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Audi R8

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Audi R8
Overview
Manufacturerquattro GmbH,
(a private subsidiary of AUDI AG)
Production2006–present,
9,945 built in the end of 2008[1][2]
AssemblyNeckarsulm, Germany
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door coupé (2007)
2-door spyder (2009)
LayoutLongitudinal mid-engine,[3]
quattro permanent all-wheel drive[3]
RelatedLamborghini Gallardo
Audi Le Mans quattro (concept)
Audi RSQ
Powertrain
Engine4.2 L FSI V8, 2×DOHC;
5.2 L FSI V10, 2×DOHC[4]
Transmission6-speed manual,
6-speed R tronic single-clutch semi-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,650 mm (104.3 in)[3]
LengthV8 Coupé: 4,431 mm (174.4 in),[3]
V10 Coupé: 4,435 mm (174.6 in),[3]
V10 Spyder: 4,434 mm (174.6 in)[3]
WidthV8 Coupé & V10 Spyder: 1,904 mm (75.0 in),[3]
V10 Coupé: 1,930 mm (76.0 in)[3]
HeightV8 Coupé: 1,249 mm (49.2 in),[3]
V10 Coupé: 1,252 mm (49.3 in),[3]
V10 Spyder: 1,244 mm (49.0 in)[3]
Curb weightV8 Coupé: 1,560–1,565 kg (3,439–3,450 lb),[3]
V10 Coupé: 1,620–1,625 kg (3,571–3,583 lb),[3]
V10 Spyder: 1,720–1,725 kg (3,792–3,803 lb)[3]

The Audi R8[3] (Typ 42)[5] is a sports car with a longitudinally mounted mid-engine,[3][6] and uses Audi's trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.[3][7] It was introduced by the German automaker Audi AG in 2006.

The car was exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, and is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform.[8] The fundamental construction of the R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame,[3] and uses an aluminium monocoque which is built around space frame principles. The car is built by quattro GmbH in a newly renovated factory at Audi's 'aluminium site' at Neckarsulm in Germany.[3]

In 2005, Audi announced 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, appearing at the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show, and 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The R8 road car was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There was some confusion with the name, which the car shares with the 24 Hours of Le Mans winning R8 Le Mans Prototype (LMP). 6-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx described the R8 as "the best handling road car today".[9]

The Audi R8 is used as a safety car in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters and British Superbike Championship racing series.

Production

To produce the R8 at quattro GmbH, seventy workers fit 5,000 unique parts by hand. The factory at Neckarsulm, redeveloped at a cost of 28 million, usually produces between eight and fifteen cars a day, up to a maximum daily output of 29 cars.[3] Ninety-five lasers inspect the entire car in five seconds to ensure that over 220 measurements are within 0.1 millimetres of the programmed plans.[10]

Available markets

The two-seat coupé is currently available in Bahrain, Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Africa.[11] The R8 Spider, an open-top roadster model, followed in 2009. In Latin America, the R8 became available at the end of 2008 at dealers in Mexico City, Bogota, Medellin, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima, Santiago and Santo Domingo. Customers bought every unit available for 2008 within a week[12] after the R8 premiered at the Bogota International Auto Show and Auto Expo of Medellin.

In Asia, the R8 is available in Bahrain, India , Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines, Hong Kong and Vietnam, and has been available in China, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Indonesia since 2008.

Models

Coupé

4.2 V8

V8 on the move.

The Audi R8 was initially equipped with a 4.2 litre V8 engine. Specifically, it is an all-aluminium alloy 32-valve (four valves per cylinder) petrol engine,[3] utilising Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI),[3] and has a displacement of 4,163 cubic centimetres (254.0 cu in).[3] It develops a motive power output of 420 metric horsepower (309 kW; 414 bhp) (Directive 80/1269/EEC),[3] and generates 430 newton-metres (317 lbf⋅ft) of torque,[3] on 98 RON 'Super Unleaded' petrol. It is basically the same engine used in the Audi B7 RS4, but is modified to use dry sump lubrication system. This V8 is a highly reworked, high-revving variant of the existing 4.2 litre V8, but includes cylinder-direct fuel injection (Fuel Stratified Injection), and four valves per cylinder, instead of five (as used on the previous non-FSI variants). It also uses two chain-driven double overhead camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder bank, and utilises variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust camshafts.

The transmission options are either a Lamborghini sourced six-speed manual gearbox with metal gate for the shift lever, or an Audi-developed R tronic[3] gearbox - which is a semi-automatic, without a traditional clutch pedal with automatic gears shifting mode.[6][13] These options are the same as those available on the Lamborghini Gallardo. A double clutch Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), now badged by Audi as S tronic, is not available (as of April 2010).

5.2 V10

Audi R8 with a V10 engine at the 2009 North American International Auto Show

AUDI AG unveiled the Audi R8 V10 on 9 December 2008. It uses a 5.2 litre FSI engine,[3] based on the unit in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (which in turn was based on the 5.2 FSI V10 as used in the Audi C6 S6 and Audi D3 S8), but is re-tuned to produce a power output of 525 metric horsepower (386 kW; 518 bhp), and generate 530 newton-metres (391 lbf⋅ft) of torque.[3][4] Compared to the V8 variant, the R8 V10's performance numbers are enhanced. Audi states the new 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0.0 to 62.1 mph) time as only 3.9 seconds,[3] 60 to 124 miles per hour (97 to 200 km/h) in 8.1 seconds, and a top speed of 317 kilometres per hour (197.0 mph).[3] Other changes to the V10 version of the R8 include some aesthetic differences: such as all-LED headlights (a world-first),[3] interior enhancements such as Bang & Olufsen 465 watt sound system,[3] and a more aggressive body styling,[14] larger rear brakes and unique roadwheels.[3] It was initially thought that this version of the R8 was going to have the same engine as the C6 Audi RS6, a 5.0 litre V10 TFSI twin-turbo engine, which produces 580 metric horsepower (427 kW; 572 bhp). However, some components of the twin-turbo system overheated, and one prototype was destroyed by fire at the Nürburgring.[15] This model was shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

Spyder

5.2 V10

Audi R8 Spyder

Although it was rumoured by the automotive press since the announcement of the production R8 in 2006, it was only in August 2008 that spy shots of a convertible R8 'Spider' from filming scenes of the movie Iron Man 2 were published online, which included a "soft-top" roof is clearly visible, and the unique sideblade has been removed.[16] The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.[17] Compared with the coupé model, the convertible will have extra chassis support, a pair of roll-over safety bars, as well as minor changes such as the location of the fuel tank filler. It will be powered by a 5.2 FSI V10 engine.

4.2 V8

On July 1, 2010 Autocar reported that Audi has added the 4.2 FSI V8 engine to the R8 Spyder range. The 434 PS (319 kW; 428 bhp) (up 14 bhp on coupé), 430 newton-metres (317 lbf⋅ft) unit now completes the R8 Spyder range alongside the launch V10 powerplant. It has a 0-62 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 4.8sec and will go on to reach a top speed of 185 mph (299 km/h). The engine is available with Audi's R tronic sequential manual gearbox Like the V10 model, the V8 Spyder features an aluminium spaceframe with carbon composites and an automatic retractable folding cloth roof. UK pricing and on sale dates have yet to be confirmed as of July 1.

GT

Rear side of the R8 GT, note the visual changes.

Released in May 2010 the £142,585 R8 GT is the fastest Audi to date. The curb weight has been reduced by 100 kg (220 lb) to 1,525 kg (3,362 lb). The power from the V10 FSI has also been increased to 560 PS (412 kW; 552 bhp) which gives the car 367 PS (270 kW; 362 bhp) per ton. Because of these changes the R8 GT has a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h) and goes from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, 0.3 faster than the R8 V10. The car also features some visual changes including red brake caliper covers, a fixed rear wing, front bumper mounted winglets and GT badges replacing the V10 ones. Only 333 Audi R8 GTs will be made and 33 will be sent to the UK.

e-tron

The Audi e-tron concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Similar in appearance to the R8, but slightly smaller, it is powered by four independent electric motors,[18] two mounted within the centre of the front axle and the other two within the rear axle, each produces 79 PS (58 kW; 78 bhp) and 1,125 newton-metres (830 lbf⋅ft) of torque. It produces a total of 317 PS (233 kW; 313 bhp) and a sceptical 4,500 newton-metres (3,319 lbf⋅ft) of torque. However the proposed torque rating is the torque measured at the wheels, not at the output shaft - as is the industry standard, the true torque rating being around 678 newton-metres (500 lbf⋅ft).

The prototype version of the R8 e-tron sticks closely to the original concept with a shape reminiscent of existing V8 and V10 petrol powered versions. Audi claims the production version of the R8 e-tron will be capable of a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of around 4.8 seconds, making it only 0.2 seconds slower than the R8 V8. Initial plans call for its top speed to be limited to 124 mph (200 km/h) to protect the charge of the battery. It is planned for launch in early 2012.

Along with the R8 e-tron, Audi is also considering small scale production of a smaller and lighter zero emission sportscar based around the second e-tron concept displayed at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show.

Audi R8 specifications edit
R8 engine models 4.2 FSI V8 5.2 FSI V10[19]
Engine configuration V8 engine, 32 valveDOHC V10 engine, 40 valve 2×DOHC
Engine displacement[3] 4,163 cc (254.0 cu in) 5,204 cc (317.6 cu in)
Max. motive power
(Directive 80/1269/EEC)[3]
420 PS (309 kW; 414 bhp) @ 7,800 rpm 525 PS (386 kW; 518 bhp) @ 8,000 rpm
Max. torque[3] 430 N⋅m (317 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,500–6,000 rpm 530 N⋅m (391 lbf⋅ft) @ 6,500 rpm
Kerb weight[3] 1,560 kg (3,439 lb) (manual)
1,565 kg (3,450 lb) (R tronic)
1,620 kg (3,571 lb) (Coupé, manual)
1,625 kg (3,583 lb) (Coupé, R tronic)
0–60 mph (96.6 km/h) 4.4 s[6] 3.8
0–100 km/h (62.1 mph)[3] 4.6 s[20] 3.9 s (Coupé)[21]
0–100 mph (160.9 km/h) 10.1 s
0–200 km/h (124.3 mph) 14.9 s 11.8 s (R tronic)
14 mile (~400 m) 12.8 s @ 113.2 mph (182.2 km/h)[6]
Top speed 301 km/h (187.0 mph)[3][6] 317 km/h (197.0 mph) (Coupé)[3]
Lateral acceleration
(300 feet (91.4 m) skidpad)
1.2 G[22] 1.3 G[23]

Other technical details

The V8 engine in the R8

As Volkswagen Group owns both Audi and Lamborghini (Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.), some of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including some of the chassis and floorpan, door handle mechanisms, transmissions, and the revised V10 engine. The R8 is made distinct by its Germanic exterior styling, cabin, smaller V8 engine, magnetic dampers, and pricing.

The R8 (with the V8 engine) has a curb weight of 1,560 kilograms (3,439 lb).[3] Its suspension uses Delphi[24] magneto rheological dampers.[25]

Safety features include Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme[3] which includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),[3] front dual-stage airbags, and 'sideguard' curtain airbags.[26] The R8 also features a distinctive curved bar of LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) mounted insided the xenon HID headlamp casings.

The R8, like most mid- or rear-engine designed sports cars, utilises wider roadwheels and tyres on its rear axle. For the 18 inch alloy wheels (on standard summer tyres), there is just one range of sizes - the fronts are sized at 8.5Jx18H2 ET42, whilst the rears are two inches wider at 10.5Jx18H2 ET50. With the 19 inch wheels (standard fit in most markets), the theme continues - the fronts are all 8.5Jx19H2 ET42, and the rears are 11.0Jx19H2 ET50.[3] 19" wheels for the winter tyre package have a ½" narrower rear compared to the summer tyre wheel package. There is also a corresponding difference in tyre sizes - 18's are 235/40 ZR18 95Y XL (eXtra Load) up front and 285/35 ZR18 101Y XL at the rear. For the 19" tyres, two different options are available - all fronts are 235/35 ZR19 91Y, and the rears are either 295/30 ZR19 100Y XL or 305/30 ZR19 102Y XL.[3] Standard factory supplied tyre makes offered are either Continental SportContact3, or Pirelli P-Zero Rosso.

Reviews

Many publications were hailing it as the first car to truly be able to beat the Porsche 997 — considered by many to be one of the best sports cars ever made, and a leader in its class.[27] Initial comparison tests have proven quite positive in this respect; Evo Magazine listed it as a "supercar",[28] compared the R8 to the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and BMW M6 and after praising the R8's "amazing stability, traction and grip, unparalleled steering accuracy and bite, (and) its uncannily flat and disturbance-free ride", claimed that as a result of "the sublime effortlessness of it all", the Audi is a better sports car. The article concluded that "Audi humbles Porsche. A new dawn starts today".[29]

Other publications have also written similar reviews of the Audi beating the Porsche in comparison tests.[7][30] In a half mile drag race conducted by Battle of the Supercars between the R8 and a 997 Carrera S, the Porsche won, crossing the line just a half metre before the R8. However, the R8 easily beat the Porsche around Top Gear's test track.

The television show Top Gear compared the Nissan GT-R to the R8, and remarked that the R8 was "simultaneously less impressive and yet somehow more involving". On the R8 they wrote that "it rewards driver input", calling it "fantastic in a way that will appeal more to true car enthusiasts", but also remarked that it was "much slower", and the GT-R was cheaper.[31] On their test track, the car performed better than a Lamborghini Gallardo and an Aston Martin DB9.

On Bedford Autodrome, tested by Evo Magazine, the R8 was faster than the Lamborghini Gallardo.[citation needed]

Future development

V12 TDI

see Audi R8 Le Mans Concept

Motorsport

R8 LMS

Two Audi R8 LMSs competing in the FIA GT3 European Championship

For 2009, Audi announced the production of an R8 LMS racing car, designed for the GT3 rules in the FIA GT3 European Championship and various national racing series. Known within Audi Sport as the 'R16', the R8 LMS features a 500 PS (368 kW; 493 bhp) V10 engine. Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive, Audi had to drop its 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system, and the R8 LMS is only available with the typical rear-wheel drive setup. The torque is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox.

Despite the development of the car, Audi itself had stated not to enter any races with the new GT3 car as an official 'factory' team.[32]

The car was unveiled at Essen Motor Show.[33] The first Audi R8 LMS (chassis number 101) was delivered to Audi Sport Italia in 2009.[34]

In the 2009 24 Hours Nürburgring, and preceding VLN endurance races, Audi privateer teams had entered four cars, operated by the Abt Sportsline and Nürburging-based Phoenix race teams. Until the 19th hour, two of these R8 remained challengers for the lead, against two Manthey-operated Porsche GT3 in the same lap, before the leading #99 car[35] suffered suspension problems. The #97 finished 2nd,[36]

and despite electrical and gearbox problems, the other two cars finished 23rd or better.

Australian Mark Eddy participated in the 2010 Australian GT Championship with the first R8 LMS in the Southern Hemisphere.[37]

In the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring, the first four spots on the grid were occupied by Audi R8.

R8 e-Tron

In July 2010 Audi took its EV concept to the Silvretta E-Auto Rally in Austria. The competition is designed to pit the latest and greatest of the electric vehicle world against each other over 10 special stages that cover a total of 104 miles. The company picked Michael Dick, a member of its board for technical development, and Lukas Luhr, a factory race driver, to helm the machine throughout the event. They finished first overall using the R8 e-Tron demonstrator. The winning car is based on the body of a standard R8 V10 coupe and powered by the four-motor electric drive system used in the Frankfurt e-Tron concept.

Awards

  • The R8 was awarded Best Handling Car and Fastest Car In The World of 2007 by Autocar magazine.
  • It was awarded SportsCar of the year by German magazine Autobild.
  • What Car? awarded 2010 Performance Car of the Year.
  • Playboy magazine awarded it Car of The Year for 2008.
  • The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) named the R8 Canadian Car of the Year, and, in addition, gave it the Best New Prestige Car and Best New Design awards for model year 2008.
  • Top Gear named the Audi R8 the 2007 Car of the Year.
  • Fifth Gear named the R8 both the Best fast car and the Car of the Year 2007.
  • Automobile Magazine awarded the R8 the 2008 Automobile of the Year.
  • The Audi R8 was named 2008 "MSN Car of the Year", with 42% of the votes, beating the Ferrari F430 into 2nd with 13%, and the BMW M3 into 3rd with 11%.[38]
  • The JB car pages awarded the Audi R8 its maximum rating of 5 stars.[39]
  • In the 2008 World Car of the Year awards, the R8 was awarded World Performance Car of the Year and World Design Car of the Year.
  • European Car magazine rated the R8 as Car of the Year.
  • Motor Klassik readers named the Audi R8 the "Classic Car of the Future 2009" in the Sports Car category.[40]

Production

Year Units
2005 6[41]
2006 164[42]
2007 4,125[43]
2008 5,656
2009 2,101[44]
2010
Total 12,052

See also

References

  1. ^ "Financial Information" (PDF). audi.de (in German). Retrieved 2007-12-31.
  2. ^ http://www.audi.de/etc/medialib/ngw/company/investor_relations/pdf/finanzberichte/geschaeftsbericht.Par.0007.File.pdf/audi_gb_2008_de_finanz.pdf
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au "The Audi R8 Coupé and Spyder - Pricing and Specification guide - valid from January 2010" (PDF). Audi UK. 2010. Retrieved 12 February 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. ^ a b "V10-power: Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro finally unveiled!". paultan.org.
  5. ^ ETKA[clarification needed]
  6. ^ a b c d e "2008 Audi R8 Review". edmunds.com. Retrieved 13 Februqry 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  7. ^ a b "2007 Aston Martin V-8 Vantage v 2008 Audi R8 v 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo - Comparison Tests". caranddriver.com.
  8. ^ CarAndDriver.com 2008 Audi R8 - First Drive Review
  9. ^ "Vuelta a Ascari con Jacky Ickx Audi R8 V10". Retrieved 2010-06-16.
  10. ^ "Audi UK R8 microsite".
  11. ^ "Audi South Africa > Models > R8". audi.co.za. 2010-02-12. Retrieved 2010-04-02.
  12. ^ "Audi R8 Reference". carautoportal.com. Retrieved 2009-06-26.
  13. ^ "Audi » Test Drive: 2008 Audi R8 with R tronic automatic transmission". canadiandriver.com. 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2010-06-16.
  14. ^ "Audi Unveils the V10 R8 with 525 HP". automoblog.net.
  15. ^ "Mysteriously burnt Audi revealed to be V10 RS8". autoblog.com.
  16. ^ "Audi R8 'Spyder' Spy Shots". quattroworld.com. 2009-07-17. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  17. ^ Lavrinc, Damon (2009-09-09). "Audi R8 Spyder gets an early unveiling". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  18. ^ Kable, Greg (8 June 2010). "Audi R8 e-tron hits the road". Autocar. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  19. ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (2008-12-08). "Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro unveiled ahead of Detroit". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  20. ^ "Audi R8 microsite/performance". microsites.audi.com. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
  21. ^ "Audi R8 with a V10 - Finally!". Icars.sg. 2008-12-10. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  22. ^ "2008 Audi R8 Long-Term Introduction on Inside Line". edmunds.com. 2008-06-16. Retrieved 2010-04-02.
  23. ^ "R8 5.2 Feature and Specifications: Detailed Specs: Performance". www.audiusa.com. Audi of America. Retrieved 16 June 2010. [dead link]
  24. ^ [1][dead link]
  25. ^ "Primary Suspension". lord.com.
  26. ^ "2008 Audi R8 Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  27. ^ AutomobileMag.com Review: 2010 Audi R8 V10
  28. ^ "Audi R8 - "We can't think of another supercar that takes a demanding road with such surgical precision"". EVO Magazine.
  29. ^ "Audi R8 v rivals - "it will rupture the supercar status quo"". EVO Magazine.
  30. ^ "Head to Head: 2008 Audi R8 vs 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 - "should Porsche be worried by Audi's new supercar?"". motortrend.com.
  31. ^ "Audi R8 vs Nissan GT-R feature". topgear.com.
  32. ^ "Audi announces its 2009 motorsport programme". planetlemans.com. 2008-11-28. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
  33. ^ Nunez, Alex (2008-11-28). "GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS formally unveiled at Essen (w/ Video)". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  34. ^ WorldCarFans.com First Audi R8 LMS Delivered
  35. ^ "Team". adac.24h-rennen.de. Retrieved 2009-07-13.
  36. ^ "Ergebnisdatenbank - 37. ADAC Zurich 24h-Rennen". adac.24h-rennen.de. Retrieved 2009-07-13.
  37. ^ "Driver Profile - Mark Eddy". australiangt.com.au. Retrieved 2010-06-16.
  38. ^ "Audi R8 is crowned Car of the Year 2008". MSN UK.
  39. ^ "Audi R8 Reviews & Specs". JB car pages.
  40. ^ "Audi R8 Wins "Classic of the Future 2009"". audisite.com.
  41. ^ http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2007/03/Geschaeftsbericht_2006.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/Annual_Report_2006_e.pdf
  42. ^ http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2007/03/Geschaeftsbericht_2006.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/Annual_Report_2006_e.pdf
  43. ^ http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2009/03/GB_2008.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/Y_2008_e.pdf
  44. ^ http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/info_center/en/publications/2010/03/Annual_Report_2009.-bin.acq/qual-BinaryStorageItem.Single.File/Y_2009_e.pdf

External links

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