The next-generation Audi R8 has been spotted testing again in Europe. The 2015 R8 has been spied testing quite a few times and, this time, the photographer has managed to snap the interiors too. The supercar is expected to make its debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October and will go on sale in early 2015.
Though the camouflage hides the details of the car, we can see that the overall structure is more or less similar to the current car and is easily recognisable as an R8. The car gets a revised front end with a new grille, bumper, larger air intakes and more angular headlamps. The rear of the car houses narrow tail lamps above the air vents and centrally located quad tail pipes flanked by sporty diffusers.
The second generation R8 will lose around 60kgs owing to the new lighter platform, which also underpins the Lamborghini Huracan. The engines of the R8 will also be updated to return better performance and efficiency. The 4.2-litre V8 will produce more than 424bhp and 430Nm of torque while the 5.2-litre V10 from the Huracan will churn out more than 525bhp and 530Nm of torque. All the variants will get a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The photos of the interiors show that the supercar will get lots of metallic trim and a new three-spoke steering wheel. It will also get a redesigned centre console which will integrate the virtual cockpit. Showcased first in the Audi TT, the digital display shows all the information directly in front of the driver, eliminating the need for a central MMI monitor.
Audi recently unveiled the limited edition R8 LMX with laser headlights, which is also expected to be offered in the next-gen R8. The R8 is currently sold in India as a CBU and retails at Rs 1.6 crore for the base V8 Coupe variants going up to Rs 2.17 crore for the top-end V10. It is one of the most affordable mid-engined supercars around and goes up against the lower variants of the Porsche 911. Expect the new R8 to be launched here in the later part of 2015, with slightly higher prices than the current car.
Source: WCF