Some 27 years ago, Audi revolutionised the automotive world with the release of the permanent four-wheel drive Quattro and the superiority of the quattro system helped Audi to dominate motorsport formulae such as rallying, circuit racing and hill-climbs -Armed with what Audi describes as “concentrated Vorsprung DNA”, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer treads into unknown territory with the release of the mid-engined R8 supercar. Technological superiority, ultra performance, ultimate road holding and heritage are key ingredients for success in the supercar league and the R8 certainly brings many of those qualities to the party – including a high-revving V8 engine, permanent all-wheel drive and aluminium space frame construction.
The Ingolstadt-built supercar is named after one of the most successful race cars to participate in the 24-hours of Le Mans – the R8, which won the prestigious event five times out of the seven years it competed.
The Audi space frame body provides much in the way of weight-saving and optimised rigidity. Audi has applied much of its motorsport knowledge in this regard, as the body shell of the R8 weighs only 210 kg. The R8 also generates outstanding downforce, due to its shape, extending rear spoiler and diffuser underbody.
The R8 has a full, wide shape, unlike any Audi before it, with prominent air vents and unmistakable mid-engine car dimensions. These proportions are evident in the forward position of the cabin and characteristic “side blades”, which give away the engine position as well as acting as air deflectors. Undeniably an Audi, with a single-frame grille, the only deviation from the usual design language (as noted by enthusiasts) is that the four-ring logo is placed on the lid above the grille and not in its centre. Weighing in at 1 560 kg, 4 431 mm high, 1 904 mm wide and 1 252 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2 650 mm, the R8 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
The R8 is also distinguishable by the standard bi-xenon headlamps and daytime running lights that comprise twelve light-emitting diodes. For the first time, LED tail lights that create a three-dimensional effect have also been used in the R8. The showstopper will undoubtedly be the all-LED headlight option, which creates an effect resembling daylight closer than xenon or halogen lights, Audi claims.
The R8 is powered by a 4,2-litre V8 engine, producing 309 kW at 7 800 r/min and 430 N.m of torque at 4 500 r/min. Impressively, 90 per cent of this torque is available across a wide speed range – 3 500 r/min to 7 500 r/min, ensuring significant pulling power across the extended engine speed range that stops at 8 250 r/min.
Whether equipped with the R tronic sequential transmission or six-speed manual gearbox, Audi claims the R8 will sprint to 100 km/h from standstill in 4,6 seconds, hit 200 km/h after 14,9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 301 km/h. The short-throw manual gearbox transfers the engine power to the wheels via a small-diameter double-plate clutch and will be a favourite with die-hard stick-shift fans, while the R tronic sequential derivative is equipped with steering wheel shift paddles, a sequential gear lever and Launch control for lightning fast starts.
Another key aspect in the design of a supercar – in fact, any sports car, is whether the suspension suits every driving-day driving conditions while providing dynamic race-like agility when required. Due to it benefiting from suspension technology and a double-wishbone set-up all round, the R8 combines these virtues by offering a comfortable ride as well as being significantly sporty. The R8 also benefits from the optional Magnetic Ride, a system that uses magnetically charged shock absorber fluid in the dampers, allowing for even greater road holding.
As can be expected from Audi, the interior is available with high specification items – such as the sports seats covered in combined Alcantara/leather, a 140-watt audio system, automatic air conditioning, and a driver information system with integrated stopwatch. Luggage capacity forms an important part of everyday drivability as well, therefore the R8 can fit 100-litres under the front lid, another 90-litres storage space behind the seats or two full-sized golf bags.
Optional extras include among other things the Audi parking system with integral rear-view camera and a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Although the South African waiting list for the R8 stretches into 2009, and the first shipment of 30 units have been snapped up, the arrival of the R8 is nevertheless significant for the local market, let alone supercar aficionados.
“This is indeed Vorsprung’s finest hour”, said Audi SA’s general manager of sales and marketing, Greg Levine. “The Audi R8 not only cements Audi’s brand credentials, it signals a new and very exciting era.”
“The Audi R8 is at the pinnacle of design and engineering. A fantastic driver’s car that is bound to be centre stage for some time to come”, added Levine.
The R8 range
4,2 FSI manual R1 255 000
4,2 FSI R-tronic R1 300 000
Prices include a 5-year or 100 000 km Audi Freeway full maintenance plan.
Click here to download a wallpaper of the Audi R8.
