- The updated R8 can now be had in two states of tune.
- The styling update makes it look more aggressive than before.
- Audi has also sharpened the handling, taking inputs from the R8 LMS GT3 racecar.
After numerous rumours of replacing the V10 with a modest V6 and even being shelved for good, the new Audi R8 is here. On the contrary, instead of downsizing the engine, the naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre TFSI motor now produces more power than before and is available in two states of tune.
In its “basic” tuning, the V10 produces 540bhp and 550Nm (10Nm more than before). The 0-100kmph time for the coupe is 3.4seconds and for the Spyder, it is 3.5seconds with a top speed of 324 and 322 kmph respectively. The R8 Plus has now been renamed to R8 Performance and it produces 612bhp and 580Nm of peak torque (10bhp and 20Nm more than before). The bump in power is achieved by using a titanium valve train. The 0-100kmph sprint time of the Performance duo is 3.1 and 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 331/329 kmph.
Audi has also tuned the suspension, added dynamic steering option and increased the steering response for a better overall feedback. There are three more driving modes added to the Audi Drive Select – dry, wet and snow – as a part of the Performance mode. So the new R8 has more stability and precision, according to the carmaker. The updated ABS system has also reduced the stopping distance to just five metres from a speed of up to 200kmph.
Appearance wise, the new R8 is now sharper and a lot more aggressive to look at. The gaping radiator grille is now bigger and wider and is flanked by aesthetically designed air vents on both the side. The top of the grille gets a three section vent that is straight out of the R8 LMS race car. The contrasting lip spoiler is more prominent and gels well with the vertical louvres on the side. The side skirts are now deeper and the characteristic air vent behind the doors are now bigger for better engine cooling.
At the rear, the full-width honeycomb grille is the new R8 signature. The sleek taillights get new LED lights, and the massive diffuser is hard to miss. The dual oval exhausts sticking out at the back are also huge and look a lot cooler than before. The Performance variant also gets a sleek spoiler to go with the aggressive look. The new R8 also gets new 19-inch alloy wheels which can be upgraded to 20-inch with five-V dynamic designs.
Sales of the updated Audi R8 will commence from early 2019. Audi will surely bring the 2019 R8 to India sometime late next year.
