Audi R8 e-tron



No model with the four rings is closer to motorsport, none is more striking and more dynamic: at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Audi is presenting the second generation of its high-performance R8 sports car.



A high-revving mid-engine with superior performance, a consistently lightweight construction concept and an extremely dynamic chassis with quattro drive system and fully variable torque control - this is what makes the R8 the sporty spearhead of Audi. The high-performance sports car has been newly developed from the ground up - it is more taut, more striking and more fascinating both on the race track and on the road.


The 5.2 FSI is available in two versions: one with 540 hp and another sporting  610 hp. The ten-cylinder engine is available in two versions. In the R8 V10, it develops a power of 540 hp from its 5,204 cc displacement and a torque of 540 Nm at an engine speed of 6,500 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.5 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 323 km/h. The R8 V10 plus is even more powerful and is the fastest series-production Audi of all time. It develops 610 hp and its maximum torque of 560 Nm is available at 6,500 rpm. The performance figures are equally impressive: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds, and a top speed of 330 km/h.


A further innovation in the 5.2 FSI engine is the additional indirect injection. It complements the FSI direct gasoline injection, lowers fuel consumption and enhances engine output. Moreover, the R8 features yet another innovative system in the form of COD (cylinder on demand). It shuts off one of the two cylinder banks by deactivating injection and ignition. The R8 V10 consumes an average of 11.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers with CO2 emissions of 275 grams per kilometer, for the R8 V10 plus those values are 12.4 liters per 100 kilometers and 289 grams per kilometer. The fuel consumption reduction of up to 10 percent compared to the previous model is also due to the new start-stop system.

The top model R8 V10 plus has a dry weight of 1,454 kilograms. Despite a lot of extra equipment and greater rigidity, the new Audi R8 weighs up to 50 kilograms less than its predecessor. The multimaterial Audi Space Frame (ASF) ensures low weight and optimum axle load distribution. The combination of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) in the Audi Space Frame opens up new dimensions with regard to weight, rigidity and crash behavior. The aerodynamic underbody which integrates a long diffuser boosts downforce. The chassis, too, with its double wishbone suspension demonstrates how close the new Audi R8 is to motorsport.


The design reflects the powerful sporty character of the R8. A visual distinguishing feature which also provides enhanced safety comes in the form of the standard LED headlights. For an extended field of vision and more brightness, Audi offers the laser spot for the high beam as an option - complemented by the dynamic turn signals at the front. Dynamic turn signals are standard at the rear.

A cockpit positioned very far forward, a long, flowing back and a relatively short wheelbase - the exterior design makes the technical concept of the mid-engine, high-performance Audi R8 sports car clear upon first sight. At 4.42 meters long, 1.24 meters high and with a wheelbase measuring 2.65 meters, its dimensions have only slightly changed in comparison to the previous model. Its width now measures 1.94 meters and has thus grown by about four centimeters (1.6 in). The car's proportions convey more of a race car character, with characteristic design ideas from the previous model now more pronounced.


Behind the steering wheel of the new Audi R8, the driver feels like a race car driver. All functions are driver-oriented and allow easy operation even when the critical limits are reached - and all without the driver having to take his or her hands off the steering wheel. The newly designed sport seats with integrated headrest provide excellent lateral support. Even more radical seating for a sports car comes in the form of the newly developed R8 bucket seats. These make a clear statement confirming the relationship between lightweight construction and comfort (optional in the V10 and standard in the V10 plus).

In the new Audi virtual cockpit, the displays are digital. The most important controls are grouped together in button clusters on the steering wheel, also known as satellites. In the interior, the driver has the impression of sitting in a race car. The air conditioning controls emphasize the simplicity of the control panel with its floating effect. MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is standard.

Sales of the new Audi R8 start in summer 2015. Prices are 165,000 euros for the R8 V10 and 187,400 euros for the top-of-the-range version R8 V10 plus.