Thursday 26th February 2015

New Audi R8 revealed

'More fascinating' second-gen R8 shown ahead of Geneva, looks how you probably expected

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Given the reception and success of the original R8, Audi's evolutionary approach to designing its replacement is understandable. Remember the original Le Mans Concept was seen back in 2003, and still has clear links back to this car.

Look elsewhere for revolution

Given our preview story covered much of the tech spec while the R8 was still under camo, we'll begin with the styling. Audi describes the design as "flat, wide, muscular", with dimensions very similar to the old car, the only significant a 4cm increase in width. Though clearly updated, much of what distinguished the R8 (see the sideblades and the slender rear lights for example) remains. And this wouldn't be a new Audi without a natty design touch - see the air intake blades aping the look of the headlights. The red car here is a V10 Plus, identifiable by the fixed rear spoiler in place of the V10's speed dependent one.

Overall, it appears a case of 'meet the new boss, same as the old boss' with the R8; if you didn't like the design previously then this car won't win you over. R8 fans will surely find much to like.

The interior could well win over the detractors though. The original car's cabin soon looked outdated with an MMI dial on the centre console and a fair few buttons buttons. There's no guarantee this won't look old very quickly again but for now the R8's cabin is superb. This is an Audi, after all. Clearly influenced by the TT (see the virtual cockpit, MMI dial and ventilation controls), it's a very stylish and modern cockpit. There's a way to spot the V10 Plus inside as well for your additional geek points - the steering wheel has two additional buttons, one for a performance mode and one the sports exhaust. Super. Both also feature a rev counter that doesn't go red until nearly 9,000rpm...

Audi makes lovely interior. Who'd have thought?

We also now have more performance numbers. The 540hp R8 V10 will hit 62mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 200mph, with the 610hp V10 Plus capable of 3.2 to 62mph, 9.9 seconds to 124mph and 205mph. Carbon ceramic brakes will be standard on the Plus, optional on the V10. Both will also have the option of Audi's magnetic ride dampers.

Audi's confirmation of the new car brings more news on the R8 e-tron too. It now uses the Audi Space Frame of the new V10 cars, the range is up to 280 miles and Audi claims it will be available to order this year "upon customer request." More on that as we have it.

European prices have also been announced ahead of Geneva, with UK figures likely to follow soon. The V10 costs 165,000 euros (£120,000 at today's exchange rate) and the Plus at 187,400 (£137,000). First drive coming just as soon as possible!

 

 

[corcoran]

God it's beautiful. Shame they ditched that joined-up blade up the sides of the first gen; really enjoyed the design of that.

[kambites]

It has a lovely simplicity to its design compared to most of the competition.

I think it's probably my favourite looking car currently available in this market segment.

Edited by kambites on Thursday 26th February 11:57

[designndrive62]

Maybe it will age well, but in my eyes this is a backwards step. That rear especially looks very dull with lots of flat surfaces

[323ti]

Bye bye open gated manual transmission.
Then again, this might sink the residuals of the old manual V8 models...

[Andy665]

Whist not exactly revolutionary I think it looks much better than the original

[Amirhussain]

Nice.

[SpeckledJim]

Like the interior, but I think the exterior is a small step backwards. Looks less special to me, and more connected to the rest of the range.

[Schnellmann]

Why are cars getting wider and wider? Even more of a pain to park as more likely to get dinged by others plus too big for the best B roads. Is it to satisfy the "larger" customers to have more internal space? It to help with lateral grip and lap times?

[LittleSwill]

They forgot to mention that the red car is self driving.

[IMIA]

The first R8 looked unfinished. This one looks unambitious.

[marctwo]

[3black]

i think its worse tbh.... still love the gen1 the most.

also have they stole merc's gear lever?

[Dave Hedgehog]

rear is horrid ..

front is bland



hang on to your V10 manual ones

[foreverfalling]

Still bordering on Ugly for me, but still a bit appealing at the same time lol.

[Nightshade]

The exterior is definitely a step back IMO. Less aggression in the front headlights and a plainer shape. Well if this pushes down the prices of the mk 1 R8's in a few years I'll be happy to pick one up!

[WokkaWokka]

I think its a step backward although most Audis to me look crap in pictures other than the likes of the RS4/RS6 because they are just so mental.

I am sure in the metal it will look awesome.

[monthefish]

Andy665 said:

Whist not exactly revolutionary I think it looks much better than the original

I agree.
(The original's design was a bit close to the TT)

[Dave Hedgehog]

monthefish said:

Andy665 said:

Whist not exactly revolutionary I think it looks much better than the original

I agree.
(The original's design was a bit close to the TT)

[matt_knowles]

designndrive62 said:

Maybe it will age well, but in my eyes this is a backwards step. That rear especially looks very dull with lots of flat surfaces

Completely agree, the rear is not its strongest point!

[Tuvra]

I think the back end looks good although its screaming out for a chunky "GT" style spoiler.

I don't think I like the front