 combines best-in-class drive technology and systems with the latest Audi design and aesthetics to deliver an exhilarating and luxurious drive experience like no other. The R8 has been long-awaited in New Zealand and we are thrilled to announce its arrival,” he added.
In addition to performance, racing is always about how precisely and how directly you can replicate it on the road. The chassis delivers a key part of the answer: dual aluminium wishbone axles guide all four wheels, while the Audi R8 features springs and dampers that are set up to be even tighter. Audi magnetic ride comes standard and uses a synthetic blend of oils that contain tiny magnetic particles to create a magnetic field within the shock absorber. This adapts the way the shock absorbers work to suit your driving style and the profile of the road, making changes every millisecond for each individual wheel.
The re-tuned steering assistance passes on your steering even more directly and ensures exceptionally accurate feedback from the road. The optional dynamic steering adjusts the steering angle depending on your speed, thereby ensuring extremely agile handling. The standard carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic brakes with red brake calipers on the Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro serve to reduce momentum.
Although similar to its predecessor with it‘s passenger space located close to the front, strongly accentuated wheel arches and distinctive diffuser, the new Audi R8 has had a facelift to look sharper and sportier than before.
The latest model borrows a host of design elements from race models, including the wider, flatter single-frame grille, sharp-edged sideblades, air outlet grille at the rear, and new, oval exhaust pipes in glossy black. All underscored by a large spoiler made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.
Kiwi customers can choose from two exterior packages to add various highlights to the front splitter, the side trims and the diffuser. 20-inch milled alloy wheels come as standard and are designed with precise handling in mind.
“The pinnacle of Audi Sport is offered in a limited run for pre-order now. We encourage those interested in this high performance vehicle to talk to their dealer,” concluded Dean Sheed.
The newest R8 models have arrived in dealerships in New Zealand and are avaiable now.
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The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2017, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.878 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,815 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,900 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2017 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €60.1 billion and an operating profit of €5.1 billion. At present approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.