RE: New Audi R8 - first look
Monday 16th February 2015
Though the new R8 will be apparently be joining the amazing array of hot metal debuting at Geneva in a couple of weeks, Audi has been relatively quiet about its second-gen supercar. Expect a bit more noise here on PH later this week to put that right but, as is the way, every big launch must be preceded by a teaser campaign. And this condensed one for the new R8 starts with the headlights.
Laser/LED lights, as fitted to the outgoing R8 LMXWhich are actually quite interesting, not least for the fact they've got lasers in them. Or will have if you tick the upgrade box from the already impressive standard LED items.
Double the 'range' of LEDs claims AudiUnderneath we know it shares the Modular Sportscar System (MSS) 'hybrid' aluminium/carbon tub with the the Lamborghini Huracan, the mainly aluminium spaceframe using carbon fibre for the rear bulkhead and other structural parts. Audi claims this as the best compromise in terms of weight, stiffness and cost, this a halfway house between McLaren's all-carbon philosophy and Ferrari, which has previously stated it is sticking with aluminium for all but its LaFerrari level flagship models.
New Audi R8 - first look
All-new Audi R8 tips us the wink with its (frickin') laser headlights
Laser/LED lights, as fitted to the outgoing R8 LMX
Introduced on the R18 E-Tron Quattro at Le Mans last year, and featured for the first time on a road car in the limited edition run-out R8 LMX, these use "high intensity laser diodes" for the high-beam. Audi claims almost twice the lighting range of even LED lights, equating to 500m in the case of the Le Mans car. Paired with the existing Matrix LED lights that can peer around oncoming cars and obstructions and pre-empt curves by 'reading' the road via the navigation system the technology is a huge step up, one even Luddites like us can appreciate.
What can we tell about the new R8 from the supplied image though? Well, even though it's just coyly peeking out from under a sheet it's obvious enough that Audi won't be doing anything too radical with the basic shape and proportions. What, you were expecting revolution?
Double the 'range' of LEDs claims Audi
Engine-wise we'll have to see but if not at launch expect some manner of hybridisation for the new R8 somewhere along the line. Watch this space for more.
Discussion
ManOpener said:
The point in the Audi, AFAIK, is that it isn't an "exotic". It's supposed to be an everyday-usable, reliable sports car that will be equally as happy lapping up 20k of motorway miles or at a Silverstone track day. Maybe I'm missing the point but I always thought that the R8 was designed to go toe-to-toe with the 911 family rather than compete directly with the Gallardo/Huracan or Ferrari 4** series.
See there-in lies the problem. The Audi is trying to play catch up but it will always be trying.911 is a better everyday sports car, and with two small seats and more practical. The F4xx is no less practical than an R8, and both a Ferrari and 911 can be used everyday (been there, done that on both).
As far as reliability is concerned that is no longer an argument. Modern Italian cars as just as reliable and the biggest killer to the reliability of any car is not using it.
If I was to spend £100k (min) on a new 2 seater sports car it would not have an Audi badge on it. Plenty of F430’s available for that money or increase the budget to a F458. With that you are guaranteed to make every journey special. Isnt that what these cars are all about?
MonkeyMatt said:
So the old v new argument has been wheeled out once again
Not sure what argument you refer to as I dont get to read as much as I'd like to on the site. Just giving my opinion. For me Audi is a company that made cars nearly as good as BMW and Mercedes and has moved into the Sports car market. I will always view Audi as an upmarket VW. Sorry if that upsets some but I remember the days when that was what they were.
leglessAlex said:
Often when the price of a car is brought up you will often get people saying "I'd buy such and such for much less second hand", but it's not really a valid argument. Comparing new and old is comparing apples and oranges, not to mention that often the cars quoted (such as in this case the F430 vs R8) have different running costs.
Its not really apples and oranges. Essentially you have two mid engined, 2 seater sports cars. Only difference is that one is new and the other is 2nd hand. All Im saying is that I would go for a 2nd hand F4xx over a R8 anyday. Also you mention running costs. Within that you have to consider total running costs which includes depreciation. Factor that in and the Ferrari probably comes out on top.
amusingduck said:
You are comparing a new R8 to a used ferrari.
You are not comparing apples with apples.
Not quite sure what your point is about Audi, except that you're stuck in the past. You do realise that the VW group also owns Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini; yes?
Please see post above for apples and oranges.You are not comparing apples with apples.
Not quite sure what your point is about Audi, except that you're stuck in the past. You do realise that the VW group also owns Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini; yes?
I dont think I am stuck in the past. Dont get me wrong, Audi have come a long way but its trying to play with the big boys. A Nissan GTR might be a fantastic car but its still a Datsun. It doesnt sit in the same league.
All Im saying is that I cannot fathom why someone would spend £100k+ on a Audi when they can purchase a Ferrari (or Lambo/Porsche for that matter). And the market agrees which is why its possible to buy used R8 in the 30's. Even F360s are north of £40k now.
Finally yes I am aware of the VW group and the companies they own (you forgot to al Skoda to that list). I own a detailing company so have the pleasure of working with the dealers of all the models mentioned and more. Surely you are not comparing a Bugatti and an Audi R8? Now that is a different cup of tea.
Olivera said:
What I don't get is why people don't get the R8.
It's as if some people assume it's a staid boring drive despite all the evidence. The last R8 was regarded as a fantastic drivers car with a beautifully balanced and adjustable chassis. In many group tests it was regarded as better and more enjoyable as the 911, and as a superior drivers car than the Gallardo.
The R8 to me is a bit soulless. Its been designed to meet a design agenda, fit a certain cost profile, be practical and sport in the right balance. Which is all great expect it’s a boring design. Interior and exterior is a bit bland and generic. Its not a stand out design classic and that’s the problem I have with the R8. There is just not enough passion in the design, and needs a little more bonkers. Its like dating an accountant. She might be nice and do your tax return but in 5 years time you wont even remember her name.It's as if some people assume it's a staid boring drive despite all the evidence. The last R8 was regarded as a fantastic drivers car with a beautifully balanced and adjustable chassis. In many group tests it was regarded as better and more enjoyable as the 911, and as a superior drivers car than the Gallardo.
Despite all its faults the rear engine of the 911 has become a defining design element and Porsche has made it technically work. Credit to them. The car looks just as good today as it did in the early years. Ferrari too. Every model (bar a few) looked good then, and look good now. It makes you want to drive it. I just don’t get that with an R8.
Besides the fact that you have to dazzle people with fancy headlights means there is something lacking on the car. Bit like go faster stripes in the 80’s. I mean I don’t get excited about my ABS – Its just part of the car. 30 years ago that was a big thing, just like fancy lights today.
ManOpener said:
Have you actually ever driven an R8? You comments suggest you haven't, given that you never actually talk about anything really driving-related, but you never state so categorically. I highly recommend you do.
Not recently no. But im not talking about the way it drives. I've said before technically it may be up there just like the GTR. Its about whether or not it feels special and one of the other posts made the point well. It feels like a bigger TT inside. £100K on a R8 or a 599? Come now. There is no comparison!
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