Gone is the time when people were loyal to an automaker. Over the past years, there have been so many companies selling so many models that at each change it becomes increasingly tempting to try something entirely different. And this situation gets even worse among sports cars: their customers are wealthy enough not to worry with repair costs or resale value, and most of them don’t even really know what they’re buying (or you think every celebrity or sports player spends time reading tech specs?). Staying largely unchanged for almost a decade was turning into a problem for R8 because both its performance and its looks were falling behind its competitors’. Therefore, it was starting to disappoint both the enthusiasts and those who just wanted a beautiful new sports car.
The vehicle you’re seeing does represent a thorough evolution compared to its predecessor, but it’ll only be noticed by the first group of those people. After all, R8’s new external design can be considered anything you want but new. Becoming wider, lower and shorter makes the whole package look better, but the only actual change is splitting the huge sideblade into two elements. The surfaces are more angular now, and all the air inlets and outlets have better-proportioned shapes. The entire lighting can be made with LEDs, if you want so, but there isn’t much more to say – Audi managed to make its supercar look more elegant and mature, but in a way subtle enough that the result can only be contemplated by those who have the time and know how to do it.
As you can imagine, entering the vehicle gives the very same feelings. Everything is as driver-centric as always, but there are new color schemes, (even) more technology, and a retouched central console: it was divided into an upper part with the climate controls and a lower one with a storage area where most cars now feature a huge touchscreen. R8’s LCD was restricted to the driver, but that doesn’t mean it shrank: that digital instrument cluster which debuted with the current TT appears here in a fancier version, with more functions. The multifunctional steering wheel adds four buttons in a lower position, allowing the driver to switch driving modes, to open the exhaust flaps, and to start and stop the engine. And there’s some cargo space behind the seats.
The improvements Audi made to this vehicle start with its platform: the Germans updated the previous one and now call it MSS (Modular Sport System). It’s also used by Lamborghini Huracán, but R8’s features some adjustments in favor of space and comfort. The core structure is made of lightweight aluminum, but parts such as B-pillars and rear firewall use carbon fiber. In order to stay attractive to those buyers who really appreciate sporty driving, there are high-performance tires, water-cooled differential, 20” wheels (245/30 and 305/30 tires), magnetic ride suspension, and variable-ratio system for the electromechanical steering. However, only the first two are offered as standard – the regular wheels use 19”, 245/35 and 295/35, respectively.
At this moment, the official information regarding R8’s powertrain shows only the 5.2-liter V10 engine, which was carried over from the outgoing car. It delivers 540 hp of power and 398 lb-ft of torque, but you can ask for the Plus version and take these figures to 610 hp and 413 lb-ft. Such request is also responsible for taking 0-to-100 kph and top-speed numbers from 3.5 seconds and 323 kph to 3.2 and 330. You’ll always receive a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission, as well as the all-wheel-drive system; its variable torque distribution can deliver from 0 to 100% to each axle. Driving modes include Comfort, Dynamic and Performance: the first helps to save fuel at cruise speeds, while the latter can be customized to deal with several road conditions.
R8’s future will be as predictable as its present. In the following months, you will see a convertible version, lesser trim levels with smaller engines, and the brand new e-tron variation going on sale: following Audi’s latest work on alternative fuels, the supercar will feature an all-electric version for the first time. This one is expected to travel up to 280 miles between charges, and to reach an electronically-limited maximum of 250 kph. Besides, it’ll have rear-wheel-drive, just as the R8 LMS race car which was also presented now. R8’s second generation was officially reelased at this year’s Geneva Auto Show, and will go on sale in the next few months.