Category Archives: Audi R8

Audi RS5, Audi R8

Audi adds even more power for best ever Silverstone driving experience

Latest RS models and R8 V10 bring over 1,300PS to new format Audi driver training events at world famous race circuit

  • New format Audi Driving Experience using TT RS, RS 5 and R8 V10 high performance stars begins in April and runs through to October
  • Course price of £499 inc VAT includes plenty of tuition time behind the wheel of all course cars, plus a high-speed passenger lap of the circuit
  • A range of dates available to book by calling 08000 274787 or emailing info@ade.audi.co.uk

Dreams of deftly tackling Silverstone in the formidable Audi R8 V10 can now be lived out in all their glory as part of the Audi Driving Experience, the 2011 version of which not only includes plenty of circuit time in the celebrated ten-cylinder, 187mph super car, but also the 450PS RS 5 and 340PS TT RS coupes.

This thrilling line-up, which delivers an exceptional combined output of 1,315PS, has been placed in the extremely capable hands of race and rally-proven Audi Driving Experience instructors, who provide expert insight into the key aspects of safer, more rewarding driving. Throughout the day-long event they are on hand to train drivers in every aspect of car control, including managing understeer and oversteer, high speed lane changes and avoidance manoeuvres and general methods for balancing the car to extract the very best from its chassis.

Tuition begins with ABS braking, slalom and cornering techniques, after which drivers can enjoy ample lap time behind the wheel of the R8 and the other course cars at gradually increasing speeds, all the while receiving technique tips via two-way radio from the instructor in the ‘pace car’ on the track.

The thrilling conclusion to this action packed day is a high-speed passenger lap of the circuit given by the Audi Driving Experience instructors, which will leave guests in no doubt as to the significant advantages in grip, stability and overall control the quattro all-wheel-drive system holds over more traditional sports car drive configurations.

Respect for speed
The Audi Driving Experience is of course about more than just thrills though. The graduated on-circuit training and incident simulation will be invaluable to drivers of all classes of car as a means of preparing for the ‘worst case scenario’ in complete safety, and will also instil a greater respect for, and understanding of, speed and its implications.

Director of Audi UK Jeremy Hicks, a firm believer in the benefits of specialist driver training, says: “Power outputs in our range are rising, and thanks to advances in quattro drive and our increasing use of high-tech materials in production our cars are becoming lighter and ever more agile, so they are offering more and more for keen drivers to enjoy. This training is designed not only to ensure that they do exactly that, but also do it as safely as possible. I would encourage everyone – enthusiast or not – to take the time to come and polish their technique.”

The full-day Audi Driving Experience can accommodate up to 30 guests each day, and takes place on specific dates through to October of this year. It costs £499 including VAT and is open to all Audi enthusiasts aged over 21 holding a driver’s licence containing no more than eight penalty endorsements. The fee includes breakfast, lunch and break-time refreshments all freshly prepared on site. Spectators are welcome to attend at a cost of £79 including VAT per person, however places are limited so early booking is advisable. .

On completion of the Audi Driving Experience course at Silverstone, guests also have the option to progress to the International Audi Driving Experience, featuring circuit-based days in famous locations such as Germany’s challenging Nurburgring Nordschliefe circuit and Spain’s Circuit de Catalunya, as well as winter driving training in Scandinavia.

For full details of all the courses, customers can visit www.audi.co.uk, click on ‘About Audi’ on the home page and then select ‘Audi driving experiences’. More information on course dates and availability can also be obtained by calling the dedicated Audi Driving Experience Hotline on 08000 274787.

Audi R8

New Audi R8 V10 ready for the road (and track)

Acclaimed aluminium-bodied, mid-engined Audi sports car now available with both ten and eight cylinder power

  • Second R8 model powered by 5.2-litre V10 FSI petrol engine scheduled to open for UK order in January 2009 for first deliveries next spring
  • Available with manual gearbox at £99,575 OTR, or with R tronic sequential shift transmission at £104,665 OTR (R8 4.2 V8 £77,405 OTR and £82,495 OTR)
  • 5,204cc V10 produces 525PS at 8,000rpm and 530Nm at 6,500rpm (R8 4.2 V8 420PS at 7,800rpm, 430Nm at 4,500rpm)
  • 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed 196mph, combined mpg 20.6 (R8 4.2 V8 R tronic 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, top speed 187mph, combined mpg 20.7)
  • Combines classic mid-engine configuration with advanced all-aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction and quattro permanent four-wheel-drive
  • World’s first all-LED headlamps as standard, plus Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping and Bang & Olufsen audio system

Audi is sending shockwaves through the sports car establishment yet again with the new R8 V10, a ten-cylinder, 525PS, 196mph evolution of the quattro four-wheel-driven sports car that UK enthusiasts have taken to their hearts. The project that has been the subject of intense speculation since the 2006 launch of the V8-powered R8 is set to come to fruition in January when the new super car opens for UK order priced at £99,575 OTR in manual form, or £104,665 OTR equipped with the R tronic sequential shift transmission. First deliveries are expected next spring.

The new 5.2-litre FSI V10 petrol engine mounted longitudinally directly behind the cockpit is almost identical in construction to the unit powering the recently announced R8 LMS that will race at customer level in the GT3 class. It contributes only 31kg more to the overall weight of the all-aluminium-bodied R8 than the existing V8, taking it to 1,620kg, and making possible an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 324PS per ton.

Punching out its 525PS maximum at 8,000rpm, and peak torque of 530Nm at 6,500rpm, this exceptional and highly efficient direct injection unit rockets the R8 through the 62mph barrier in just 3.9 seconds as it revs freely to its 8,700rpm limit in each of its six ratios. When linked to the R tronic transmission it can reach 124mph in only 12 seconds, and in the right conditions can maintain its breathtaking momentum all the way to 196mph – an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi.

By mounting the ten-cylinder unit as close as possible to the centre of the R8, Audi engineers have achieved near perfect 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance. Dry sump engine lubrication – an element specifically derived from racing – also furthers this aim by enabling the V10 to be mounted as close to the road as possible to lower the centre of gravity.

Advanced Audi magnetic ride
This classic configuration, combined with advanced Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction mating lightweight aluminium panelling to an aluminium space frame, provides the very best operating conditions for the futuristic chassis with its agile double wishbone set-up and standard Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system.

The Audi magnetic ride dampers swap conventional fluid for a magnetorheological solution containing minute magnetic particles that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. By applying a voltage to the system’s electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is altered by the affected magnetic particles, increasing resistance to damper movement to iron out pitch and roll when necessary, and reducing resistance when ride comfort takes precedence. The system constantly monitors road conditions and driving style and reacts accordingly.

The striking 19-inch ’10-spoke Y design’ alloy wheels naturally contend with the V10’s formidable output with the help of the legendary quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system, which apportions power to front and rear axles in constantly varying degrees dictated by road conditions. Ventilated and perforated 380 millimetre front and 356 millimetre rear disc brakes, which at extra cost can be upgraded to virtually fade-free ceramic discs, also help to instil complete confidence. As a whole, the configuration, which also includes a super precise gear shift and fast-reacting, communicative steering, has already been lavished with exceptional praise by critics the world over in the V8-powered R8.

World’s first all-LED headlights
As a further safety enhancement feature that also adds a new dimension to the already much lauded styling of the R8, the V10 is equipped as standard with the world’s first all-LED headlamps. For the first time the high intensity diodes have been used for low beam and high beam settings, as well as for daytime running lights and indicators, intensifying the sports car’s visual drama.

The list of subtle embellishments to the taut, emotive body of the R8 V10 also includes a high gloss finish for the grille and front air intakes, more pronounced side sills, wider side cooling vents within the contrasting ‘sideblade’, high gloss rear air outlets, oval exhaust tailpipes and a new rear diffuser.

The everyday usability of the R8 has been as widely commended as its capacity to enthral drivers, and the V10 version will of course be no different. The much praised quality of the interior fixtures and the deceptive amount of space afforded by the generous 2.65-metre wheel base makes this one of the most easygoing super cars ever built, and the V10 with its extra equipment emphasizes this further. In the most powerful R8 to date electric adjustment and heating is added for the Fine Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats, and DVD satellite navigation and a CD changer playable through a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system simplify and enhance day-to-day driving. An interior light package including LED footwell lighting, light and rain sensors and LED engine compartment lighting also comes as standard.