Next-Gen Audi R8 specs confirmed ahead of Geneva Motor Show (with pics)

[Marshall Placid]

Next-Gen Audi R8 specs confirmed.

Here are some pics of the camouflaged car (article follows the pictures):

Almost 12 years ago, Audi unveiled the 2003 Le Mans Quattro concept, a supercar that signaled the brand's boundless ambition. Just three years later, it morphed into the production R8. Built on a platform shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, the R8 married everyday usability with supercar performance. Now Audi is launching the second-generation R8—and we were invited to come along for a ride in a development mule being flogged on the Ascari racetrack in Spain. We sat in on some hot laps driven by race-car driver Frank Stippler and were able to talk in-depth with engineers about the new model.

EVOLUTION, NOT REVOLUTION
One thing is certain: Audi didn't reinvent the wheel. The new R8 stands on the thoroughly updated platform of the predecessor, now called MSS, or Modular Sports System. It is shared with the Lamborghini Huracán, but it doesn't bear any similarity to the Porsche 911. At some point down the road, corporate step-siblings Porsche and Audi will have to sit down together and figure out how to get synergies out of their next generation of sports cars. As it sits, the new R8 was conceived before Porsche became part of the Volkswagen Group.

Thanks to a clever materials mix, the new R8 was able to shed more than 100 pounds compared with the current car, and its center of gravity is even lower than before. The R8 is also more powerful than ever. The slightly modified, naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 is a high-revving engine, with an 8850-rpm redline, and it cranks out a healthy 540 horsepower (up from 525). The V10 Plus model adds another 70 horsepower for a total of 610 (versus the previous 550). At its launch, the new R8 will have only the 10-cylinder—no V-8 will be offered initially.


With more power and less weight, the 2016 R8 V10 is, predictably, faster. The sprint from zero to 62 mph takes 3.5 seconds—or 3.2 seconds for the V10 Plus, according to Audi. Top speed is rated at an ungoverned 201 mph or 205 mph, depending on the model.

OUT GOES THE GATE
Despite the old-school powerplant, when it comes to the transmission, Audi turns its back on tradition. The wonderful manual transmission of its predecessor, with its metallic gated shifter, is gone. The new R8 comes only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The console shifter looks futuristic, and shifting action is ultraquick, but we’re sorry to see the manual go.

As before, torque is transmitted to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive setup. The default distribution is slightly rear-biased, although it is fully variable from 0 to 100 percent on each axle. Standard kit includes 19-inch wheels; 20-inch rolling stock is optional, as are carbon-ceramic brakes. Audi has fitted a water-cooled front differential and a passive limited-slip rear differential, as well as electromechanical power steering. The variable, magnetic-ride suspension again will be offered as an option. Audi’s Drive Select switch is on the steering wheel; Performance is the ultimate setting, and the stability control system can be switched off entirely.


SWITCHED BLADES
The styling of the new R8 is evolutionary, but it doesn't make its predecessor look dated. The R8’s new grille and the chiseled lines bring it closer to the rest of Audi's current portfolio. A defining visual element, the vertical blades behind the doors have been reinterpreted. They have been split into a smaller blade below the beltline as well as an extension behind the side windows. As before, the blades can be ordered in body color, in contrasting colors, or in carbon fiber. LED headlights are standard, and there are optional laser lights; the latter might even be offered in the U.S., if Audi wins its wrestling match with our government over its outdated lighting regulations.

Mirroring the TT sports car’s leap forward, the R8 charges ahead with a futuristic interior that includes Audi's "virtual cockpit" with a large TFT monitor placed directly in front of the driver. Besides the Drive Select function, buttons on the steering wheel are devoted to the exhaust settings and the ignition.

Down the road, we expect to see the topless R8 Spyder return, as well as an entry-level model with either a V-8 or possibly a turbo V-6. There likely will be another version designed for customer racing. Audi also will offer the fully electric, rear-wheel-drive R8 e-tron—which will make for a true exotic.

Source:
2016 Audi R8 Prototype Poked and Prodded ? Review ? Car and Driver

So, what do you guys think on the specs?

I like that they are starting out with the V10 as opposed to starting out with the V8 in the current gen (several years ago).

The V8 in the current gen is redundant.

Hopefully, when and if they come out with a V8 for the NEXT-GEN, it will produce more HP.

I also absolutely love the fact that the next-gen R8 V10 is still naturally aspirated.

Also, the new R8's cockpit/dash will have the new virtual cockpit system found in the TT.

I will update this thread when the R8 is completely revealed on March 3: the opening day of the Geneva Motor Show.

[amusegt1]

I read somewhere that the V8 "entry" level model might be using the turbocharged 4.0L V8 from the S6. If it actually happens, that thing will be a monster with an ECU tune.

[GabAlmighty]

Stopped reading at: "The wonderful manual transmission of its predecessor, with its metallic gated shifter, is gone. The new R8 comes only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic"

[Timpo]

that doesn't look much different than the current model

[asian_XL]

^ same as the TT, probably the new R8 will come with LCD cluster

[maxx]

Audi is learning from Porsche in terms of design. Nothing has changed in the TT and R8 apart from bumpers, lights and interior.

[westopher]

Watch the price of the gated shifter models skyrocket when this comes out. Complaining ensues, Audi still sells tons and I'm left to be sad as another great manual will never depreciate enough for me to be able to even sit in.

[BoostedBB6]

Audi, the Apple of the car world.

[reproducedBeta]

if I like it I'll get one when it comes out. $around 150,000-200,000 taxes in?

tell my girlfriend or parents to buy it for me, its great!

[Lomac]

Originally Posted by BoostedBB6

Audi, the Apple of the car world.

I think Porsche is more akin to being the Apple of the automotive world.

[StylinRed]

audi and porsche aren't overpriced garbage though... :P

[ree666]

but bmw is.

[Marshall Placid]

Update:
Technically, unofficial and unconfirmed, here is a pic of the new R8:



Did the 2016 Audi R8 leak ahead of its Geneva debut? | Driving

Notice the side blades are not as prominent (2 smaller blades on one side) and the TT look-alike front end, with Quattro Sport Concept headlights, and the more angular grille design seen on the Prologue.

Not bad... but was hoping for a more revolutionary DRLEDs design on the front.

[pastarocket]

-not liking the headlights and sideblade on this new R8. The current model looks better.

[Manic!]

Originally Posted by reproducedBeta

if I like it I'll get one when it comes out. $around 150,000-200,000 taxes in?

tell my girlfriend or parents to buy it for me, itsgreat!

What you don't already own a super car? I thought you where rich?

Let me guess you are driving a 3 series bimmer?

[RRxtar]

at first i thought the new gen didn't look as good as the current gen.




until i looked at both together. when you compare the current gen to the incoming gen, i actually like little bit more angular look to it. it looks like a good evolution. i still really like the current tho, so im indifferent.

ill miss the old blades tho. that was one of the cooler features on a car recently.

[Marshall Placid]

It's official.

Leaked ahead of the Geneva Motor Show:











2016 Audi R8: This Is It

[beebob]

never thought R8 and ugly would appear in the same sentence, but after seeing the renderings photos. Damn! the new R8 is ugly.

[pastarocket]

Hmm, the R8 steering wheel design looks similar to the one for the new Mercedes C Class. Let's make the bottom flat.

[Marshall Placid]

The flat-bottom wheel I think you are referring to is already used in the RS5 since late 2012.

The flat bottom portion is very useful in sports-cars, allowing for a faster in and out process.

The buttons and controls on the next-gen R8 wheel are very similar to the current gen Audis.

[Harvey Specter]

YouTube

[multicartual]

No manual?

Super electronic traction control and aids?

Do you drive the car or are you just along for the ride?

[NNT]

Actually flat bottom wheel already used in MK5 GTi in 2005/6, 10 years ago.

[underscore]

I don't think the sharp lines on the headlights and fin things match with the rest of the car very well, but that's just me. The lack of a real manual is what really kills it.

Originally Posted by StylinRed

audi and porsche aren't overpriced garbage though... :P

They're overpriced for what they are though, and all three have equally lazy styling departments.

[white rocket]

Meh. It's ok I guess. Nothing ground breaking though.