Audi R8

Audi R8 Coupé ( 2007-2012)

The Audi R8 is a mid-engine sports car from Audi, which was presented to the public in September 2006. The naming is based on the Le Mans prototype Audi R8.

The model will be produced at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH. It is based on the study of Le Mans quattro, which was presented in 2003 at the IAA. To save weight, the body of the car is made entirely of aluminum.

The sale of the R8 initially available only as a coupe began in April 2007. In May 2010 came with the Spyder a convertible version in the program.

2012 647 Audi R8 were registered in Germany, according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Office, of which 563 vehicles by commercial holder.

  • 5.1 R8 GT Coupe
  • 5.2 R8 GT Spyder
  • 5.3 R8 V12 TDI
  • 5.4 R8 LMS
  • 5.5 R8 e -tron
  • 5.6 R8 V10 plus

Development

In initial tests with pre-production vehicles at the Nurburgring and on the test track in the Italian Nardo there were problems with the transmission breather to give at least three vehicles burnt out completely. Outside the factory in Ingolstadt began as a camouflaged Lamborghini Gallardo test vehicle fire. This, however, concerned only the Vorserienwagen with the V10 engine was not yet available. Despite thermal and tire problems the targeted production start date ( V10: Early 2009) has not moved under its former CEO Martin Winterkorn. According to Audi, all problems were solved for the start of production.

Technology

Was between the eponymous prototype Audi, with the Audi five -time Le Mans winner, and the production car is little technical similarities. The Audi R8 is the first mid-engine sports car, the Audi brings as a production vehicle for road transport to market. With an all-aluminum Audi Space Frame body, and a frame made of aluminum and magnesium, a weight distribution of 44 to 56 percent between the front and rear axles to be achieved in conjunction with the mounting position of the motor.

By the mid-engine the passenger axle well forward. The wheelbase is 2,650 mm long and relatively short overhangs of the body brings with it.

Rear view

Cockpit

Instrument panel

Motor

At its market launch in April 2007, Audi built the Audi RS4 known from the V8 FSI engine with a direct injection. The high revving engine (maximum 8250 min -1) with 4.2 liters has an output of 309 kW (420 hp) at 7800 min -1 and a maximum torque of 430 Nm, which is 4500-6000 min -1. The torque is 3500-7600 min-1 to 90 percent available to supply sufficient power over the entire speed range can. The Audi R8 accelerates in 4.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h and is expected to reach 301 km / h according to Audi. The power to weight ratio is 3.9 kg / hp. With the introduction of the V8 engine in the Spyder model appeared in mid-2010, a revised version of the engine that makes 316 kW ( 430 hp).

Since April 2009, is known from the Audi S6 V10 FSI engine, available in modified form, in the R8. The high revving engine with 5.2 liter displacement has an output of 386 kW ( 525 hp) at 8000 min -1 and a maximum torque of 530 Nm at 6500 min -1. The Audi R8 V10 accelerates in 3.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h and reaches a top speed of 316 km / h ( the Spyder 4.1 s or 313 km / h). The power to weight ratio is 3.2 kg / hp ( Spyder 3.4 kg / hp).

In the summer of 2010, the V10 engine appeared in an uprated version in limited edition R8 GT. Here, the 5.2 l engine 412 kW ( 560 hp) at 8000 min -1 and a maximum torque of 540 Nm at 6500 min -1. The GT model accelerates in 3.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h ( top speed 320 km / h). Various weight reductions at this model, the power-weight ratio 2.9 kg / hp.

Like the R8 racing car the car has a dry sump lubrication with separate oil tank, whereby the gravity of the motor is moved further down and optimum lubrication is ensured even under extreme lateral acceleration.

The end of 2012 should appear with the R8 e-tron, a variant with electric drive. The vehicle is to be driven by two electric motors with a total of 280 kW/381 hp and 820 Nm of torque.

Transmission

The Audi R8 is shifted via a manual six-speed gearbox or optionally via the R tronic automated manual called, the latter is operated by a lever in the center console or via shift paddles on the steering wheel. In addition, the switching times can be shortened about a sport mode.

The R8 has a coming of Lamborghini clutch-controlled all-wheel drive. The rear axle is driven primarily the front axle is driven by a viscous coupling of the rotational speed difference between the axles depending passes a part of the driving force to the front.

Landing gear

For the suspension double wishbones front and rear set of forged aluminum components: Front, there are top and bottom wishbones, rear upper wishbone and bottom wishbones with a track rod.

Shock absorbers are either the standard gas -filled shock absorbers the V8 or the adaptive damping system Audi magnetic ride, which is standard equipment in the V10 model. In magnetic ride, a magnetorheological fluid is used instead of a conventional damper oil. An electromagnetic field the viscosity can be changed, and the suspension adapts to the driving situation. By pressing a button, such as sports or comfort are possible programs.

The driving stability and chassis control systems, and the electrical system are from the last generation of the Audi A4.

Lighting

The V8 models are equipped with Xenon headlights. In addition, the headlights daytime running lights from twelve individual LEDs is integrated. The tail lights on the R8 are also designed in LED technology.

2007, a full-LED headlamp has been announced for the R8 is the first production vehicle. Since mid-2008, this new variant headlamps can be ordered as an option. The V10 model, the LED headlights are standard equipment. In contrast to xenon headlights here is the daytime running lights not from each LED remains lit as a continuous LED strip.

Design

The design of the R8 is the serial translation of the design language of the design study Le Mans quattro and the Audi RSQ from the movie I, Robot, which were all developed from the same formal concept (lateral shoulder line continued to circumferential lines ). The designer of all three sister vessels is Julian honey.

Visually, the two models available differ. So has the V10 variant compared to the V8 and Others

  • Larger simple exhaust pipes (there are the V8 ever two smaller pipes left and right) left and right,
  • A revised grille with horizontal and vertical chrome struts,
  • Further issued " side blades " (vertical vents in the C-pillar),
  • Black-painted inserts in the rear bumper,
  • Tinted tail lights and
  • A V10 logo on the front fenders and the instrument cluster.

Concept Audi RSQ study from the year 2004 for the film I, Robot - common design concept with the R8

Price and consumption

The fuel consumption of the V8 engine is according to Audi to be around 14.2 liters per 100 km, CO2 emissions at 332 g / km (sequential R tronic manual transmission: 12.4 liters or 289 g CO2). The basic price is 113,500 euros for the model with 6 -speed transmission and 118,400 euros for the equipment with R tronic. For the Spyder V8 with the starting price for both transmission variants is each 11,300 euros higher than in the Coupé. The V8 Spyder consumes 14.4 liters per 100 km ( R tronic 12.6 l) and has a CO2 emission of 337 g ( 294 g).

The R8 coupe with a V10 engine, the buyer receives from 154.600 Euros. The Spyder has a base price of 165,900 euros (available only with R tronic). With R tronic, the fuel consumption is 13.1 liters and 305 g CO2. The consumption of the Spyder is both transmission variants 0.2 liter higher than in the Coupé. The CO2 emissions is higher by 5 g per km. The coupe model is also available with 550 hp. The fuel consumption is 12.9 l and 299 g CO2. The base price is estimated to 173.200 euros.

The published and limited in the summer of 2010 Audi R8 GT is available as a purchase price of 193,000 euros. This model available only with R tronic is specified with a consumption of 14.4 liters per 100 km (CO2 emissions 335 g).

R8 Spyder

In September 2009, Audi presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt as " Spyder " designated open roadster model. Compared with the closed version omitted in this designated as a " side blades " vertical Ansaugluftöffnungen in the C- pillar area. Instead, two air scoops were integrated into the top compartment for the soft top. The complete top compartment and additional side panels of the tail are to save weight made ​​from carbon fiber reinforced plastic ( CFRP) constructed - thus the Spyder weighs just 100 kg more than the coupe.

Available was the R8 Spyder in May 2010 and initially only with the ten-cylinder engine. The sales price is the basic 14,000 euros over the comparable coupe.

Since July 2010, known from the coupé V8 engine can also be ordered for the Spyder. Deliveries began in November 2010.

Rear view

Engine bay of the 5.2 FSI V10

View from above

Specifications

* Audi factory specifications

Other models

R8 GT Coupe

In May 2010, limited to 333 pieces and available only as a coupe R8 GT appeared. In addition to the 26 kW ( 35 hp ) uprated V10 engine, the car was lighter by 100 kg and with the optional "Race " package, which includes a roll bar, Schroth four- point seat belts, fire extinguisher and battery emergency stop, even for the use on the racetrack suitable. Standard equipment for the GT model include the sequential 6-speed gearbox ( with printed car number on the shift lever top ), ceramic brake discs and bucket seats. Externally the GT stands out for an optimized and modified body.

The GT coupe is available from 193,000 euros.

R8 GT Spyder

In the summer of 2011 came to the R8 GT Coupe and the GT Spyder on the market.

The Spyder has the same power source as the coupe version. The GT Spyder is 155 kg lighter than the V10 Spyder. The weight reduction was due to the use of carbon fiber plastic ( CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP ) is possible.

Like the R8 GT coupe is being built times and the GT Spyder only 333.

R8 V12 TDI

At the Detroit Motor Show in early 2008 was seen with 6.0-liter V12 diesel engine for the first time an R8. As with the V8 petrol engine and the 16.6 cm long diesel engine with a classic 60 -degree cylinder angle is installed behind the driver. The study is intended to establish Audi's TDI diesel technology, which has proved successful in Le Mans racing prototype R10 TDI now also in road sports car R8. The diesel engine with TDI technology delivers 368 kW ( 500 hp) and 1000 Nm, which is available 1750-3000 rpm. This should speed up within 4.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h 0.4 seconds faster than the V8 petrol engine, the diesel R8. The top speed is 301 km / h on petrol to about 325 km / h increase.

The consumption of the diesel genset is, however, significantly lower than the rest of the petrol engines Audi indicates that it is in the EU of thirds under 10 l/100 km. In addition to an unusually comprehensive for a concept vehicle exhaust aftertreatment diesel make even cleaner: The R8 V12 TDI has two particulate filters and the so-called clean diesel technology, which, as the Bluetec technology from Daimler, the nitrogen oxide content of the exhaust gases is reduced considerably. Thus, the R8 to meet the entering into force in 2014 Euro - 6 emissions standard.

Visually, the R8 has been revised: Larger, more distinctive air intakes at the front, at the bottom of enlarged " side blades " on the side and a rear section with square exhaust pipes under air outlets can also enlarged the R8 overall still " beefy " effect.

Engine compartment

R8 LMS

In summer 2008, Audi introduced the Audi R8 LMS sports (internal R16) before, a racing version of the Audi R8. This from 2009 located in racing race car is built according to the regulations of the FIA GT3 and differs in some places from the production car. Thus, due to the regulations, a rear-wheel drive was needed ( all-wheel drive is not allowed), a larger rear spoiler was fitted and the front changed.

The output of over 368 kW ( 500 hp) is transmitted via a six-speed sequential sports gearbox. In the standard gearbox housing is a sequential, unsynchronized, straight-tooth gear with racing gear set square, the Holinger manufactures. The circuit is operated electronically with shift paddles on the steering wheel, the gear change is pneumatically controlled by an actuator on the gearbox. The control units of motor and circuit co-ordinate this gear changes and the necessary intermediate gas shock automatically. The Audi R8 LMS has no street legal.

Audi R8 LMS in the Belgian GT Championship

R8 e -tron

The end of 2012 should the R8 e -tron, a variant appear with two electric motors. The electric motors should make together 280 kW/381 hp and 820 Nm of torque provide. In November 2012, Audi put the production of this vehicle but on ice, without ever having delivered a vehicle to a customer. Audi stated that the supplier of the battery was to blame for the lack of technical maturity phase of the vehicle.

A special feature of the vehicle was that because of the missing rear window is a digital interior mirror for use. In this case, a tiny camera delivers high-resolution images of the area behind the car, which are reproduced on a display with 7.7 inch screen size.

R8 V10 plus

2012 was the R8 V10 as the successor of the R8 GT plus. The power has been raised here against the V10 model by 18 kW to 404 kW ( 550 hp). Other visual changes are all-LED headlights, turn signals, and dynamic minor modifications to the instrument panel or in the skirt. Besides the visual changes donated the new Audi R8 V10 plus a new S -Tronic gearbox, which provides a seven -stage dual clutch for even faster and smoother gear changes freer. Also new is the to 12 kg lighter ceramic brakes, which leads to some other changes to a weight saving of 50 kg to 1670 kg now.

The Audi R8 V10 Plus is available from 173,200 euros.

Production

The R8 is produced in a manufacture-like production in Neckarsulm, where the project " Silver Line " was first implemented. Here, the production process is changed so that it reflects the demographic change into account and experienced staff appeals that are at least 40 years old. Instead of just a few handles to the individual do a lot more work steps. On prolonged cycle time, the steps are thereby varied at the same time more uniform physical stress. In 2008 120 employees produced 23 vehicles per day.

On 17 June 2012, nearly six years after the start of production of the 20,000 th R8 rolled off. The anniversary model was a sphere- blue R8 GT Spyder.

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