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

aaronF50

It looks good apart from that outward slant from the headlights to the front bumper edge. And those huge … Things round the exhausts. Maybe they will grown on me but the rest looks good.

10/24/2018 - 14:39 |
1 | 0
PorscheBoi996

Good Looking, but a tad bit aggressive looking for a normal R8, if this were the R8 GT, it would make more sense

10/24/2018 - 20:18 |
1 | 0
AnthonyDraws 1

My opinion it’s dumb the last one was perfect, I never liked the first one a lot, this version is just overdone it’s not needed, just like ricers I’m not saying it’s a ricer but it’s just overdone a lot

10/25/2018 - 00:19 |
0 | 0
Kenji (Oldsmobile Fan) (GoldWing Enthusiast) (wheel nut)

Wow 2 WHOLE KILOGRAMS

10/25/2018 - 02:34 |
3 | 0
Anonymous

it wants to be a lambo

10/29/2018 - 08:03 |
0 | 0
Cobra RS

I really like the new look actually - it’s a great deviation from the stale audi range

11/01/2018 - 18:26 |
0 | 0