Audi unleashes the new R8

German auto giant Audi, which closed the year at No. 2 position as the country’s top luxury car maker, continued its aggressive strategy to update and launch new models. The latest to hit the road is its top sports car, the R8. With new changes and updates this new four ring beast is ready to take on competition and set the tarmac on fire. Ammar Alvi has more.

Audi recently announced the launch of the new R8—the sporty spearhead of the Audi model lineup. This high performance super sports car which is equipped with a newly-developed seven-speed S tronic is priced from `1.3 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) for the V8 Coupé, `1.57 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) for the V10 Coupé and `1.73 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) for the V10 Spyder.

The Audi R8 V8 delivers 316 kW (430 hp) and 430 Nm of torque between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, it accelerates the R8 Coupé from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h. The Audi R8 V10 Coupé with the S tronic completes the standard sprint in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 314 km/h and delivers 386 kW (525 hp). The new Audi R8 V10 Spyder sprints in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 311 km/h.

According to Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, “Our outstanding performance in 2012 established Audi as the fastest growing luxury car brand in India and this successful run will continue this year too. 2013 is a critical year for Audi in India and we will see the announcement of several initiatives on the product and network front. First month of 2013 already saw the launch of new Audi Q5 and I am confident that with the launch of this new Audi R8, we will further consolidate our leadership position in the super sports car segment in India”

The exterior design has been honed ever further. The restructured all-LED headlights and rear lights are standard with all models. The Singleframe grille with tapered corners at the top, the redesigned diffuser and the large, round tailpipes are the most eye-catching new features. The rear lights of all models include dynamic turn signals, a worldwide first from Audi. Produced by LEDs, the turn signal runs from the inside out in the direction in which the driver wants to turn.

The interior of all versions of this high-performance sports car is now even more refined. With the optional honeycomb-quilted Fine Nappa full-leather package, the seat covers and inserts in the door liners are quilted. This quilting is also available as an option for the Alcantara headlining. The Audi engineers have reduced the weight of the top model by roughly 50 kg. The R8 V8 with the seven-speed S tronic gearbox (without a driver) tips the scales at just 1,660 kg. An aluminum Audi Space Frame weighs just 210 kg, roughly 40 per cent less than a comparable steel structure. The body of the R8 Spyder with its electrohydraulically actuated cloth top weighs 216 kg.

Meanwhile, the German luxury car manufacturer has recorded an impressive 63 per cent growth in India in 2012, exceeding its annual sales targets, yet again (Jan-Dec 2011: 5,511 units).