Audi has been dangling promises of a road-going version of its super Le Mans concept in our faces since it was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has now declared playtime over with the reveal of its production R8 at the Paris Motor Show.
Audi has been dangling promises of a road-going version of its super Le Mans concept in our faces since it was unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has now declared playtime over with the reveal of its production R8 at the Paris Motor Show.
Powered by a high-revving, all-aluminium petrol V8 producing 313 kW and 430 N.m, the R8 crashes through the 0-100 km/h barrier in 4,6 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 300 km/h.
A six-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard equipment for those with more purist ideals, while a race-inspired R-tronic sequential gearbox using “shift-by-wire” technology provides super-slick gearshifts.
The high performance Audi builds on the successes of the Le Mans-winning R8, and in race car fashion its V8 is positioned as close to the centre of the body as possible for an almost-ideal 44/56 weight distribution.
Overall mass is kept down through the use of an aluminium space frame and a chassis using a high proportion of this light-weight element. Suspension is by either the traditional spring-and-damper arrangement, or Audi’s magnetic ride system used in the new TT Coupé.
Using this state-of-the-art system, dampers are swapped for a magnetorheological fluid containing magnetic particles that are influenced by a magnetic field. The fluid’s viscosity is altered when a voltage is applied to it, and road and driving conditions are constantly monitored by the system, which reacts accordingly.
It goes without saying that Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system will be a standard feature on this supercar. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels adorn the wheelarches and an electronically activated rear spoiler is deployed at higher speeds.
On the inside, the two-seater appears comfortable and is generously trimmed in Nappa leather showing definite race-car influences. As expected, stowage space is a bit tight, with limited room behind the seats and 100 dm3 in the front compartment.
Audi plans to produce 15 cars per day at its Neckarsulm facility in Germany.