The Audi R8 is a mid-engined sports car introduced by the German automaker Audi in 2007. The first appearance of the car was in 2006, appearing at auto shows and events all over the world. The R8 is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, as Audi has full ownership of subsidiary Lamborghini s.p.a. Audi announced in 2005 that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car concept vehicle, appearing at the 2003 , which was based on the earlier Audi RSQGeneva Auto Show and 2003 International Motor Show. The R8 was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There is some confusion with the name which the car shares with the Le Mans winning R8LMP. Originally, many thought the car would be called the R9 (as there is a gap in numbering left when Audi announced the R8’s successor, the diesel-powered R10).
Technical Details
The Audi R8 is equipped with a 4.2 L V8 developing 420 hp (313 kW), the same engine seen in the Audi RS4. Pricing for the 414 bhp (309 kW) model starts from €104,400(€160,000 in Ireland) or £77,000. The base price in the US is $109,000 for the 6-speed manual. An R-Tronic equipped R8 will be priced at $118,000. The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension utilizes magneto rheological dampers.
As Audi AG owns Lamborghini, 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis. The R8 is made further distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine and pricing.
The European Audi R8 will also be the first production vehicle to feature all-LED headlights.
The Audi R8 also features an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Performance
The 2-seat coupe is already available in Europe and will be made available to the U.S. in the summer of 2008. In addition, an open-top, Porsche Carrera GT-like model will follow in 2009.
Many publications were hailing it as the first car to truly be able to beat Porsche – considered by many to be one of the best sports cars ever made and the leader in its class. Initial comparison tests have proven quite positive in this respect; Evo Magazine in its comparison test between the R8, 911 Carrera 4S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage and BMW M6 have claimed that the Audi is a better sportscar saying that “Audi humbles Porsche. A new dawn starts today.” Other publications have also made similar reviews of the Audi beating the Porsche in comparison tests.
Regardless of those comparisons, it is concluded that “the 911 C4S is, quite simply, the most complete, cost-effective supercar on the planet”.While the R8 does do well for a car that costs $118,000 MSRP (Audi of America does not allow Dealer markup) versus a $98,000 911 C4S, when pitted against the Porsche 911 Turbo ($122,000), it is absolutely trounced.
SPECIFICATION
| Top speed | 187 mph (301 km/h) |
|---|---|
| 0-60mph | 4.0 seconds |
| 1/4 mile | 12.5 seconds @ 113.2 mph (182 km/h) |
| Type | V8 |
| Displacement | 4.2 L (4163 cc) |
| Power | 420 bhp (313 kW) @ 7800 rpm |
| Lateral Acceleration (200 ft. skidpad) |
1.01 g |
