Cars & Autos | Monday 17 August, 2015 3:12 am |

From 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h, 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h. Naturally-aspirated V10 mid-engine with up to 610 hp of power responds instantly to throttle inputs. Aerodynamic concept of a race car: The new Audi R8 is the dynamic vanguard of Audi – no other car with the four rings is so close to car racing.

 

“Car racing has been a part of our Audi DNA for many decades,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development. “Audi stands for automotive dynamism, and this applies very much to our new high-performance R8 sports car. In all technical areas it is extremely close to being a race car. It is the most powerful, fastest and sharpest production Audi ever.”

 

The new R8 launches in two engine versions – as the R8 V10 plus with 610 hp it is the most powerful and fastest production Audi ever built. The 5.2liter V10 enables breathtaking performance, and its hissing, roaring sound is highly emotional. Yet fuel economy has been improved by up to 13 percent in the R8 model series compared to the previous model. 

 

Fully variable torque distribution: the new quattro drive

In the powertrain, the lightning-quick shifts of the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, an optimized mechanical differential lock and a new electro hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch work together. The actively cooled all-wheel drive system can distribute torque freely between the axles. The intelligent dynamic control system for the quattro drive is incorporated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system that offers four basic modes.

 

In each mode, the new high-performance sports car expresses a different character – from relaxed freeway cruiser to race car on the circuit track. In the top R8 V10 plus model, a performance leather steering wheel is standard equipment. 

 

In its performance mode, it offers three additional modes: dry, wet and snow. They make handling even more precise and sharper, tuned to the friction coefficient of the specific road surface. The new technology is also available on the R8 V10, including the steering wheel that is used to select the special modes.

 

Dry weight: 1,454 kg 

The new Audi R8 V10 plus has a dry weight of just 1,454 kg. This was primarily due to its newly conceptualized Audi Space Frame (ASF) in multi-material construction – which consists of aluminum and CFRP parts. The ASF weighs just 200 kg. The entire underbody has a smooth covering, like on a race car, and the air flow exits via a large diffuser. This increases downforce. At top speed, this amounts to 40 kg at the front axle and 100 kg at the rear axle. The large CFRP rear wing also plays an important role in attaining these top figures.

 

Exclusively for the driver: operating controls

Just like in a race car, the interior of the high-performance sports car focuses on the driver. The driver can read off all key information at a glance from the Audi virtual cockpit. The steering wheel, instrument cluster and road all line up along one central visual axis. Drivers can operate all important functions with the multifunction and satellite push-buttons without having to take their hands off the steering wheel or look away from the road.

 

The Audi virtual cockpit is user configurable, and it shows all displays in elaborate 3D graphics – if desired, with one large rev counter and auxiliary gages that show much more information, such as tire temperature and torque output. MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is standard equipment in the new R8. This high-end media center was designed to follow a simple operating logic.

 

Extreme lighting range: laser spot for the high beam headlight

The workmanship of the new R8 – which is handcrafted at a new plant near Neckarsulm – is superlative. Its range of optional technology components extends to the sound system from Bang & Olufsen and the Audi laser spot, which doubles the range of the high-beam light. 

 

Sister models: Audi R8 LMS

No other production car with the four rings shows as much affinity for the race track as the new R8. This is also proven by its sister models – the new GT3 race car, the Audi R8 LMS. For the first time, Audi developed all two versions simultaneously, in order to optimally exploit synergies. Both the new Audi R8 and its motorsport variant, the R8 LMS, have made significant performance gains, thanks to the close cooperation between race car engineers, motorsport specialists and developers. Just ten weeks after its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, the R8 LMS made its dazzling entrance on the 24hour racing scene, seizing overall victory on the Nürburgring. 

 

Summary

Taking dynamism to the limit – the new Audi R8

 

No other production car with the four rings is as powerful, fast or distinctive: The new high-performance R8 sports car is designed for maximum dynamism in all of its technical aspects – from its Audi Space Frame (ASF) to its aerodynamics and newly developed quattro all-wheel drive. The naturally-aspirated V10 midengine guarantees tremendous performance, especially in the top version with 610 hp: The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.2 seconds, and its acceleration tops out at a governed maximum speed of 330 km/h.

 

A powerful, high-revving mid-engine, a quattro drive system with freely variable torque distribution, systematic lightweight design with an ASF made of CFRP and aluminum and a dynamic chassis all make the R8 the sporty vanguard of Audi, and it is sharper than ever. The close cooperation between race car engineers, motorsport specialists and developers has led to significant performance gains – in both the road-version sports car and the R8 LMS race car that was designed simultaneously.

 

“The new Audi R8 V10 plus is the most powerful and fastest production Audi ever,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development. “Motorsport has always been a solid component of our brand character. With the new R8 series, our engineers are transferring their entire accumulated racing expertise from the race track to the road. It also lets us reinforce our core brand values of dynamism, design and quality.”

Engine: V10 in two versions
The engine of the new Audi high-performance sports car is available in two versions – with 540 hp for the R8 V10 and 610 hp for the R8 V10 plus. Their maximum engine torque – 540 Nm and 560 Nm, respectively – is available at 6,500 rpm for both engines. Compared to the previous model, power has increased considerably, and the responsiveness of the high-revving (up to 8,700 rpm), naturally aspirated 5.2liter engine is now even more spontaneous. Like a race car engine, the V10 engine has dry sump lubrication. Its characteristic sound is now even fuller, and Audi can install a sport exhaust system as an option. 

Fuel economy is better than in the previous model – by up to 13 percent (33 g/km CO2). The new V10 engine was given effective efficiency technologies. They include the COD (cylinder on demand) system, which shuts off one row of cylinders under low load conditions. Another is dual injection, which injects the fuel into the combustion chambers and induction manifold according to demand. When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal at speeds over 55 km/h, the new R8 goes into a coasting mode. When the car comes to a stop, a start-stop system deactivates the V10 engine.

 

In the sports car world, the new Audi R8 is right among the leaders in terms of its driving performance. The V10 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, and it accelerates to a top speed of 320 km/h. For the V10 plus, the fastest production Audi ever, the figures are 3.2 seconds and 330 km/h, and it takes just 9.9 seconds to sprint from 0 to 200 km/h. In the top model, each horsepower only has to move 2.38 kg of dry vehicle weight – an excellent power-to-weight ratio. 

 

Stability and dynamics: the new quattro drive

Positioned behind the V10 is a seven-speed S tronic that executes lightning-fast gear shifts by electrical control (shift-by-wire). The dual-clutch transmission directs forces to a newly designed quattro drive system with an electro hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch at the front axle. It has active water cooling for maximum performance. The clutch distributes drive torque fully variably according to the driving situation – up to 100 percent can be directed to either the front or rear wheels. 

 

Management of the clutch is integrated in the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, and it gives the driver a choice between the basic modes comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. On the R8 V10 plus (and as an option for the V10), the performance mode comes with three additional modes: dry, wet and snow. They adapt key handling parameters to the friction coefficient of the road surface. A mechanical rear differential lock is standard; its locking values were newly tuned to work together with the actively controlled quattro drive.

 

Motorsport DNA: chassis has double wishbones

The motorsport DNA of the new Audi R8 also expresses itself in the chassis area with its aluminum double wishbone suspensions. On the V10 plus, the tuning is very sporty, and electronically controlled shock absorbers (Audi magnetic ride) are available as an option in both engine versions. The new electromechanical power steering system gives drivers finely differentiated road feedback. As an alternative, Audi can install dynamic steering, which adapts its steering gear ratio to the vehicle’s driving speed.

 

In both engine versions, the new Audi R8 has standard 19inch wheels, and 20inch wheels with size 245/30 tires in front and 305/30 at the rear are available as an option. The powerful brakes decelerate the car effectively; in the top model, the disks are made of carbon-fiber ceramic (optional on the R8 V10). 

 

Besides integrating the quattro drive system, the Audi drive select system also integrates other systems into its four basic modes: the accelerator pedal, steering, S tronic, damper control (optional), dynamic steering (optional) and the flaps of the exhaust system. In the dry, wet and snow performance modes, the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) system is also managed.

 

Lightweight design: dry weight is only 1,454 kg 

In the top model, the R8 V10 plus, the unladen weight (without driver) is only 1,555 kg, and the dry weight is a low 1,454 kg. Playing a decisive role in this systematic lightweight design concept is the Audi Space Frame (ASF), which weighs just 200 kg thanks to a new type of multi-material construction. It comprises 79 percent aluminum and 13 percent carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and was designed according to the Audi motto “The right material in the right amount at the right place.”

 

The aluminum parts create a framework that integrates large CFRP components – the center tunnel, rear wall and B-pillars. On the R8 V10 plus, add-on parts such as the side blades and diffuser are made of CRFP, which complements the lightweight alloy exterior skin. Compared to the previous model, the multi-material ASF has 40 percent greater torsional rigidity, and its acoustics and crashworthiness also get top grades.

 

As in a race car, the aerodynamic concept of the new Audi R8 is designed primarily for driving stability. Its central element is a long and wide diffuser in the underbody. On the R8 V10 plus, a total of 140 kg of downforce is generated at top speed: 40 kg at the front axle and 100 kg at the rear axle. 

 

Design: low, wide and extended

The new Audi R8 is 4.42 meters long and 1.94 meters wide. Its proportions – with its cabin placed far forward, a long back and relatively short wheelbase – make the technology concept of the mid-engine sports car clearly recognizable at first glance. Characteristic design features of the previous model now take on a sharpened expression. The side blades, for instance, are now interrupted by the continuous shoulder line that gives the sides a look of tension and excitement.

 

Large air inlets with vertical fins and LED headlights flank the wide, low-profile Single frame grille that has a strong sculpted appearance. As an option, Audi can deliver LED headlights with laser spots that double the range of the high-beam headlights This option also includes dynamic turn signals in front; they are standard in the LED tail lights. The look at the rear is shaped by the diffuser, the ventilation screen of the engine compartment and – on the V10 plus – a CFRP fixed wing.

 

The eleven exterior colors that are offered may be combined with any of the six versions of side blades. The R8 V10 plus adds CFRP side blades with a gloss finish as standard equipment (optional for the R8 V10). The Audi exclusive program lets customers order any paint colors blended according to their wishes. Buyers can also choose any color for the side blades.

 

Interior: aesthetic lightweight design

In the interior too, the lightweight design concept of the new Audi R8 is expressed in taut lines. The defining element is the arch-shaped “monoposto” that wraps around the cockpit. The instrument panel appears to float weightlessly, and turbine-shaped controls for the automatic air conditioner are arranged along its lower edge. Behind the seats is a cargo space with 226 liters of capacity. It supplements the 112 liter luggage compartment at the front of the car.

 

The low-mounted sport seats with integrated head restraints are entirely new. In the plus model, there are lightweight bucket seats (optional on the V10). Customers can choose between Alcantara and fine Nappa leather for the upholstery in a number of different color combinations. In addition, two leather packages are offered as well as a new diamond quilted pattern and decorative trims in matt CFRP. Individualists can have nearly any other special wishes fulfilled in the Audi exclusive program. 

 

Like in a race car: controls & displays

At the controls of the new Audi R8, the driver feels like a race car driver. All important functions can be controlled without drivers taking their hands off the steering wheel or looking away from the road. The R8 sport leather steering wheel with multifunction plus, which is standard on the R8 V10, integrates two satellite buttons for starting and stopping the engine and for Audi drive select. The R8 performance leather steering wheel with four control satellites (standard on the V10 plus, optional on the V10) offers one additional push-button with a turn wheel for the performance mode and another for controlling the exhaust system.

 

The digital display is also reminiscent of a race car: The Audi virtual cockpit, a TFT monitor with a 12.3inch screen, presents all information in intricately rendered, high-resolution graphics. The driver can choose between three views. In the performance view, the rev counter is centrally located, and other indicators and gages are arranged around it – such as for torque, power, oil temperature, tire temperature, g-forces and lap times on the race track. Drivers can individually configure the gages around the speedometer and rev counter according to their needs and uses.

 

Includes MMI navigation plus: equipment

The new R8 comes with a generous set of standard equipment. One highlight is MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. Like in a smartphone, the operating logic is structured in flat hierarchies, including a free text search function. Vehicle functions can be controlled from the steering wheel, the MMI terminal on the console of the center tunnel or by voice control. Audi connect is the perfect component to complement MMI navigation plus. It brings the new R8 online via the high-performance LTE standard. The second generation modular infotainment platform (MIB) makes this possible. The sound system from Bang & Olufsen and the Audi phone box round out the infotainment line-up.

 

New craftscale production facility: Audi Böllinger Höfe

The new Audi R8 is being built in a specially constructed production facility known as the “Audi Böllinger Höfe” in Heilbronn. Body manufacturing and final assembly both feature many new methods and are organized highly flexibly – especially for limited volume series with a handcrafted character. They offer a lot of freedom that enables fulfillment of individual customer requests.

 

As many as 500 highly qualified specialists are employed in the new R8 manufacturing facility, which is operated by quattro GmbH. They build each car with the greatest handcrafting precision in 15 cycles, each around 30 minutes long. Before delivery, each new high-performance sports car must successfully complete a stringent quality acceptance process.

 

For the racetrack: the Audi R8 LMS

Making its debut at the same time as the R8 roadversion sports car is the new R8 LMS race car. It shows just how closely motorsport and production cars are interrelated at Audi. The share of identical parts between the two cars is around 50 percent, and the bodies of both cars are produced at “Audi Böllinger Höfe”.

 

The chassis of the rear-wheel drive GT3 race car is based on a multi-material ASF, which is point-reinforced, plus a safety cage. Large areas of its exterior skin are made of CFRP. The race car’s homologation weight is 1,225 kg. The V10 is practically identical to the production engine, and it outputs around 585 hp approx.. The car’s aerodynamics have also been further developed, and its cD figure has been lowered. Special diffusers in the rear body and smooth underbody panels create more downforce in the new R8 LMS. This makes it possible to implement a smaller spoiler, which increases the car’s top speed.

 

Sales of the new Audi R8 LMS to customer teams worldwide will begin with the 2016 season. In 2015, the new race car is already competing in its first races with factory teams in international endurance races such as the 24hour race at the Nürburgring and in Spa. Just ten weeks after its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, the R8 LMS made its dazzling entrance on the 24hour racing scene, seizing overall victory on the Nürburgring.

 

At a glance

The new Audi R8

 

Engine

- Naturally aspirated high-revving V10 with dry sump lubrication

- 5.2liter displacement, two versions: 540 hp and 610 hp, 540 Nm or 560 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm

- High-revving, spontaneous engine response, characteristic sound

- Cylinder on demand (COD), coasting mode, start-stop system, dual fuel injection, fuel consumption up to 13 percent lower than in previous model.

- Excellent driving performance: 0 – 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds,
0 – 200 km/ in 9.9 seconds, top speed of 330 km/h (on the R8 V10 plus)

 

Drivetrain

- Lightning-fast shifts with seven-speed S tronic, shift-by-wire signal transmission

- Newly developed quattro permanent all-wheel drive with electro-hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch, fully variable distribution of drive torque, rear differential lock.

 

Chassis

- Double wishbone suspensions, front and rear, optional Audi magnetic ride damper control

- High-performance brakes at all four wheels, optional ceramic brake disks

- Newly developed electromechanical steering, dynamic steering system as an alternative

- Standard 19inch wheels with mixed tires, optional 20inch wheels

- Audi drive select dynamic handling system with four standard modes; optional three additional performance modes for maximum dynamic performance (standard in V10 plus)

 

Exterior design and Audi Space Frame (ASF)

- Characteristically taut mid-engine sports car design

- Two-part sideblades, standard LED headlights, optional laser spot for high-beam, dynamic turn signals

- New Audi Space Frame in multi-material construction made of aluminum and CFRP; ASF weighs 200 kg, vehicle dry weight 1,454 kg (R8 V10 plus) 

- Top figures for torsional rigidity, crash safety and acoustics

- Aerodynamic concept focuses on high downforce figures

 

Interior

- Clean lines, monoposto arch in cockpit, hovering instrument panel

- Newly conceptualized sport seats, R8 V10 plus with lightweight bucket seats

- New colors and materials, many customization options

 

 

Controls & displays

- Controls are fully focused on the driver; all key functions are on the steering wheel

- Two steering wheel versions with two or four satellite buttons

- User-configurable Audi virtual cockpit that offers a 12.3inch screen with brilliant, high-resolution displays is standard. Performance view shows additional information such as torque, power, oil and tire temperatures, gforces and lap times on the race track

 

Infotainment and Audi connect

- MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is standard, newly developed operating concept with flat hierarchies like on a smartphone, including free text search

- Technology is based on second generation modular infotainment platform (MIB)

- Audi connect, Audi phone box and sound system from Bang & Olufsen are optional 

 

Production

- Crafted at Audi Böllinger Höfe at the Audi production site in Neckarsulm

- Flexible and innovative production, high share of highly skilled handcrafted work

 

Audi R8 LMS

- GT3 race car for global customer racing program; first races already in 2015

- Around 50 percent of its parts are identical to those of production sports car, including the engine

- Reinforced ASF with safety cage, exterior skin made of CFRP