No model with the four rings is closer to motorsport, none
is more striking and more dynamic:
at the Geneva Motor Show, Audi is presenting
the second generation of its high-performance R8 sports car. The V10 mid-engine
and a newly developed quattro drive ensure breathtaking driving performance,
especially in the top-of-the-range version with 449 kW (610 hp): achieving 0 to
100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 3.2 seconds, its top speed is 330 km/h (205.1 mph).
A
high-revving mid-engine with superior performance, a consistently lightweight
construction concept and an extremely dynamic chassis with quattro drive system
and fully variable torque control – this is what makes the R8 the sporty
spearhead of Audi. The high-performance sports car has been newly developed
from the ground up – it is more taut, more striking and more fascinating both
on the race track and on the road.
The 5.2 FSI
is available in two versions: one with 397 kW (540 hp) and another sporting 449
kW (610 hp). The range-topping model accelerates in a mere 3.2 seconds from 0
to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) and keeps going to its maximum speed of 330 km/h (205.1
mph). The sound of the freely aspirated V10 engine, whose maximum torque is
available at 6,500 rpm, has become even fuller and sharper. A 7-speed S tronic
transmission and a newly developed quattro drive system transmit the power to
the road. The distribution of the drive torque adapts to the respective driving
conditions – in extreme cases, 100 percent of the torque can be transmitted to
the front or rear axle. The new performance mode in the Audi drive select
dynamic handling system enables adaptation of the most important ride dynamics
parameters to the friction coefficient of the road.
The top model
R8 V10 plus has a dry weight of 1,454 kilograms (3,205.5 lb). Despite a lot of
extra equipment and greater rigidity, the new Audi R8 weighs up to 50 kilograms
(110.2 lb) less than its predecessor. The multimaterial Audi Space Frame (ASF)
ensures low weight and optimum axle load distribution. The combination of
aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) in the Audi Space Frame
opens up new dimensions with regard to weight, rigidity and crash behavior. The
aerodynamic underbody which integrates a long diffuser boosts downforce. The
chassis, too, with its double wishbone suspension demonstrates how close the
new Audi R8 is to motorsport.
The design
reflects the powerful sporty character of the R8. A visual distinguishing
feature which also provides enhanced safety comes in the form of the standard
LED headlights. For an extended field of vision and more brightness, Audi
offers the laser spot for the high beam as an option – complemented by the
dynamic turn signals at the front. Dynamic turn signals are standard at the
rear.
In the new
Audi virtual cockpit, the displays are digital. The most important controls are
grouped together in button clusters on the steering wheel, also known as
satellites. In the interior, the driver has the impression of sitting in a race
car. The air conditioning controls emphasize the simplicity of the control
panel with its floating effect. MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is standard.
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.
New factory
for quattro GmbH: production at the “Böllinger Höfe” site
The new Audi
R8 is produced at a new quattro GmbH production site that was specially built
for the sports car – the “Böllinger Höfe” site in Heilbronn. An elaborate
manufacturing technique ensures that Audi-typical quality is produced.
The second
generation of the Audi R8 forms the basis for more models. The latest evolutionary
version of the electrically-powered high-performance R8 e-tron sports car
achieves a performance figure of 340 kW and a torque of 920 Nm (678.6 lb-ft).
It sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds. Thanks to
new battery cells, the range could be more than doubled compared to the first
version of this technological wonder – it is now more than 450 kilometers
(279.6 mi).
The new Audi
R8 LMS race car was developed based on the new GT3 regulations due to come into
effect worldwide from 2016. This year it will already be put through its paces
at the factory. Despite massive performance increases, around 50 percent of its
components are the same as the series-production car.
Full version
The new Audi
R8
The R8 is the
dynamic spearhead of Audi. In its second generation, the high-performance
sports car has been newly developed from the ground up – it is more taut, more
striking and more fascinating. The high-revving V10 engine is available in two
performance variants. In the top-of-the-range version with 449 kW (610 hp), it
develops breathtaking power.
The mid-engine
principle used for the Audi R8 is not only a classic concept in motorsport but
also an important piece of Audi tradition. The powerful engines were located in
front of the rear axle even in the Grand Prix race cars brought to the start
line by Auto Union in the 1930s – a revolutionary step at the time. In 2000,
Audi won the 24-hour Le Mans endurance race with the LMP R8 prototype for the
first time. By 2005, the car which provided the name for today’s
series-production high-performance sports car had secured five overall
victories at the Sarthe – the name chosen for the road version of the super
sports car from Audi, R8, indicates the technological relationship between the
two winners.
As the R8
LMS, the Audi R8 is also highly successful in customer racing. The basis for
its success: motorsport was part of the development strategy from the very
beginning. In 2009, the R8 LMS customer racing race car began its success story
which would lead it to more than 190 victories and 23 championship titles worldwide.
Technically speaking, it is closely related to the road version of the sports
car with around 50 percent of the same parts.
Up to 449 kW
(610 hp): the two V10 engines
The new
generation of the Audi R8 utilizes the latest development of the ten-cylinder
engine. With its spontaneous throttle response, quick revving up to 6,500 rpm
and inimitable roaring sound, the naturally aspirated 5.2 FSI engine is enough
to give you goose bumps. In the new R8, the freely aspirated V10 engine offers
even more power and torque than before. Controllable flaps in the exhaust pipe
and an optional sport exhaust system make the car sound even more
characteristic.
The
ten-cylinder engine is available in two versions. In the R8 V10, it develops a
power of 397 kW (540 hp) from its 5,204 cc displacement and a torque of 540 Nm
(398.3 lb-ft) at an engine speed of 6,500 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h
(62.1 mph) takes just 3.5 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 323 km/h
(200.7 mph). The R8 V10 plus is even more powerful and is the fastest
series-production Audi of all time. It develops 449 kW (610 hp) and its maximum
torque of 560 Nm (413.0 lb-ft) is available at 6,500 rpm. The performance
figures are equally impressive: 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.2 seconds, 0 to
200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and a top speed of 330 km/h (205.1 mph).
A further
innovation in the 5.2 FSI engine is the additional indirect injection. It
complements the FSI direct gasoline injection, lowers fuel consumption and
enhances engine output. Moreover, the R8 features yet another innovative system
in the form of COD (cylinder on demand). It shuts off one of the two cylinder
banks by deactivating injection and ignition. The R8 V10 consumes an average of
11.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (19.9 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 275
grams per kilometer (442.6 g/mi), for the R8 V10 plus those values are 12.4
liters per 100 kilometers (19.0 US mpg) and 289 grams per kilometer (465.1
g/mi). The fuel consumption reduction of up to 10 percent compared to the
previous model is also due to the new start-stop system.
The dry sump
lubrication completes the technology package of the 5.2 FSI. The ten-cylinder
engine is hand built in the Hungarian engine plant in Gyr. As a traditional
motorsport technology, it allows for low installation of the engine, which is
particularly beneficial for the car’s center of gravity. What's more, it also
ensures oil supply even under extreme lateral acceleration.
Fast as
lightning and highly variable: the power transmission
In both
engine versions, power is transmitted to a rapid-shifting seven-speed S tronic
transmission installed behind the engine. The S tronic has three automatic
modes and can also be controlled manually. Shift commands are transmitted
electronically (shift-by-wire). The launch control system manages full-throttle
acceleration from a standing start.
Another
function of the S tronic comes into play when the driver’s foot is removed from
the accelerator pedal at speeds above 55 km/h (34.2 mph). In such cases, both
clutches open and the car goes into coasting mode. This function saves a
considerable amount of fuel, especially in everyday use by the customer.
The quattro
permanent all-wheel drive system gives the new R8 a decisive plus in terms of
stability and traction when compared with two-wheel-drive competitors. On the
front axle, an electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch replaces the Visco clutch of
the predecessor model. The newly developed quattro drive system enables
completely unrestricted and fully variable distribution of the drive torque to
the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation and weather. In
normal operation, up to 100 percent is transmitted to the rear wheels and, if
required, the clutch continuously diverts up to 100 percent of this torque to
the front wheels. Thanks to the mechanical differential lock on the rear axle,
the driver experiences maximum traction without any slip.
Audi drive
select: the chassis
In the
chassis of the new Audi R8, double wishbones made from aluminum guide all four
wheels. The R8 V10 plus has a particularly sporty setup – for both engine
variants, variable adaptively controlled Audi magnetic ride shock absorbers are
available as an option. The newly developed electromechanical power steering
system provides close contact to the road surface and makes a further
contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. As an option, Audi offers dynamic
steering, whereby the steering ratio varies in accordance with the road speed
and the settings in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
As standard,
the new Audi R8 V10 has 19-inch wheels with size 245/35 tires at the front and
295/35 at the rear. Upon request, Audi is also offering 20-inch wheels for the
first time in the R8. With this option, the tires are size 245/30 at the front
and 305/30 at the rear. The steel brake disks have a weight-saving wave design
and the calipers can be painted red upon request. In the R8 V10 plus, high-tech
disks made from carbon fiber ceramic are responsible for deceleration of the
20-inch wheels (optional for the V10).
In the Audi
drive select dynamic handling system, the driver has the choice of four modes
(comfort, auto, dynamic and individual) to control the way in which important
technical components operate. As standard, the system takes into account the
engine characteristics, steering, S tronic transmission and quattro drive
system as well as optional extras such as Audi magnetic ride, the exhaust flaps
and dynamic steering. On top of that, there is also the new performance mode
(available as an option for the V10 and standard for the V10 plus). The driver
activates it by pressing a separate button on the steering wheel. He or she can
select between the programs dry, wet and snow using a rotary wheel. These
programs support dynamic handling on dry, wet and snow-covered surfaces. In
performance mode, Audi drive select also makes use of the ESC stabilization
control function.
New Audi
Space Frame with high proportions of aluminum and CFRP
The R8 V10
plus has a dry weight of 1,454 kilograms (3,205.5 lb). The key factor behind
the consistent lightweight design is the body shell with multimaterial Audi
Space Frame (ASF): It weighs only 200 kilograms (440.9 lb). The resulting
unladen weight of 1,555 kilograms (3,428.2 lb) leads to a superior
power-to-weight ratio of 3.46 kg/kW (2.55 kg/hp).
The ASF body
shell features a completely new multimaterial lightweight construction concept.
Components made from carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) form the
B-pillars, the central tunnel and the rear wall. The front section of the
vehicle, the roof arch and the rear section form a framework made from cast
aluminum nodes and aluminum profiles which, in some cases, employ new alloys.
As always with the ASF, each component is precisely designed for its location
and purpose. Accordingly, the engineers have now integrated some components
into the body shell due to their function. Leaving aside its components, the
body shell is now around 15 percent lighter than its predecessor. At the same
time, torsional rigidity is roughly 40 percent better. Particularly with regard
to rigidity, the body of the new Audi R8 is a benchmark. The resulting lightweight
construction is unparalleled among the competition.
The
multimaterial Audi Space Frame in the new Audi R8 is extremely light and rigid,
whilst also being acoustically comfortable and offering a high level of safety.
The outer skin is made entirely of aluminum, but as an optional extra (or as
standard for the V10 plus), Audi also offers attachment parts made from
clear-coated carbon fiber, for example the front splitter, the diffuser or the
side blades. A long, rising diffuser in the underbody produces downforce on the
rear axle at higher speeds.
Design: flat,
wide, muscular
A cockpit
positioned very far forward, a long, flowing back and a relatively short
wheelbase – the exterior design makes the technical concept of the mid-engine,
high-performance Audi R8 sports car clear upon first sight. At 4.42 meters long
(14.5 ft), 1.24 meters high (4.1 ft) and with a wheelbase measuring 2.65 meters
(8.7 ft), its dimensions have only slightly changed in comparison to the
previous model. Its width now measures 1.94 meters (6.4 ft) and has thus grown
by about four centimeters (1.6 in). The car’s proportions convey more of a race
car character, with characteristic design ideas from the previous model now
more pronounced.
The four
rings sit proudly on the hood, the Singleframe radiator grille with honeycomb
design is wide and flat. Modeled plastic surfaces allow it to merge into the
flat headlights – facets of the vehicle which highlight tension, provide an
impression of depth and add an air of logic to the design. The grid-type
signature of the daytime running lights with vertical elements replicates the
structure of the air inlets and emphasizes the width of the car. The entire
appearance of the Audi R8 conveys a feeling of lightness and technical
precision. LED headlights are standard. Available upon request, Audi can also
supply the laser spot which doubles the range of the high beam to 600 meters
(1,968.5 ft) as well as the dynamic turn signals at the front. The dynamic turn
signals are standard at the rear. The rear lighting signature also combines two
vertical elements with a horizontal line. This gives the Audi R8 an even more
powerful appearance.
As part of
the new laser high beams, one laser module per headlight generates a cone of
light with twice the range of the all-LED headlamp. Each module comprises four
high-power laser diodes. With a diameter of just 300 micrometers, these
generate a blue laser beam with a wavelength of 450 nanometers. A phosphor
converter transforms it into white light suitable for roadway use with a color
temperature of 5,500 Kelvin – ideal conditions for the human eye that enable
the driver to recognize contrast more easily and help to prevent fatigue. The
laser spot is active from a speed of 60 km/h (37.3 mph) to supplement the LED
high beam of the R8 and, thanks to its long range, greatly enhances the
driver’s field of vision as well as safety. An intelligent camera-based sensor
system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to
exclude them.
On the sides
of the high-performance sports car, characteristically curved contours are
drawn over the wheels. The shoulder line, shaped like a powerful muscle,
connects the wheels with one another while at the same time dividing the side
blade in two to leave an upper and a lower half. This new design solution makes
the car appear even longer and more dynamic.
At the rear,
as well, the lights and the air inlets visually connect to one another. The two
tailpipes of the exhaust system have a trapezoidal design and the rear window
offers a clear view of the illuminated engine compartment. The R8 is equipped
with an electrically extending spoiler, the R8 V10 plus with a fixed wing made
from CFRP.
Just like in
a race car: the interior and the controls
Behind the
steering wheel of the new Audi R8, the driver feels like a race car driver. All
functions are driver-oriented and allow easy operation even when the critical
limits are reached – and all without the driver having to take his or her hands
off the steering wheel. The newly designed sport seats with integrated headrest
provide excellent lateral support. Even more radical seating for a sports car
comes in the form of the newly developed R8 bucket seats. These make a clear
statement confirming the relationship between lightweight construction and
comfort (optional in the V10 and standard in the V10 plus).
The
start-stop button and the Audi drive select button are located on several
satellites on the new multifunction plus steering wheel. The Performance
steering wheel in the Audi R8 V10 plus features two more satellites. One button
is for performance mode together with a rotary wheel for selecting the dry, wet
and snow programs as well as a button for controlling the sports exhaust
system.
The Audi
virtual cockpit is set in a free-standing housing and presents all the
information on its 12.3-inch display with elaborately computed, fascinating
graphics. The driver can toggle between different display modes and also adjust
the digital instrument cluster to his needs in individual mode. In performance
mode, the driver is presented with information on the driving programs,
acceleration, deceleration and lateral forces as well as power and torque. The
Audi virtual cockpit also displays a shift light which informs the driver that
the engine speed limit has been reached. The driver operates the Audi virtual
cockpit using the multifunction plus steering wheel. The driver’s hands remain
on the steering wheel and he or she can concentrate on the road. Alternatively,
operation can take place via the touch wheel or the buttons in the center
console.
In the design
of the interior too, the taut geometric lines emphasize the aesthetic
lightweight construction of the brand. Its characteristic element is the
monoposto, a large arc in the area around the driver’s seat. The MMI monitor of
the previous model is no longer available. Instead, the three central control
elements of the air conditioning system have taken its place. The
three-dimensional design of the air outlet vents bring to mind the air inlets
of a race car. The dashboard appears to float weightlessly. The wide console of
the central tunnel accommodates the standard MMI terminal as well as the newly
designed flat selector lever of the S tronic transmission.
When it comes
to upholstery, customers can choose between Alcantara/pearl Nappa leather and
fine Nappa leather. Also available are trim elements in clear coated carbon
fiber, two leather packages and a new diamond stitching pattern.
Customization
There are
numerous customization possibilities for customers of the new Audi R8 – for
both the exterior and the interior. The colors for the body have been newly
mixed and can be freely combined with the colors of the side blades – a blade
made from glossy carbon is a particular highlight of the range. Ten standard
exterior colors are available, for the R8 V10 plus there is an additional matt
paint finish available, Camouflage Green.
Among the
five equipment colors available for the interior, two color ranges can be
found, whereby the interior is always characterized by a sporty feel.
Additionally, there are numerous options to further customize both the interior
and the exterior, for example with headlining in Alcantara with dynamic diamond
stitching pattern. The Audi exclusive program makes it possible for you to turn
the new R8 into a one-of-a-kind model.
Completely
connected: infotainment
In the new
Audi R8, the Audi virtual cockpit replaces the analog instruments and the MMI
monitor. The driver can switch the all-digital display between two different
view modes. These bring either the virtual dial instruments or the large
navigation map into focus.
The Audi R8
makes use of the latest technology in terms of infotainment. MMI navigation
plus is installed as standard; the MMI touch touch wheel is the central control
element. In the background, the second generation of the modular infotainment
platform sets about its work – just like the Audi virtual cockpit, it
integrates a super-fast T30 chip from Audi’s cooperation partner, NVIDIA.
MMI
navigation plus is complemented by the Audi connect module. The passenger can
connect a smartphone or tablet via the system’s integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.
Tailored online services from Audi connect are displayed on the Audi virtual
cockpit. The internet connection uses the fast LTE (Long Term Evolution)
network. Optional components such as the fine-tuned sound system from Bang
& Olufsen with a system performance of 500 watts or the Audi phone box for
convenient cell phone integration round off the infotainment program.
New factory
for quattro GmbH: production at the “Böllinger Höfe” site
The new Audi
R8 is produced at the new “Böllinger Höfe” quattro GmbH production site, close
to the Neckarsulm plant. The production area covering 30,000 m2 (322,917.3 sq
ft) comprises a body shop and assembly facilities. The entire production
facility is highly flexible, while technical and ergonomic innovations such as
the CFRP body shell construction and driverless transport systems ensure top
quality.
As was the
case for the previous model, production follows an elaborate manufacturing
process. In cycle times of about 30 minutes and with up to 400 highly qualified
employees, the R8 is created in highly precise craftsmanship. Following
completion, each R8 is subjected to a strict quality acceptance process on the
internal plant test track and an approximately one-hour test drive on public
roads. With the new R8 manufacturing site, quattro GmbH – the high-performance
subsidiary of AUDI AG – is further enhancing its small-series expertise, thus
creating the opportunity to realize ever more exciting derivatives of the R8.
Electrified:
Audi R8 e-tron
The second
generation of the Audi R8 forms the basis for two more models. Audi has made
major engineering developments in its high-performance electric sports car, the
R8 e-tron. The latest evolution of the vehicle takes up the multimaterial Audi
Space Frame from the new series-production model.
The
supporting structure was enhanced by a CFRP rear-section module comprising the
luggage compartment. The walls of the CFRP luggage compartment well are
corrugated. This way, in the event of a rear-end collision, more energy can be
absorbed despite the reduced material weight.
Thanks to
targeted modifications to the outer shell and on the wheels, the Audi R8 e-tron
achieves an aerodynamic drag coefficient (cd) value of 0.28. In terms of
performance and range, the car enters entirely new dimensions.
The large
T-shaped battery is structurally integrated into the center tunnel and behind
the occupant cell – optimally positioned in the car. It supports the dynamics
of the R8 e-tron with its low center of gravity. Audi produces the high-voltage
battery itself, for the first time based on a newly developed lithium-ion
technology which was specially conceived for a purely electric vehicle drive.
In comparison to the first technology platform, the battery capacity has grown
from 49 kWh to approximately 92 kWh. This progress was possible without
changing the package.
The R8 e-tron
achieves an electric range of 450 kilometers (279.6 mi) instead of a previous
215 kilometers (133.6 mi) with an energy density that has been increased from
84 Wh/kg to 154 Wh/kg and some other modifications to the car. The electrically
powered high-performance sports car has the Combined Charging System (CCS) on
board, which allows charging with direct and alternating current. Using this
system, it is possible to fully charge the battery in significantly less than
two hours.
The power is
now twice 170 kW and the maximum torque twice 460 Nm (339.3 lb-ft). The R8
e-tron 2.0 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds on its way
to an electronically restricted top speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph) or 250 km/h
(155.3 mph). Intelligent energy management and an electromechanical brake
system enable high energy recuperation rates. Targeted torque vectoring –
needs-based distribution of power transmission between the rear wheels –
ensures maximum stability and dynamism.
Audi uses the
electrical high-performance sports car primarily as a mobile high-tech
laboratory. Accordingly, the findings from the R8 e-tron help in creating a
vehicle with a sedan character. Upon customer request, the R8 e-tron will be
available for order in 2015 as an electrically powered sports car in supreme
hand-built quality.
New race car:
the Audi R8 LMS
Alongside the
new R8 series-production model, the second-generation R8 LMS race car is also
making its debut, with colleagues from motorsport and series production working
in close harmony as part of its development. Both the series-production model
of the R8 and the R8 LMS have seen clear increases in power and performance
compared with the predecessor. Both cars have around 50 percent of the same
parts.
The body
shell of the rear-wheel-drive GT3 sports car is based on a selectively
reinforced multimaterial ASF. Engineers have supplemented this feature with a
safety cage. Its outer shell consists mainly of carbon fiber reinforced
plastics. The vehicle’s type approval weight is 1,225 kilograms (2,700.7 lb).
The V10 engine is virtually identical to the series-production engine and
produces around 430 kW (approximately 585 hp), depending on the applicable
regulations and the restrictor required.
Sales of the
new R8 LMS to customer teams worldwide will start with the 2016 season. This
year, the new race car will be put through its paces by the works team at
international long-distance and sprint races, as well as being available to
customers as part of the Audi driving experience.
Geneva Motor Show.
