2018 Audi R8

When the R8 hit the market in 2007, it gave buyers who could not quite swing that Lambo or Ferrari an option, especially when equipped with the V-10 engine. But as the years went by, the R8 got stuck and by the time the 2015 model came out everyone was asking for an update. Well, for the 2017 model year, we're all getting our wish, as the second generation of the R8 is here. He will make his official debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2015, but before this debut, Audi revealed all the juicy details of his redesigned supercar.

The term "redesign" has a different meaning here, since most redesigns include a new look. For the R8, however, the outside changes are quite light. There are a number of modifications under the skin and in the cockpit of the new R8, but the big problem at hand here is whether these changes are enough to overcome Audi's mail in a revised exterior.

 Audi dropped a new promotional video for the new sports car R8 in which it wants to emphasize the technology of the sports car. Press "play" to see it!

Continue reading my full review of the Audi R8 2017 to find out if I think the German automaker was successful or failed with this redesign.

Exterior

"Around the back, the R8 2017 arrives at slightly revised rear lights with new graphics underlined by new rear grilles with mesh inserts."
Ah, the [ahem] "all-new" Audi R8 is upon us, and this seems to me more like a refreshment than a redesign. Yes, I understand that Audi does not want to play too much with the R8 style mojo, but come on guys ...

At the front the changes include a larger hex grille with a bolder contour and a mesh insert, while air intakes at the edges of the bumper contract and now have vertical slats. The headlights also obtained a soft adjustment, since their borders are now straight instead of having the subtle curve that had the model of 2015. In addition, the European market obtains the new headlights of laser beam that use a system of camera for Detect imminent traffic and adjust the beam for optimal distribution. Unfortunately, the NHTSA still has to approve them for use in the US.

Another key change is the removal of the vertical contrast strip just above the rear air intake. This is a change for which I am, but it is not revolutionary.

Around the back, the 2018 R8 receives slightly revised rear light with new graphics underlined by new rear grilles with mesh inserts. The exhaust pipes also gain a trapezoidal shape instead of the old circular units, and the diffuser covering the space between the exhaust pipes is checked.

In the R8 V10 Plus, there is an additional wing reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP).

Where there are some quite significant changes are in the numbers, specifically empty weight. The 2017 R8 V10 Plus checks at only 3,428 pounds, which is up to 110 pounds less than the 2015 model. This weight loss is thanks to a lightweight new construction of various materials that includes an Audi space frame that weighs just 441 pounds. The body consists of B-pillars CFRP, central tunnel and rear wall. The front end of the R8 is made of aluminum, as is the roof arch and the rear section of the frame. Despite weight loss, the new R8 is about 40 percent stiffer than the 2015 model. There is no mention of weight saving in the base R8 V10, but I guess it's pretty much the same.

The 2017 R8 is 174 inches long, 76.4 inches wide and 48.8 inches high, making it 0.6 inches shorter, 0.4 inches wider and 0.5 inches lower. The wheelbase of the 2017 model is the same as that of the previous model to 104.3 inches.

Although the cosmetic changes are quite minor, and would require a close inspection to notice, I like quite drastic weight loss. I guess I need to give Audi credit for that at least.

By 2017, Audi will also upgrade the R8 e-tron, giving it the same multi-material space frame as the standard model, and also gives it a rear CFRP section. The body of the e-tron also receives a handful of special modifications to lower its resistance to 0.28 Cd.

External Dimensions

Length 174 In
Width 76.4 in.
Height 48.8 in.
Wheelbase 104.3 In
Shipping Weight 3,428 Lbs. (V10 Plus)
Side-by-side comparison

Inside

"Giving the driver all the important vital signs in the 2017 R8 is the virtual booth Audi, which features a 12.3-inch screen."
Inside the cabin, the changes are more evident than on the outside. First is a redesigned, flat-bottomed steering wheel with lots of controls mounted on the crossbars - bad S than in the 2015 model. Audi also added a revised set of sports seats with improved side support,
Thanks to the revised head and the deeper pockets - these upgraded seats are standard on the V10 Plus but optional on the standard model. Giving the driver all the important vital elements in the 2018 R8 is the virtual cab of Audi, which features a 12.3-inch screen. This screen not only replaces the instrument indicators, but also the MMI screen that filled the center console. The driver can reconfigure this screen through controls on the new steering wheel to display only the information you want. From the images, I can see that the dashboard designs and center stack are new, too. The ventilation grilles are reformed and the central grilles are no longer housed inside the bezel of the central stack. In addition, the HVAC controls are repositioned and seem to be easier to reach. Finally, with the six-speed manual transmission is no longer an option, the central console only has the distribution board of the S tronic transmission. The cover for the cabin is at the discretion of the buyer. He can go with an Alcantara-and pearl Nappa leather combo or the optional full Nappa fine leather. Other optional articles of clothing include diamond seam and carbon fiber coating with clear coating. Standard in the 2017 R8 is the MMI navigation and the MMI touch wheel. The Audi connection module gives the passenger the ability to connect his smartphone or tablet to the car and used the system's Wi-Fi hotspot. For buyers who need a little more, there is an optional 500 Watt Bang & Olufsen audio system. Overall, the cabin looks and probably feels like a new generation compared to the 2015 model. So where Audi was not completely impressed on the outside, it certainly made up for it in the cabin. Side- "As for the transmission, the S tronic double clutch features a trio of modes, and offers a manual shift function for maximum control. The 2017 model year marks the end of the line for the V-8 engine. 4.2 liters, leaving the V-10 as the only engine choice Audi also increased the juice in the base V8 R8 and V10 Plus, as the V10 now produces 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, While the Plus operates 610 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of spin.They represent a power of 15 horsepower and a protrusion of 8 pound-feet in the V10, and an increase of 60 horsepower and 15 lb.-feet in the Plus The six-cylinder manual is behind, making the seven-speed S tronic seven-speed transmission the only gear swapper available.This transmission delivers four-wheel power for a time from 0 to 62 mph of 3.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 201 mp H on the V10 - this makes it 0.1 second faster at 60 mph and gives it a 6 mph higher top speed than the 2015 model. As for the V10 Plus, it can sprint to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and A top speed of 205 mph - 0.4 seconds faster and 8 mph faster than the 2015 model. The Tronic tronic dual-clutch features a trio of modes, and offers a manual shift function for maximum control. The launch control even allows a hobbyist to nail perfect since the line starts every time. Finally, the S tronic gearbox features a claw-open mode when the driver lifts his foot off the accelerator at a speed above 34 mph, putting it in a navigation mode that helps save fuel. Speaking of fuel, the base V10 model is rated at 20 mpg combined, while the V10 plus records at 19 mpg. These numbers represent a 10 percent reduction in fuel consumption, which Audi attributes to the new start-up system in 2017. By 2017, the R8 also gets a revised total quattro traction system that deflects up to 100 percent of the Power to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions for a more dynamic driving experience. However, once things get a bit slippery, up to 100 percent of power can be directed to the front wheels for maximum traction.


 The R8 e-tron also gets an updated transmission line consisting of an electric motor that produces 456 horsepower and 679 pound-feet of torque - which is a healthy blow on the latest R8 e-tron of 375 horsepower force. This massive output allows the all-electric R8 to reach 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and end out at 131 or 155 mph. In addition, Audi has hit the e-tron cruising range at 280 miles, thanks to a new 92 kWh battery instead of the old 49 kWh battery, and a new system was added to recharge the battery in just two hours. Drivetrain Specifications Audi R8 V10 V8 Audi R8 V10 Plus Type 5.2 FSI V-10 5.2 HP FSI V-10 540 HP 610 HP Torque 398.3 LB-FT 413 LB-FT 0 to 100 km / h 3.5 seconds 3.2 seconds Maximum speed 200 MPH 205 MPH Prices 2017 - 2018 Audi R8 - image 619660 The price for the 2017 R8 V10 starts at Starting at $ 162,900, which is identical to its predecessor with automatic transmission (remember, the new model does not have a manual). On the other hand, the V10 Plus version recovers $ 189,900 before the options, which is a premium of $ 7,000 over the previous model.