Audi's Flagship Sports Car, the R8, Undergoes a Full Model Change | Audi

Audi R8 | The Audi R8

Audi's Flagship Sports Car, the R8, Undergoes Full Model Change

Audi Japan announced that it will hold an exhibition event for the fully redesigned new R8 at Fuji Speedway on March 26th, and that sales will commence on July 5th. Concurrently, the launch of the sub-brand "AUDI SPORT" in Japan was also revealed.

Text by OHTO Yasuhiro

Evolution in Every Aspect

Introduced to Japan in 2007Nine Years LaterThe Audi R8 Evolves into its Second GenerationThe Japanese market will see the introduction of two variants: the standard "R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro" and the premium "R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro plus." Key highlights include a further enhanced 5.2-liter V10 engine, a newly developed quattro all-wheel-drive system, and the adoption of the new-generation Audi Space Frame (ASF).

The exterior, which retains the image of its predecessor, features a form that emphasizes its mid-ship layout and a sharper aesthetic. While the overall dimensions remain similar to the previous model at 4,426mm in length and 1,940mm in width, the height is 1,240mm, with the width being approximately 40mm wider. However, thanks to the newly developed ASF, which combines aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), the body alone weighs 200kg, a 10kg reduction from the previous generation.

The 5.2-liter V10 DOHC engine, housed behind the driver, has been completely redesigned and is available in two specifications. The R8 V10 produces a maximum output of 540ps at 8,250rpm and a peak torque of 540Nm at 6,500rpm. The R8 V10 plus, on the other hand, achieves an even higher output with 610ps at 8,250rpm and 560Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The R8 V10 plus can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 330 km/h.

Furthermore, to reduce environmental impact and improve fuel efficiency, both engines are equipped with "Cylinder on Demand (COD)" which deactivates one bank of cylinders, a "coasting mode" that disconnects the engine and drivetrain when the accelerator is released below 55 km/h, and a "start-stop system" for idling.

The transmission is a newly developed 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch system. Additionally, a revamped "quattro" all-wheel-drive system, standard on all models, allows for quicker and wider-ranging control of the front-to-rear torque distribution.

Audi R8 | The Audi R8

Audi R8 Undergoes Full Model Change (2)

Audi Virtual Cockpit Equipped as Standard

The most significant change in the interior is the elimination of the center console display. All models now come standard with the "Audi Virtual Cockpit," a 12.3-inch TFT display that serves as the instrument panel, capable of showing meters and various information. This allows the driver to access diverse vehicle information without diverting their gaze from the instrument cluster. Consequently, the switches on the dashboard are minimized, primarily for climate control operations.

Due to its handcrafted production, the initial annual allocation for Japan is limited to 100 units. Pricing is set at 24.56 million yen for the "R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro" and 29.06 million yen for the "R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro plus." Steering wheel position can be chosen on either the left or right side for both models.

Audi Sport: Driving Audi's Sports Image

Alongside the introduction of the new R8, the sub-brand "Audi Sport" was also announced. Audi Sport was established for Audi's motorsport activities, and in recent years has focused on participation in WEC and DTM, as well as supplying GT3 race cars to private teams.

Going forward, its scope will expand beyond motorsport to include sales of R8 and RS models, as well as the development and sale of Audi Sport branded merchandise.

In the Japanese market, dedicated "Audi Sport Store" spaces will be established within select dealerships nationwide. These stores will handle R8 sales and also feature displays and sales of Audi Sport related products. Twenty-four stores are planned to open by the end of fiscal year 2016, with further expansion to follow.

Additionally, Audi aims to enhance its sports image through initiatives such as introducing "RS Performance" models, which further elevate the performance of the "RS" high-performance line, and supporting two private teams competing in Super GT this season with the new R8-based GT3 racing car, the "R8 LMS."