Audi has finally gone ahead and announced its long-awaited second generation R8 coupe, ahead of its official unveiling at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.
As is always the case with Audi, the R8 is the perfect evolution of its first generation, which was one of the most successful Audi cars ever produced.
The second generation R8 boasts a 5.2-litre V10 engine, but in two different versions – a 532bhp standard, and a 602bhp “V10 Plus”. The body has cut down 50kg of its weight, making it both faster and lighter, hence more aerodynamic.
The capable powertrain is attached to an S-Tronic double clutch gearbox with better software for faster shifting, which helps the R8 shoot to 62mph from zero in a blurry 3.2 seconds (compared to 3.5 seconds of the current R8), towards a top speed of over 200mph. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi’s board member for technical development has called it the most powerful and fastest Audi production of all time.
The R8 e-tron will also be there on the show packing more than double the range of the first R8 e-tron, maxing out at 280 miles, which can be attributed to superior battery technology. The e-tron races from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds.
All this goodness is enclosed by Audi’s Space Frame body, complete with the carbon fibre reinforced plastics central tunnel, B-pillars and rear wall. The interior boasts a fully digital “virtual cockpit” displaying all the information needed at convenient viewing angles.
Prices start from €165,000 for the base V10 and €187,400 for the V10 Plus.