Category Archives: Audi R8

All-New Open-Top Audi R8 Spyder Now Available in the UK

Order bank opens for faster, tauter, technology-packed Audi convertible super sports car

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  • All-new convertible R8 now available to order priced from £129,990 OTR – first UK deliveries in late 2016
  • V10 engine developing 540PS, 0 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds, 197mph top speed
  • Audi Space Frame with 50 percent improvement in rigidity
  • R8 debut for Audi smartphone interface and Bang & Olufsen audio with headrest-mounted speakers

From today devotees of the gloriously vocal ten-cylinder engine at the heart of the all-new Audi R8 will be able to revel in the roar even more completely by opting for the latest open-air R8 Spyder.  Priced from £129,990 OTR, the new addition to the second generation R8 range can convert to sun-seeking mode in just 20 seconds, leaving occupants to enjoy the elements to the increasingly rare tune of a naturally aspirated V10 soundtrack.  The basic format may be familiar, but the ground-up rework of the R8 Spyder brings it very much up to date not only by adding more power and a 50 per cent uplift in torsional rigidity, but also sophisticated new features including the fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit, the Audi smartphone interface and internet-based Audi Connect services.

The key point of differentiation between Coupe and Spyder R8 models is of course the lightweight, fully automated cloth hood, which can be activated at speeds of up to 31mph and is slickly concealed beneath the sculpted integral cover, or reattached to shield occupants from a sharp shower, in just 20 seconds.  The rear window, sunk into the bulkhead, can also be retracted and extended at the touch of a button.

The strong backbone of the new R8 Spyder is the newly developed multi-material Audi Space Frame (ASF) which incorporates an intelligent mix of aluminium and carbon fibre that helps to keep dry weight down to just 1,612kg.  The inherent strength of the concept is evident in the fact that torsional rigidity has increased by over 50 per cent compared with the previous model, helped by Spyder-specific body reinforcements primarily in the sills, A-pillars and windscreen frame.

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3.6 seconds, 197mph

To propel this light yet impressively rigid shell as effectively and efficiently as possible, the latest naturally aspirated V10 works with a fast-acting seven-speed S tronic transmission and a newly designed quattro drive system using an electro-hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch apportioning drive fully variably to either axle according to the situation.  The upgraded power plant adds advanced features such as dual injection to optimise response and a freewheeling mode which enables it to ‘decouple’ whenever possible to improve fuel economy.  540PS of power and 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm deliver phenomenal road performance, with the 0 to 62mph sprint taking just 3.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 197mph, but the latest R8 Spyder is also capable of returning up to 24.1mpg, corresponding to 277 grams CO2 per kilometre.

The Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system is standard, and offers four modes ranging from overtly dynamic to comfort-oriented.  Even greater fine-tuning is available via the optional R8 performance leather steering wheel with its multifunction and satellite controls, one of which provides access to three more driving programs: dry, wet and snow.  These match the car’s operating characteristics to the specific conditions of the road being travelled.

Another new highlight in the driver’s field of vision is the large 12.3-inch, fully digital Audi virtual cockpit, which presents all information using rich 3D graphics.  The internet-based services delivered by Audi connect come as standard in the R8 Spyder, as does the intuitively operated MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, the Audi Music Interface and belt microphones which make it even easier to use natural-language voice control and the phone.

The Audi smartphone interface, which made its debut in the Q7 and A4 model lines and has just become a standard feature of the A3, is also adopted by the second generation R8 Spyder.  It enables selected content from compatible iOS and Android smartphones to be displayed by the Audi virtual cockpit.  The Audi phone box can also be specified to connect mobile phones to the car aerial and charge them inductively, and for audiophiles the optional Bang & Olufsen Sound System now also plays through two loudspeakers mounted in each seat’s headrest, for outstanding sound quality even when driving with the hood down.

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Virtually unlimited scope for personalisation

Over and above the extensive standard equipment, customers have almost unlimited scope to tailor both the interior and exterior to their individual preferences with features such as Gloss carbon exterior detailing, LED headlights with laser technology and a wealth of Audi exclusive upholstery and trim upgrades.

Drivers keen to wring every last ounce of reward from their R8 can also opt for the Sport Plus Pack, which adds even more responsive, variable ratio dynamic steering, Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping and an even more aurally impactful sport exhaust identifiable by black exhaust tailpipes which replace the standard chrome examples.

Ultraviolet delight – The all-new 197mph Audi R8 Spyder is now available, combining the many advances made by the latest Coupe with added open-air intensity for an OTR price starting at £129,990.

LEAKED: Audi’s 2017 & 2018 US Product Roadmap

LEAKED: Audi’s 2017 & 2018 US Product Roadmap
LEAKED: Audi’s 2017 & 2018 US Product Roadmap

RS3 Sedan – Lots of news on this recently, it’s basically the RS3 with a boot/trunk.
A5 / S5 – Audi plan to introduce the new A5 coupe in March 2017, with a corresponding S5 variant. It is expected that the S5 will have circa 350 hp, like S4. The A5 / S5 Sportback and Cabriolet are two months later, in May.
Q5/SQ5 – The all-new Q5 and SQ5 are targeted for April 2017. The Q5 is likely to be powered by an assortment of engines sourced from the A4.
Q6 (C-BEV) – Concept Battery Electric Vehicle, an all-electric SUV. Based on the same MLB 2 platform as the Q7, with a range of over 300 miles and perhaps use a battery rated at 90 kWh.
Q7/SQ7 – Specifics are unconfirmed for the SQ7; potentially a diet and more power from an electric supercharger or the V8 from the RS7. The hybrid Q7, the Q7 e-tron is due in October 2017.
Q8 / RS Q8 – Representing the flagship of the “Q” range, the Audi Q8’s range is projected to be between £50,000 for an entry-level turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol model and £90,000 for a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 RS Q8.
R8 – A V10 R8 Spyder in May 2017 with the rumoured V6 R8 targeted for 2018.
TT RS Coupe – The new TT RS debuts in April 2017 (with manual transmission), with about 400 hp from the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder, which is shared with the RS3.

Whilst there are signs of new releases of the A6, A7 and A8, the A4 does not appear in the list.

Photo Credit : autobahn.eu

Audi R8 V10 Full Carbon Body

If there’s one Audi that you’d choose for a full carbon body, what would it be and what tune would you use?  Well, we think this one is worthy of attention.

Here we have the full carbon bodied mcchip-dkr Audi R8.  The latest creation includes a supercharger, uprated exhaust system and Alcantara interior.

Shopping list as follows:

  • VF Supercharger
  • Forged pistons
  • Motorsport con rods
  • Optimized cylinder head
  • Intercooler
  • Uprated exhaust system
  • Fire extinguisher system
  • R8 GT3 LMS Kit (wider wings, rear spoiler, completely revised bumpers)
  • Alcantra interior
  • Custom Built BBS Motorsport wheels
  • KW coilover suspension
  • Complete carbon fibre body

Audi R8 LMX

There’s only 9 of the 99 Audi R8 LMX coming to the UK.  It’s the most powerful road going iteration of the R8 and also the first car to have laser high beam lighting as standard.  RS246 is looking forward to seeing one of the nine UK cars at Stafford Audi unless one of you lucky people snaps it up first 🙂