Just a few hours after an official image leaked online, the 2016 Audi R8 has been officially unveiled before the Geneva Motor Show 2015. The 2016 Audi R8 is the second-generation of the German mid-engined supercar and features a host of mechanical and visual modifications over the outgoing model.
For starters, the 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine has been removed from the line-up. As a result, the 2016 Audi R8 will only be available with the 5.2-litre V10 engine from launch. In base 2016 Audi R8 V10 specification, that engine has been tweaked from the current one up to 540 hp while the range-topping Audi R8 V10 Plus pumps out 610 hp and 560 Nm of torque. As a result, the Audi R8 V10 Plus will accelerate to 100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds as well as a top speed of 330 km/h. By comparison, the regular Audi R8 V10 will still sprint to 100 km/h in a respectable 3.5 seconds as well as a 323 km/h top speed.
Numerous upgrades have been performed to the engine to help achieve the higher horsepower and torque outputs. First and foremost, a new indirect injection system has been installed alongside the FSI direct fuel injection. Elsewhere, dry sump lubrication is featured. Additionally, the second-generation 2016 Audi R8 boasts the new cylinder on demand (COD) system which translates into lower fuel consumption as one bank of cylinders can shut down when not required. All told, the Audi R8 V10 consumes a mere 11.8 litres of fuel per 100 km while the 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus sucks down 12.4 litres per 100 km. Those figures translate into 275g of CO2 and 289g of CO2 respectively.
This engine is then mated to an upgraded seven-speed S tronic transmission driving all four wheels. The quattro all-wheel drive has also been improved and in different conditions, can send up to 100 per cent of torque to either the front or rear wheels. This translates into a fully variable distribution of torque across all four wheels. Another key feature is a mechanical limited slip differential at the rear axle while the front axle now features a new electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch.
On a suspension front, the 2016 Audi R8 features double wishbones at all four corners made from lightweight aluminium. The dampers used are fully adjustable and can be mated with the optional Audi magnetic ride control system. Elsewhere, electromechanical power steering is featured and promises to reduce CO2 emissions which still providing a thrilling driving experience. Sticking the new Audi R8 V10 to the road are 245/35 tyres at the front and 295/35 tyres at the rear alongside the 19-inch wheels. Interestingly, 20-inch wheels are optional alongside 245/30 and 305/30 tyres.
Braking performance is provided by standard steel discs on the R8 V10 as well as high-tech carbon ceramic discs for the Audi R8 V10 Plus. For ‘regular’ R8 V10 owners, the carbon ceramics are an optional extra.
All told, the Audi R8 V10 Plus tips the scales at 1454 kg (dry) which is 50 kg less than the outgoing Audi R8. Helping to achieve the lower overall weight is the new Audi Space Frame (ASF) which uses a mixture of carbon fibre and aluminium. Additionally, the B pillars are made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic as is the transmission tunnel and rear wall. By comparison, the front of the car, roof and rear chassis are made from cast aluminium. The new platform means the 2016 Audi R8 is 15 per cent lighter than before but at the same time, 40 per cent stiffer.
Alongside the release of the 2016 Audi R8 V10 and V10 Plus, the second-generation R8 brings along the eagerly awaited Audi R8 e-tron. It delivers a total of 455 hp and 920 Nm of torque through the electric powertrain and can consequently reach 100 km/h in a mere 3.9 seconds. The range sits at an impressive 450 km.
Visually, it is easy to distinguish the 2016 Audi R8 from the previous generation car. The front end has been overhauled with new air intakes, a new grille as well as sharp LED headlights. Despite these changes, the 2016 model is still identifiable as an R8. The changes to the rear-end are arguably even more extensive with different taillights, grilles, a new bumper and different exhaust tips. Additionally, a menacing rear diffuser comes on both the Audi R8 V10 and V10 Plus models.
Elsewhere, the second-gen Audi R8 has ditched the original’s famous side blades in favour of more conventional side air intakes finished in black or silver to contrast the car’s exterior finish. The V10 Plus then makes use of a prominent rear wing.
[showhide]
*The collective fuel consumption of all models named above and available on the German
market can be found in the list provided at the end of this MediaInfo.
1/13
Audi presents the new R8:
The sporty spearhead just got even sharper
The second generation of the high-performance sports car makes its
debut in Geneva
5.2 FSI engine with up to 449 kW (610 hp), 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph)
in 3.2 seconds
New multimaterial Audi Space Frame with high proportions of
aluminum and CFRP
Ingolstadt, February 26, 2015 – No model with the four rings is closer to
motorsport, none is more striking and more dynamic: at the Geneva Motor Show,
Audi is presenting the second generation of its high-performance R8 sports car.
The V10 mid-engine and a newly developed quattro drive ensure breathtaking
driving performance, especially in the top-of-the-range version with 449 kW
(610 hp): achieving 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 3.2 seconds, its top speed
is 330 km/h (205.1 mph).
A high-revving mid-engine with superior performance, a consistently lightweight
construction concept and an extremely dynamic chassis with quattro drive system and
fully variable torque control – this is what makes the R8 the sporty spearhead of Audi.
The high-performance sports car has been newly developed from the ground up – it is
more taut, more striking and more fascinating both on the race track and on the road.
“Motorsport is in Audi’s genes, it has always been a permanent feature of our brand’s
character,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development
at Audi. “With the new Audi R8, our engineers are bringing accumulated racing
expertise from the race track onto the road. No other model of ours evokes more
dynamic emotion. The new R8 V10 plus is therefore the most powerful and fastest
series-production Audi of all time.” Thanks to the close cooperation between racing
engineers, racing drivers and developers, the Audi R8 has seen a clear performance
increase – this benefits both the series production car and the R8 LMS developed on the
basis of this.
Product and Technology Communications
Tanja Lehner-Ilsanker
Tel: +49 841 89-34105
E-mail: [email protected]
www.audi-mediaservices.com/en2/13
The engines: 10 cylinders in two versions
The 5.2 FSI is available in two versions: one with 397 kW (540 hp) and another
sporting 449 kW (610 hp). The range-topping model accelerates in a mere
3.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) and keeps going to its maximum speed
of 330 km/h (205.1 mph). The sound of the freely aspirated V10 engine, whose
maximum torque is available at 6,500 rpm, has become even fuller and sharper.
A 7-speed S tronic transmission and a newly developed quattro drive system transmit
the power to the road. The distribution of the drive torque adapts to the respective
driving conditions – in extreme cases, 100 percent of the torque can be transmitted to
the front or rear axle. The new performance mode in the Audi drive select dynamic
handling system enables adaptation of the most important ride dynamics parameters
to the friction coefficient of the road.
Lightweight construction: only 1,454 kg (3,205.5 lb) dry weight
The top model R8 V10 plus has a dry weight of 1,454 kilograms (3,205.5 lb).
Despite a lot of extra equipment and greater rigidity, the new Audi R8 weighs up to
50 kilograms (110.2 lb) less than its predecessor. The multimaterial Audi
Space Frame (ASF) ensures low weight and optimum axle load distribution. The
combination of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) in the Audi
Space Frame opens up new dimensions with regard to weight, rigidity and crash
behavior. The aerodynamic underbody which integrates a long diffuser boosts
downforce. The chassis, too, with its double wishbone suspension demonstrates
how close the new Audi R8 is to motorsport.
Design: flat, wide, muscular
The design reflects the powerful sporty character of the R8. A visual distinguishing
feature which also provides enhanced safety comes in the form of the standard LED
headlights. For an extended field of vision and more brightness, Audi offers the laser
spot for the high beam as an option – complemented by the dynamic turn signals at
the front. Dynamic turn signals are standard at the rear.
In the new Audi virtual cockpit, the displays are digital. The most important controls
are grouped together in button clusters on the steering wheel, also known as
satellites. In the interior, the driver has the impression of sitting in a race car. The air
conditioning controls emphasize the simplicity of the control panel with its floating
effect. MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is standard.3/13
Sales of the new Audi R8 start in summer 2015. Prices are 165,000 euros for the
R8 V10 and 187,400 euros for the top-of-the-range version R8 V10 plus.
New factory for quattro GmbH: production at the “Böllinger Höfe” site
The new Audi R8 is produced at a new quattro GmbH production site that was
specially built for the sports car – the “Böllinger Höfe” site in Heilbronn. An elaborate
manufacturing technique ensures that Audi-typical quality is produced.
Specialists: the Audi R8 e-tron and Audi R8 LMS
The second generation of the Audi R8 forms the basis for more models. The latest
evolutionary version of the electrically-powered high-performance R8 e-tron sports
car achieves a performance figure of 340 kW and a torque of 920 Nm (678.6 lb-ft). It
sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds. Thanks to new
battery cells, the range could be more than doubled compared to the first version of
this technological wonder – it is now more than 450 kilometers (279.6 mi).
The new Audi R8 LMS race car was developed based on the new GT3 regulations due
to come into effect worldwide from 2016. This year it will already be put through its
paces at the factory. Despite massive performance increases, around 50 percent of its
components are the same as the series-production car.4/13
Full version
The new Audi R8
The R8 is the dynamic spearhead of Audi. In its second generation, the highperformance
sports car has been newly developed from the ground up – it is more
taut, more striking and more fascinating. The high-revving V10 engine is available
in two performance variants. In the top-of-the-range version with 449 kW
(610 hp), it develops breathtaking power.
“Motorsport is in Audi’s DNA, it is part of our brand’s character,” says
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at Audi.
“With the new R8, our engineers are bringing accumulated racing expertise from the
race track onto the road. No other model of ours evokes more dynamic emotion,
none is closer to a race car. The new R8 V10 plus is the most powerful and fastest
series production Audi of all time.”
The mid-engine principle used for the Audi R8 is not only a classic concept in
motorsport but also an important piece of Audi tradition. The powerful engines were
located in front of the rear axle even in the Grand Prix race cars brought to the start
line by Auto Union in the 1930s – a revolutionary step at the time. In 2000, Audi won
the 24-hour Le Mans endurance race with the LMP R8 prototype for the first time. By
2005, the car which provided the name for today’s series-production highperformance
sports car had secured five overall victories at the Sarthe – the name
chosen for the road version of the super sports car from Audi, R8, indicates the
technological relationship between the two winners.
As the R8 LMS, the Audi R8 is also highly successful in customer racing. The basis for
its success: motorsport was part of the development strategy from the very
beginning. In 2009, the R8 LMS customer racing race car began its success story
which would lead it to more than 190 victories and 23 championship titles worldwide.
Technically speaking, it is closely related to the road version of the sports car with
around 50 percent of the same parts.
Up to 449 kW (610 hp): the two V10 engines
The new generation of the Audi R8 utilizes the latest development of the ten-cylinder
engine. With its spontaneous throttle response, quick revving up to 6,500 rpm and
inimitable roaring sound, the naturally aspirated 5.2 FSI engine is enough to give you
goose bumps. In the new R8, the freely aspirated V10 engine offers even more power
and torque than before. Controllable flaps in the exhaust pipe and an optional sport
exhaust system make the car sound even more characteristic. 5/13
The ten-cylinder engine is available in two versions. In the R8 V10, it develops a
power of 397 kW (540 hp) from its 5,204 cc displacement and a torque of 540 Nm
(398.3 lb-ft) at an engine speed of 6,500 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h
(62.1 mph) takes just 3.5 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 323 km/h
(200.7 mph). The R8 V10 plus is even more powerful and is the fastest seriesproduction
Audi of all time. It develops 449 kW (610 hp) and its maximum torque
of 560 Nm (413.0 lb-ft) is available at 6,500 rpm. The performance figures are
equally impressive: 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.2 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h
(124.3 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and a top speed of 330 km/h (205.1 mph).
A further innovation in the 5.2 FSI engine is the additional indirect injection. It
complements the FSI direct gasoline injection, lowers fuel consumption and enhances
engine output. Moreover, the R8 features yet another innovative system in the form of
COD (cylinder on demand). It shuts off one of the two cylinder banks by deactivating
injection and ignition. The R8 V10 consumes an average of 11.8 liters of fuel per
100 kilometers (19.9 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 275 grams per kilometer
(442.6 g/mi), for the R8 V10 plus those values are 12.4 liters per 100 kilometers
(19.0 US mpg) and 289 grams per kilometer (465.1 g/mi). The fuel consumption
reduction of up to 10 percent compared to the previous model is also due to the new
start-stop system.
The dry sump lubrication completes the technology package of the 5.2 FSI. The tencylinder
engine is hand built in the Hungarian engine plant in Gy r. As a traditional
motorsport technology, it allows for low installation of the engine, which is
particularly beneficial for the car’s center of gravity. What’s more, it also ensures oil
supply even under extreme lateral acceleration.
Fast as lightning and highly variable: the power transmission
In both engine versions, power is transmitted to a rapid-shifting seven-speed S tronic
transmission installed behind the engine. The S tronic has three automatic modes and
can also be controlled manually. Shift commands are transmitted electronically
(shift-by-wire). The launch control system manages full-throttle acceleration from a
standing start.
Another function of the S tronic comes into play when the driver’s foot is removed
from the accelerator pedal at speeds above 55 km/h (34.2 mph). In such cases, both
clutches open and the car goes into coasting mode. This function saves a considerable
amount of fuel, especially in everyday use by the customer.6/13
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system gives the new R8 a decisive plus in
terms of stability and traction when compared with two-wheel-drive competitors. On
the front axle, an electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch replaces the Visco clutch of the
predecessor model. The newly developed quattro drive system enables completely
unrestricted and fully variable distribution of the drive torque to the front and rear
axles depending on the driving situation and weather. In normal operation, up to
100 percent is transmitted to the rear wheels and, if required, the clutch continuously
diverts up to 100 percent of this torque to the front wheels. Thanks to the mechanical
differential lock on the rear axle, the driver experiences maximum traction without
any slip.
Audi drive select: the chassis
In the chassis of the new Audi R8, double wishbones made from aluminum guide all
four wheels. The R8 V10 plus has a particularly sporty setup – for both engine
variants, variable adaptively controlled Audi magnetic ride shock absorbers are
available as an option. The newly developed electromechanical power steering system
provides close contact to the road surface and makes a further contribution to
reducing CO2 emissions. As an option, Audi offers dynamic steering, whereby the
steering ratio varies in accordance with the road speed and the settings in the Audi
drive select dynamic handling system.
As standard, the new Audi R8 V10 has 19-inch wheels with size 245/35 tires at the
front and 295/35 at the rear. Upon request, Audi is also offering 20-inch wheels for
the first time in the R8. With this option, the tires are size 245/30 at the front and
305/30 at the rear. The steel brake disks have a weight-saving wave design and the
calipers can be painted red upon request. In the R8 V10 plus, high-tech disks made
from carbon fiber ceramic are responsible for deceleration of the 20-inch wheels
(optional for the V10).
In the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the driver has the choice of four
modes (comfort, auto, dynamic and individual) to control the way in which important
technical components operate. As standard, the system takes into account the engine
characteristics, steering, S tronic transmission and quattro drive system as well as
optional extras such as Audi magnetic ride, the exhaust flaps and dynamic steering.
On top of that, there is also the new performance mode (available as an option for the
V10 and standard for the V10 plus). The driver activates it by pressing a separate
button on the steering wheel. He or she can select between the programs dry, wet
and snow using a rotary wheel. These programs support dynamic handling on dry, wet
and snow-covered surfaces. In performance mode, Audi drive select also makes use of
the ESC stabilization control function. 7/13
New Audi Space Frame with high proportions of aluminum and CFRP
The R8 V10 plus has a dry weight of 1,454 kilograms (3,205.5 lb). The key factor
behind the consistent lightweight design is the body shell with multimaterial Audi
Space Frame (ASF): It weighs only 200 kilograms (440.9 lb). The resulting unladen
weight of 1,555 kilograms (3,428.2 lb) leads to a superior power-to-weight ratio of
3.46 kg/kW (2.55 kg/hp).
The ASF body shell features a completely new multimaterial lightweight construction
concept. Components made from carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) form the
B-pillars, the central tunnel and the rear wall. The front section of the vehicle, the
roof arch and the rear section form a framework made from cast aluminum nodes and
aluminum profiles which, in some cases, employ new alloys. As always with the ASF,
each component is precisely designed for its location and purpose. Accordingly, the
engineers have now integrated some components into the body shell due to their
function. Leaving aside its components, the body shell is now around 15 percent
lighter than its predecessor. At the same time, torsional rigidity is roughly 40 percent
better. Particularly with regard to rigidity, the body of the new Audi R8 is a
benchmark. The resulting lightweight construction is unparalleled among the
competition.
The multimaterial Audi Space Frame in the new Audi R8 is extremely light and rigid,
whilst also being acoustically comfortable and offering a high level of safety. The
outer skin is made entirely of aluminum, but as an optional extra (or as standard for
the V10 plus), Audi also offers attachment parts made from clear-coated carbon
fiber, for example the front splitter, the diffuser or the side blades. A long, rising
diffuser in the underbody produces downforce on the rear axle at higher speeds.
Design: flat, wide, muscular
A cockpit positioned very far forward, a long, flowing back and a relatively short
wheelbase – the exterior design makes the technical concept of the mid-engine, highperformance
Audi R8 sports car clear upon first sight. At 4.42 meters long (14.5 ft),
1.24 meters high (4.1 ft) and with a wheelbase measuring 2.65 meters (8.7 ft), its
dimensions have only slightly changed in comparison to the previous model. Its width
now measures 1.94 meters (6.4 ft) and has thus grown by about four centimeters
(1.6 in). The car’s proportions convey more of a race car character, with characteristic
design ideas from the previous model now more pronounced. 8/13
The four rings sit proudly on the hood, the Singleframe radiator grille with honeycomb
design is wide and flat. Modeled plastic surfaces allow it to merge into the flat
headlights – facets of the vehicle which highlight tension, provide an impression of
depth and add an air of logic to the design. The grid-type signature of the daytime
running lights with vertical elements replicates the structure of the air inlets and
emphasizes the width of the car. The entire appearance of the Audi R8 conveys a feeling
of lightness and technical precision. LED headlights are standard. Available upon
request, Audi can also supply the laser spot which doubles the range of the high beam
to 600 meters (1,968.5 ft) as well as the dynamic turn signals at the front. The
dynamic turn signals are standard at the rear. The rear lighting signature also combines
two vertical elements with a horizontal line. This gives the Audi R8 an even more
powerful appearance.
As part of the new laser high beams, one laser module per headlight generates a cone
of light with twice the range of the all-LED headlamp. Each module comprises four
high-power laser diodes. With a diameter of just 300 micrometers, these generate a
blue laser beam with a wavelength of 450 nanometers. A phosphor converter
transforms it into white light suitable for roadway use with a color temperature of
5,500 Kelvin – ideal conditions for the human eye that enable the driver to recognize
contrast more easily and help to prevent fatigue. The laser spot is active from a speed
of 60 km/h (37.3 mph) to supplement the LED high beam of the R8 and, thanks to its
long range, greatly enhances the driver’s field of vision as well as safety. An
intelligent camera-based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts
the light pattern to exclude them.
On the sides of the high-performance sports car, characteristically curved contours
are drawn over the wheels. The shoulder line, shaped like a powerful muscle, connects
the wheels with one another while at the same time dividing the side blade in two to
leave an upper and a lower half. This new design solution makes the car appear even
longer and more dynamic.
At the rear, as well, the lights and the air inlets visually connect to one another. The
two tailpipes of the exhaust system have a trapezoidal design and the rear window
offers a clear view of the illuminated engine compartment. The R8 is equipped with
an electrically extending spoiler, the R8 V10 plus with a fixed wing made from CFRP. 9/13
Just like in a race car: the interior and the controls
Behind the steering wheel of the new Audi R8, the driver feels like a race car driver.
All functions are driver-oriented and allow easy operation even when the critical limits
are reached – and all without the driver having to take his or her hands off the
steering wheel. The newly designed sport seats with integrated headrest provide
excellent lateral support. Even more radical seating for a sports car comes in the form
of the newly developed R8 bucket seats. These make a clear statement confirming the
relationship between lightweight construction and comfort (optional in the V10 and
standard in the V10 plus).
The start-stop button and the Audi drive select button are located on several
satellites on the new multifunction plus steering wheel. The Performance steering
wheel in the Audi R8 V10 plus features two more satellites. One button is for
performance mode together with a rotary wheel for selecting the dry, wet and snow
programs as well as a button for controlling the sports exhaust system.
The Audi virtual cockpit is set in a free-standing housing and presents all the
information on its 12.3-inch display with elaborately computed, fascinating graphics.
The driver can toggle between different display modes and also adjust the digital
instrument cluster to his needs in individual mode. In performance mode, the driver is
presented with information on the driving programs, acceleration, deceleration and
lateral forces as well as power and torque. The Audi virtual cockpit also displays a
shift light which informs the driver that the engine speed limit has been reached. The
driver operates the Audi virtual cockpit using the multifunction plus steering wheel.
The driver’s hands remain on the steering wheel and he or she can concentrate on the
road. Alternatively, operation can take place via the touch wheel or the buttons in the
center console.
In the design of the interior too, the taut geometric lines emphasize the aesthetic
lightweight construction of the brand. Its characteristic element is the monoposto, a
large arc in the area around the driver’s seat. The MMI monitor of the previous model
is no longer available. Instead, the three central control elements of the air
conditioning system have taken its place. The three-dimensional design of the air
outlet vents bring to mind the air inlets of a race car. The dashboard appears to float
weightlessly. The wide console of the central tunnel accommodates the standard MMI
terminal as well as the newly designed flat selector lever of the S tronic transmission.
When it comes to upholstery, customers can choose between Alcantara/pearl Nappa
leather and fine Nappa leather. Also available are trim elements in clear coated
carbon fiber, two leather packages and a new diamond stitching pattern. 10/13
Customization
There are numerous customization possibilities for customers of the new Audi R8 –
for both the exterior and the interior. The colors for the body have been newly mixed
and can be freely combined with the colors of the side blades – a blade made from
glossy carbon is a particular highlight of the range. Ten standard exterior colors are
available, for the R8 V10 plus there is an additional matt paint finish available,
Camouflage Green.
Among the five equipment colors available for the interior, two color ranges can be
found, whereby the interior is always characterized by a sporty feel. Additionally,
there are numerous options to further customize both the interior and the exterior,
for example with headlining in Alcantara with dynamic diamond stitching pattern. The
Audi exclusive program makes it possible for you to turn the new R8 into a one-of-akind
model.
Completely connected: infotainment
In the new Audi R8, the Audi virtual cockpit replaces the analog instruments and the
MMI monitor. The driver can switch the all-digital display between two different view
modes. These bring either the virtual dial instruments or the large navigation map
into focus.
The Audi R8 makes use of the latest technology in terms of infotainment. MMI
navigation plus is installed as standard; the MMI touch touch wheel is the central
control element. In the background, the second generation of the modular
infotainment platform sets about its work – just like the Audi virtual cockpit, it
integrates a super-fast T30 chip from Audi’s cooperation partner, NVIDIA.
MMI navigation plus is complemented by the Audi connect module. The passenger
can connect a smartphone or tablet via the system’s integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.
Tailored online services from Audi connect are displayed on the Audi virtual cockpit.
The internet connection uses the fast LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. Optional
components such as the fine-tuned sound system from Bang & Olufsen with a system
performance of 500 watts or the Audi phone box for convenient cell phone
integration round off the infotainment program. 11/13
New factory for quattro GmbH: production at the “Böllinger Höfe” site
The new Audi R8 is produced at the new “Böllinger Höfe” quattro GmbH production
site, close to the Neckarsulm plant. The production area covering 30,000 m2
(322,917.3 sq ft) comprises a body shop and assembly facilities. The entire
production facility is highly flexible, while technical and ergonomic innovations such
as the CFRP body shell construction and driverless transport systems ensure top
quality.
As was the case for the previous model, production follows an elaborate manufacturing
process. In cycle times of about 30 minutes and with up to 400 highly qualified
employees, the R8 is created in highly precise craftsmanship. Following completion,
each R8 is subjected to a strict quality acceptance process on the internal plant test
track and an approximately one-hour test drive on public roads. With the new R8
manufacturing site, quattro GmbH – the high-performance subsidiary of AUDI AG – is
further enhancing its small-series expertise, thus creating the opportunity to realize
ever more exciting derivatives of the R8.
Electrified: Audi R8 e-tron
The second generation of the Audi R8 forms the basis for two more models. Audi has
made major engineering developments in its high-performance electric sports car, the
R8 e-tron. The latest evolution of the vehicle takes up the multimaterial Audi
Space Frame from the new series-production model.
The supporting structure was enhanced by a CFRP rear-section module comprising the
luggage compartment. The walls of the CFRP luggage compartment well are
corrugated. This way, in the event of a rear-end collision, more energy can be
absorbed despite the reduced material weight.
Thanks to targeted modifications to the outer shell and on the wheels, the Audi
R8 e-tron achieves an aerodynamic drag coefficient (cd) value of 0.28. In terms of
performance and range, the car enters entirely new dimensions.
The large T-shaped battery is structurally integrated into the center tunnel and
behind the occupant cell – optimally positioned in the car. It supports the dynamics of
the R8 e-tron with its low center of gravity. Audi produces the high-voltage battery
itself, for the first time based on a newly developed lithium-ion technology which was
specially conceived for a purely electric vehicle drive. In comparison to the first
technology platform, the battery capacity has grown from 49 kWh to approximately
92 kWh. This progress was possible without changing the package. 12/13
The R8 e-tron achieves an electric range of 450 kilometers (279.6 mi) instead of a
previous 215 kilometers (133.6 mi) with an energy density that has been increased
from 84 Wh/kg to 154 Wh/kg and some other modifications to the car. The
electrically powered high-performance sports car has the Combined Charging System
(CCS) on board, which allows charging with direct and alternating current. Using this
system, it is possible to fully charge the battery in significantly less than two hours.
The power is now twice 170 kW and the maximum torque twice 460 Nm (339.3 lb-ft).
The R8 e-tron 2.0 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds on its
way to an electronically restricted top speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph) or 250 km/h
(155.3 mph). Intelligent energy management and an electromechanical brake system
enable high energy recuperation rates. Targeted torque vectoring – needs-based
distribution of power transmission between the rear wheels – ensures maximum
stability and dynamism.
Audi uses the electrical high-performance sports car primarily as a mobile high-tech
laboratory. Accordingly, the findings from the R8 e-tron help in creating a vehicle with
a sedan character. Upon customer request, the R8 e-tron will be available for order in
2015 as an electrically powered sports car in supreme hand-built quality.
New race car: the Audi R8 LMS
Alongside the new R8 series-production model, the second-generation R8 LMS race
car is also making its debut, with colleagues from motorsport and series production
working in close harmony as part of its development. Both the series-production
model of the R8 and the R8 LMS have seen clear increases in power and performance
compared with the predecessor. Both cars have around 50 percent of the same parts.
The body shell of the rear-wheel-drive GT3 sports car is based on a selectively
reinforced multimaterial ASF. Engineers have supplemented this feature with a safety
cage. Its outer shell consists mainly of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. The vehicle’s
type approval weight is 1,225 kilograms (2,700.7 lb). The V10 engine is virtually
identical to the series-production engine and produces around 430 kW
(approximately 585 hp), depending on the applicable regulations and the restrictor
required.
Sales of the new R8 LMS to customer teams worldwide will start with the 2016
season. This year, the new race car will be put through its paces by the works team at
international long-distance and sprint races, as well as being available to customers
as part of the Audi driving experience. 13/13
All technical data is preliminary.
Fuel consumption of the models named above:
Audi R8:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 12.4 – 11.8** (19.0 – 19.9 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 289 – 275** (465.1 – 442.6 g/mi)
**The fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions of a vehicle vary due to the choice of
wheels and tires. They not only depend on the efficient utilization of the fuel by the
vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.
The Audi Group delivered approximately 1,741,100 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2014. In
2013, the company reported revenue of €49.9 billion and an operating profit of €5.03 billion. The
company operates globally in more than 100 markets and has production facilities in Ingolstadt and
Neckarsulm (Germany), Győr (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Bratislava (Slovakia), Martorell (Spain),
Kaluga (Russia), Aurangabad (India), Changchun (China) and Jakarta (Indonesia). Since the end of 2013,
the brand with the Four Rings has also been producing cars in Foshan (China). As of mid-2015, Audi will
operate a production facility in São José dos Pinhais (Brazil), followed by San José Chiapa (Mexico) in
2016. Wholly owned subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili
Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy), the
sports motorcycle manufacturer. The company currently employs approximately 80,000 people
worldwide, thereof approximately 55,800 in Germany. Total investment of around €24 billion is planned
from 2015 to 2019 – primarily in new products and sustainable technologies. Audi is committed to its
corporate responsibility and has anchored the principle of sustainability for its products and processes in
its strategy. The long-term goal is CO2-neutral mobility.
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