New faster, lighter Audi R8 V10 supercar breaks cover.
Audi's new second-generation R8 supercar has received an online unveiling ahead of the car's official debut at the Geneva motor show next month.
The new model is lighter, faster and sharper than before and unlike the original R8 will only be available with a V10 engine from launch.
Powering the new R8 is a mid-mounted, dry-sumped and naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 that is carried over from the outgoing model but boosted from 386kW/530Nm to 397kW/540Nm in standard form, resulting in a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds.
The quicker V10 Plus model packs the same 449kW/560Nm unit as the Lamborghini Huracan, and also matches the Lambo's 3.2 second 0-100km/h time.
The engine isn't the only part of the R8 shared with the new Huracan either. Its new multi-material spaceframe platform is also derived from the V10 Lamborghini.
The R8's passanger cell is a hybrid structure made from a combination of lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre which weighs just 200kg, allowing for a bodyshell that's 15 per cent lighter than before.
The B-pillar, transmission tunnel and rear bulkhead are all made from carbon fibre reinforced plastics, while the roof and structural framework are made from aluminium.
The result is a body structure that is 40 per cent torsionally stronger than before - and the old R8 was hardly flimsy.
Like the outgoing model, the new R8 uses an S-Tronic 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive system which can now send up to 100 per cent of the V10's grunt to either end.
The new model is essentially the same size as the old model with the exception of width - it's now around 11mm wider.
Its overall shape hasn't changed dramatically either, but sharper lines give it a significantly more muscular appearance.
The first-generation R8 coupe's trademark contrasting 'sideblades' have been included but are now much smaller and only cover the side air intakes.
The new model also features a more significant aerodynamic package with an aggressive rear diffuser, and fixed carbon fibre wing on V10 Plus models.
As standard the new R8 rides on 19-inch alloys with 245/35 front and 295/35 rear tyres which hide unique weight-saving wave-shaped steel brake discs while carbon ceramic discs are fitted to the V10 Plus.
The interior has also received a thorough makeover, featuring a new Audi TT-style wing-shaped dashboard and fully digital instrument display with integrated multimedia.
There is also a new sports steering wheel with engine start/stop and drive mode select buttons. The V10 Plus model gets a further two buttons, one for controlling the sports exhaust system and another rotary dial for selecting dry, wet and snow programs for the stability control system.
Like other Audi Quattro models, the R8 features four different driving modes which vary the throttle response, gear shift speed, steering weight and damper stiffness if adaptive suspension is specified.
Modes include comfort, auto, dynamic and individual, which allows drivers to select their ideal combination.
The new Audi R8 is tipped to arrive in Australia in 2016, following its debut in Geneva.
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