The Angular New Audi R8 Is Upon Us

The revised R8 has been treated to improved suspension, an increase in power and bold styling tweaks
The Angular New Audi R8 Is Upon Us

The new Audi R8 is “even more powerful and faster,” the German firm has said as the first official images are released.

How much faster? Well, the entry-level version now produces 562bhp up from 533bhp, while the output of the V10 Plus has grown from 603 to 611bhp. You’re looking at 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds for the former, and 3.1 seconds for the latter.

The Angular New Audi R8 Is Upon Us

The suspension and steering have been as heavily revised as the radical and angry new nose. Both the standard electromechanical steering setup and the optional Dynamic Steering have been retuned to give improved response and, interestingly, better feedback from the road surface; an area that the outgoing R8 left room for improvement.

It’s not yet known whether there will be an RWS rear-wheel drive version, but we’re crossing our fingers…

The Angular New Audi R8 Is Upon Us

Arguably the biggest changes listed in the initial release cover new driving modes. These engine-dependant modes span dry, wet and snow modes that don’t just alter the engine and gearbox maps: they now adjust the braking performance for the level of grip. A clever new ESC stability control module can maximise the available friction to bring the flagship R8 to a halt faster. From 124mph, the stopping distance with the same standard steel brakes is as much as five metres shorter.

The Angular New Audi R8 Is Upon Us

While 19-inch wheels are standard, 20s are optional and will be a popular choice with buyers. Behind them you can spec carbon ceramic brake discs if you wish. Another trinket on the options list is a front anti-roll bar made from aluminium and carbonfibre-reinforced polymer, cutting weight over the nose by 2kg.

The Angular New Audi R8 Is Upon Us

All Audi has said about the engine so far is that the normally-aspirated V10 in the R8 shares about 50 per cent of its parts with the GT3-spec racer and 60 per cent with the GT4 car. Nice to know. The dry-sumped unit will keep operating as normal even cornering at 1.5g.

Both models will go on sale in early 2019.

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Comments

CatHat

ew

10/24/2018 - 10:21 |
4 | 1
Anonymous

That looks hideous. At least they made the performance better.

10/24/2018 - 10:46 |
6 | 1
The VW Beetle

Like it or dislike it, I’m sure the looks will grow on us by the end of the year.

10/24/2018 - 11:13 |
2 | 1
Anonymous

Am I the only one who really does like this? Everyone just starts whining about facelifts when they come out, and then a couple of weeks later, they’re like “oh yeah, that might be ok.” Just pointless imo.

10/24/2018 - 11:20 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I love it.

10/24/2018 - 11:57 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I also really like this

10/24/2018 - 11:57 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I think it’s freaking awesome

10/24/2018 - 12:13 |
0 | 0
Dante Verna

That new facelift is going to take some getting used to. But the sport-quattro-triple-vents and twin exhausts are good touches.

10/24/2018 - 11:27 |
0 | 0
DL🏁

It looks like it just dropped something small and is looking for it

10/24/2018 - 11:32 |
10 | 1

It looks like its judging me.

10/24/2018 - 11:54 |
5 | 0

THANKS I LIKED THE DESIGN

10/24/2018 - 17:47 |
2 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

It’s a facelift, not a new Generation.

10/24/2018 - 11:57 |
0 | 0
SirJamjaxIsGoingAgain-PeaceOutChaps

What do you mean by only half of the rear has been shown?

10/24/2018 - 12:34 |
1 | 0

Matt only see what his browser bookmarks show him. He does not browse outside of his usual choices of websites for repost.

10/24/2018 - 16:34 |
0 | 0
SirJamjaxIsGoingAgain-PeaceOutChaps

What this basically means, is that we’re getting a facelift Huracán sometime soon

10/24/2018 - 12:36 |
2 | 0

Yep, there were some test mules spotted recently.

10/27/2018 - 07:46 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

That was quick…

10/24/2018 - 13:57 |
3 | 0