Upgraded, uprated and now up for grabs – Audi’s razor-sharp new R8s

No other Audi is closer to motor racing. Simple, telling and compelling, this was the single, powerful sentence Audi used to introduce its updated R8 Coupe’ and Spyder to South Africa this week.

The coveted R8 range, which spearhead Audi’s performance range, is now available in South Africa, well ahead of the official retail launch of both the V10 Coupe’ and Spyder on 1 April this year.

Keep your eyes peeled, you may spot a new Audi R8 already out there

This early availability is thanks to an Audi VIP customer (pre-order) delivery initiative that forms part of the carmaker’s pre-launch strategy. Sporting a far sharper and arguably more aggressive exterior design, the revised R8s also boast a revised model designation.

Formerly known as the Audi R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 plus, the models are now called the Audi R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 performance quattro – an analogy to the most powerful RS models from Audi Sport.

And, as the dynamic vanguard and the fastest volume-production model of the Audi Sport brand, Audi lovers and supercar admirers will no doubt appreciate what Audi has described as a radical facelift for its latest R8 offerings.

Power and torque

“Instant response, lightning-fast high-revving and a unique sound – the V10 naturally aspirated engine is the heart of the Audi R8,” said Audi SA in describing its high-performance powerhouse.

The 5.2 FSI in the Audi R8 V10 performance Quattro continues to offer 449 kW, with a peak torque of 560 Nm.

The Coupé sprints to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and the Spyder takes 3.3 seconds. The propulsive power ends at 3310/329 km/h.

The V10 engine with 5.2 litres of displacement come standard with the R8 sports exhaust system. The transmission is a 7-speed S tronic gearbox.

Razor-sharp precision

The performance sports suspension continues to deliver effortless precision and response, Audi SA said in its statements about the models.

The assistance is in turn delivered with both the optional dynamic steering and the standard electromechanical power steering. The steering response is direct and precise throughout the entire speed range.

“This ensures optimum steering sensitivity with continuously good road contact in every driving situation,” Audi SA said.

In Performance Mode, the driving characteristic is on a considerably more direct level in comparison to the Comfort or Auto modes.

In addition to the well-known Audi drive select modes, the three additional programs dry, wet, and snow form part of the Performance Mode on the R8 V10 performance quattro.

The three variables adapt the key dynamic parameters to the friction coefficient of the road. Thanks to the enhanced Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), the Audi R8 V10 performance brakes from 100 km/h to a standstill up to 1.5 metres earlier; the stopping distance from 200 km/h is up to five metres shorter – in each case depending on the exterior conditions.

The upgraded Audi R8 is equipped with factory-installed 20-inch Audi Sport tyres complimented by V-spoke Evo design magwheels in two colour options – titanium (standard) or matte bronze.

Sharper and tauter

The honed character of the new R8 models is immediately clear. In combination with the dimmed headlights and adjoining design elements, the R8 looks even sharper.

Winglets at the side divide the large air inlets and the flat slits above the Singleframe radiator grille are reminiscent of the Audi Sport Quattro. The new front splitter is now wider, amplifying the sporty look.

The air inlet grille spans the entire width of the rear end. The diffuser is even more dominant and frames the new oval exhaust tailpipes. The air filter is situated in the engine compartment under a new three-part cover. It is available in a choice of plastic or carbon fibre.

Audi R8 customers can enjoy the standard high-gloss black styling package as a sporty exterior look to their sports car.

Sporty, aggressive appeal

The front splitter, the sill trims, and diffuser are all finished off in black accents, with an option to upgrade the exterior look to the gloss carbon RS exterior parts which creates an aggressively sportier look.

The Audi rings and badges on the exterior are painted in high-gloss black and are complemented by the standard carbon exterior mirror housings and sideblade. The new metallic colours of Kemora grey and Ascari blue are recent additions to the updated paint range.

The Audi exclusive programme allows customers to have any paint colours blended according to their wishes.

LED headlamps and rear lights with dynamic turn signals and high-beam control are standard with an option to upgrade to the Audi laser light at an extra cost.

The new-look extends to the interior of the Audi R8 with its driver focus orientation. New options here include the R8 sports seat with fine Nappa leather and diamond stitching as standard.

Customers are able to select between upholstery colours of red, white or black.

The Audi virtual cockpit

“The driver sits in the new Audi R8 like in a race car.”

The entire operating concept focuses on the driver alone, who can operate all key functions without having to take your hands off the steering wheel or look away from the road.

The R8 performance multifunction steering wheel plus integrates three satellite buttons in addition to its push-buttons for the MMI. One is used to start and stop the engine, the second is used to select the basic modes of Audi drive select, and the third for the performance programs.

The performance screen is dominated by a large tachometer. Different gages can be positioned around it, for example for output, torque, G-forces, lap times, engine and transmission oil temperatures, tyre pressure, and temperature.

In the operating concept of the new Audi R8, two standard-fit high-tech modules are merged into one unit: The information from the MMI navigation plus is shown in the revised Audi virtual cockpit. It has a 12.3-inch display and the driver can use the “View” button on the steering wheel to switch between views.

The MMI search operates with free text input and the voice control system understands many phrases used in everyday language. It is operated via the MMI terminal, using the rotary push-button on the console of the center tunnel. The MMI touch, which is positioned on its surface, is used for inputting characters, scrolling, and zooming.

Hands-on functionality

The driver can also control almost all functions via the steering wheel. The Audi phone box and Smartphone Interface are additional standard features that enhance the interior comfort and technology of the new Audi R8 cabin experience.

Other key standard equipment includes: rear view camera, electric and folding exterior mirrors, comfort key, parking aid plus, R8 sport seats, seat heaters, tyre mobility kit with a tyre pressure monitoring system (to name a few).

Local pricing and availability

While the new models will officially go on sale in locally from 1 April, pre-deliveries to select customers who had pre-ordered the vehicle will be rewarded for their brand affinity as part of Audi’s South Africa’s pre-launch strategy.

The updated Audi R8 range is priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:

Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro        R3,336,000

Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro       R3,592,500