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|predecessor =none
|predecessor =none
|successor =none
|successor =none
|class = [[sports Vehicle]]
|class = [[sports car]]
|body_style = 2-door [[coupé]] (2007)<br>2-door [[convertible]] (2009)
|body_style = 2-door [[coupé]] (2007)<br>2-door [[convertible]] (2009)
|layout = [[longitudinal engine|Longitudinal]] [[mid-engine design|mid-engine]],<br />[[quattro (four wheel drive system)|quattro]] permanent [[four-wheel drive]]
|layout = [[longitudinal engine|Longitudinal]] [[mid-engine design|mid-engine]],<br />[[quattro (four wheel drive system)|quattro]] permanent [[four-wheel drive]]

Revision as of 05:29, 9 December 2009

This article is about the road going sports car. For the race car used in sportscar racing, see Audi R8 (race car).
Audi R8
File:Audi R8-09.jpg
Audi R8
Overview
Manufacturerquattro GmbH,
(a private subsidiary of Audi AG)
Production2006–present,
9,945 built in the end of 2008[1][2]
AssemblyNeckarsulm, Germany
Body and chassis
Classsports car
Body style2-door coupé (2007)
2-door convertible (2009)
LayoutLongitudinal mid-engine,
quattro permanent four-wheel drive
RelatedLamborghini Gallardo
Powertrain
Engine4.2 L FSI V8, 2×DOHC;
5.2 L FSI V10, 2×DOHC[3]
Transmission6-speed manual,
6-speed "R tronic" single-clutch semi-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,649 mm (104.3 in)
Length4,431 mm (174.4 in)
Width1,904 mm (75.0 in)
Height1,249 mm (49.2 in)
Kerb weightV8: 1,560 kg (3,439 lb),
V10: 1,620 kg (3,571 lb)
Chronology
Predecessornone
Successornone

The Audi R8 is a sports car with a longitudinally mounted mid-engine, and uses Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.[4] It was introduced by the German automaker Audi AG in 2006. The car was exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, and is derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo.[5] The fundamental construction of the R8 is based on the "Audi Space Frame", and uses an aluminium monocoque which is built around a space frame. The car is built by quattro GmbH in a newly renovated factory at Audi's 'aluminium site' at Neckarsulm in Germany.

In 2005, Audi announced that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, appearing at the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show, and 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The R8 road car was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There was some confusion with the name, which the car shares with the 24 Hours of Le Mans winning R8 Le Mans Prototype (LMP), and also the 1989 Mk2 Rover 200, codenamed R8.

The Audi R8 is used as a safety car in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters and British Superbike Championship racing series.

Production

To produce the R8 at quattro GmbH, seventy workers fit 5,000 unique parts by hand. The factory at Neckarsulm, redeveloped at a cost of €28 million, produces between eight and fifteen cars a day. Ninety-five lasers inspect the entire car in five seconds to ensure that over 220 measurements are within 0.1 millimetres of the programmed plans.[6]

Available markets

The 2-seat coupé is currently available in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan. Rumours hold that an R8 Spider, an open-top roadster model, will follow sometime in 2009. In Latin America, the R8 became available at the end of 2008 at dealers in Mexico City, Bogota, Medellin, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima and Santiago. Customers bought every unit available for 2008 within a week[7] after the R8 premiered at the Bogota International Auto Show and Auto Expo of Medellin.

In Asia, the R8 is available in India, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines and Hong Kong, and has been available in China, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Indonesia since 2008.

Powertrain

The V8 engine in the R8

The Audi R8 was initially equipped with a 4.2 litre V8 internal combustion engine. Specific detail: it is an all-aluminium alloy 32-valve (four valves per cylinder) petrol engine, utilising Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), and has a displacement of 4,163 cc (254.0 cu in). It develops a motive power output of 309 kilowatts (420 PS; 414 bhp), and generates 430 newton-metres (317 lbf⋅ft) of torque, on 98 RON 'Super Unleaded' petrol. It is basically the same engine used in the B7 Audi RS4, but is modified to use dry sump lubrication system. This V8 is a highly reworked, high-revving variant from the existing 4.2 litre V8, but includes cylinder-direct fuel injection (Fuel Stratified Injection), and four valves per cylinder, instead of five (as used on the non-FSI variants). It also uses two chain-driven dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder bank, and utilises variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust camshafts.

A new additional variant with a 5.2 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) V10 engine was added on the 9th of December 2008, which produces 386 kW (525 PS; 518 bhp) and 530 N⋅m (391 lbf⋅ft).[3]

The transmission options are either a Lamborghini sourced manual gearbox with metal gate for the shift lever, or an Audi-developed "R tronic" gearbox - which is a single-clutch semi-automatic electrohydraulic manual transmission, without a traditional clutch pedal. These options are the same as those available on the Lamborghini Gallardo. A double-clutch Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), now badged by Audi as "S tronic", is not available (as of December 2008).

V10 engine

Audi R8 with a V10 engine at the 2009 North American International Auto Show

Audi AG unveiled the Audi R8 V10 on 9 December 2008. It uses a 5.2 litre FSI internal combustion engine, based on the unit in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but is detuned to produce a motive power output of 386 kilowatts (525 PS; 518 bhp), and generate 530 newton-metres (391 lbf⋅ft) of torque.[3] Compared to the V8 variant, the R8 V10's performance numbers are enhanced. Audi estimates the new 0-100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) time as only 3.9 seconds, 60-124 mph in 8.1 seconds, and a top speed of 196 mph (315.4 km/h). Other changes to the V10 version of the R8 include some aesthetic differences such as all-LED headlights, interior enhancements, and a more aggressive body styling,[8] larger rear brakes and unique roadwheels.

It was initially thought that this version of the R8 was going to have the same engine as the C6 Audi RS6, a 5.0 litre V10 TFSI 'biturbo' engine, which produces 580 PS (427 kW; 572 bhp). However, some components of the twin-turbo system overheated, and one prototype was destroyed by fire at the Nürburgring.[9] This model is showing at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. This version of the R8 appears in the trailers and in the box art of the Xbox 360 racing game, Forza Motorsport 3.[10]

Audi R8 specifications
R8 engine models 4.2 FSI V8 5.2 FSI V10[11]
engine configuration V8 engine V10 engine
engine displacement 4,163 cc (254.0 cu in) 5,204 cc (317.6 cu in)
max. power 309 kW (420 PS; 414 bhp) @ 7,800 rpm 386 kW (525 PS; 518 bhp) @ 8,000 rpm
max. torque 430 N⋅m (317 lbf⋅ft) 530 N⋅m (391 lbf⋅ft) @ 6,500 rpm
kerb weight 1,560 kg (3,439 lb) (dry) 1,620 kg (3,571 lb) (manual)
0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) 4.4 sec [12] 3.9 sec [13]
0-100 mph (160.9 km/h) 10.1 sec -
0-200 km/h (124.3 mph) 14.9 sec 12 sec (R tronic)
1/4 mile (~400m) 12.8 sec @ 113.2 mph (182.2 km/h)[citation needed] -
top speed 301 km/h (187.0 mph) 316 km/h (196.4 mph)
lateral acceleration
(200 feet (61 m) skidpad) 		.98 G[14]

The V8 0-60 mph and 1/4 Timing is based on the Edmunds Review : http://www.edmunds.com/audi/r8/2008/review.html

Other technical details

Black Audi R8

As Audi AG owns Lamborghini (Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.), some of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including some of the chassis and floorpan, transmissions, and the revised V10 engine. The R8 is made distinct by its Germanic exterior styling, cabin, smaller V8 engine, magnetic dampers, and pricing.

The R8 (with the V8 engine) has a dry weight of 1,560 kilograms (3,439 lb). Its suspension uses Delphi[15] magneto rheological dampers.[16]

Safety features include Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme with Anti-lock Braking System ABS, front dual-stage airbags, and 'sideguard' curtain airbags.[17] The R8 also features state-of-the-art LED safety light bars mounted just under the headlamps.

The R8, like most mid- or rear-engine designed sports cars, utilises wider roadwheels and tyres on its rear axle. For the 18 inch alloy wheels (on standard summer tyres), there is just one range of sizes - the fronts are sized at 8.5Jx18H2 ET42, whilst the rears are two inches wider at 10.5Jx18H2 ET50. With the 19 inch wheels, the theme continues - the fronts are all 8.5Jx19H2 ET42, and the rears are 11.0Jx19H2 ET50. 19" wheels for the winter tyre package have a ½" narrower rear compared to the summer tyre wheel package. There is also a corresponding difference in tyre sizes - 18's are 235/40 ZR18 95Y XL (eXtra Load) up front and 285/35 ZR18 101Y XL at the rear. For the 19" tyres, two different options are available - all fronts are 235/35 ZR19 91Y, and the rears are either 295/30 ZR19 100Y XL or 305/30 ZR19 102Y XL. Standard factory supplied tyre makes offered are either Continental SportContact3, or Pirelli P-Zero Rosso.

Reviews

Many publications[which?] were hailing it as the first car to truly be able to beat the Porsche 997 — considered by many[who?] to be one of the best sports cars ever made, and a leader in its class.[18] Initial comparison tests have proven quite positive in this respect; Evo Magazine listed it as a "supercar",[19] compared the R8 to the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and BMW M6 and after praising the R8's "amazing stability, traction and grip, unparalleled steering accuracy and bite, (and) its uncannily flat and disturbance-free ride", claimed that as a result of "the sublime effortlessness of it all", the Audi is a better sports car. The article concluded that "Audi humbles Porsche. A new dawn starts today".[20]

Other publications have also written similar reviews of the Audi beating the Porsche in comparison tests.[4][21] In a half mile drag race conducted by Top Gear between the R8 and a 997 Carrera S, the Porsche won, crossing the line just a half meter before the R8. However, the R8 easily beat the Porsche around Top Gear's test track.

The television show Top Gear compared the Nissan GT-R to the R8, and remarked that the R8 was "simultaneously less impressive and yet somehow more involving". On the R8 they wrote that "it rewards driver input", calling it "fantastic in a way that will appeal more to true car enthusiasts", but also remarked that it was "much slower", and the GT-R was cheaper.[22] On their test track, the car performed better than a Lamborghini Gallardo and an Aston Martin DB9.

On Bedford Autodrome, tested by Evo Magazine, the R8 was faster than the Lamborghini Gallardo.[citation needed]

Future development

R8 TDI diesel

The Audi R8 V12 TDI (later renamed the Audi R8 TDI Le Mans),[23] was unveiled as a diesel engined concept car,[24] was presented at the 2008 North American International Auto Show on 13 January,[25] and the Geneva Motor Show in March. It was to use a 6.0 litre V12 engine, utilising Volkswagen Group's long-established Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) turbodiesel technology. This engine was rated 500 PS (368 kW; 493 bhp), and 1,000 N⋅m (738 lbf⋅ft) of torque. It uses Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, and is longitudinally mid-engined. It has a six-speed manual transmission. It accelerates from 0-100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, and its top speed is 325 km/h (202 mph).[citation needed]

The R8 TDI Le Mans has modified suspension settings and brakes, to cope with the additional power and weight (300 kg (661.4 lb)), resulting from replacing the standard V8 engine with the V12 TDI. The V12 TDI requires more cooling than the standard R8, hence the NACA duct in the roof to feed additional air in to the engine. The vents on the front and back of the car have also been increased by 20% in size. The headlights are all-LED. For its appearance at the Detroit Motor Show, Audi fitted 20-inch alloy wheels. The rear bulkhead has been moved forward in order to accommodate the physically larger V12 engine, meaning it loses the space behind the rear seats usually found on the standard R8.

In May 2009, Audi decided to halt plans to produce the R8 TDI, citing "the cost of re-engineering the petrol R8 to accommodate the massive twin-turbocharged diesel engine is simply too great – and that it would be unable to recoup its investment through sales alone". [26]

Audi R8 Spyder

Although it was rumored by the automotive press since the announcement of the production R8 in 2006, it was only in August 2008 that spy shots of a convertible R8 'Spider' were published online, which included a "soft-top" roof is clearly visible, and the unique sideblade has been removed.[27]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.[28]

Compared with the coupe model, the convertible will have extra chassis support, a pair of roll-over safety bars, as well as minor changes such as the location of the fuel tank filler. It is expected as V10 powered model.

Audi e-Tron

The Audi e-Tron concept was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is an electric supercar based on the Audi R8, and has a fully-electric powertrain with an electric motor on each wheel which distributes torque individually, allowing for a full quattro layout. The electric motors in the e-tron concept produces 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, for exceptional acceleration. Production date and price are unavailable, as the e-Tron is currently a concept car only.[29]

Hand Writing Recognition Technology

There are reports that the next generation R8 will feature a satellite navigation system with hand writing recognition technology, so they can do away with the use of a keypad.[30]

Motorsport

Audi R8 LMS

Audi R8 LMS competing in the 2009 Belgian GT Championship season

For 2009, Audi announced the production of an R8 LMS racing car, designed for the GT3 rules in the FIA GT3 European Championship and various national racing series. Known within Audi Sport as the 'R16', the R8 LMS features a 500 PS (370 kW; 490 bhp) V10 engine. Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive, Audi had to drop its 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system, and the R8 LMS comes with the typical rear-wheel drive setup. The torque is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox.

Despite the development of the car, Audi itself had stated not to enter any races with the new GT3 car as an official 'factory' team.[31]

The car was unveiled at Essen Motor Show.[32] The first Audi R8 LMS (chassis number 101) was delivered to Audi Sport Italia in 2009.[33]

In the 24h Nürburgring, and preceding VLN endurance racs, Audi privateer teams had entered four cars, operated by the Abt Sportsline and Nürburging-based Phoenix race teams. Until the 19th hour, two of these R8 remained challengers for the lead, against two Manthey-operated Porsche GT3 in the same lap, before the leading #99 car[34] suffered suspension problems. The #97 finished 2nd,[35] and despite electrical and gearbox problems, the other two cars finished 23rd or better.

Audi R8 V10

Audi R8 V10 was used in 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans race as a safety car.[36]

Awards

  • The R8 was awarded Best Handling Car and Fastest Car In The World of 2007 by Autocar magazine.
  • It was awarded SportsCar of the year by German magazine Autobild.
  • Playboy magazine awarded it Car of The Year for 2008.
  • The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) named the R8 Canadian Car of the Year, and, in addition, gave it the Best New Prestige Car and Best New Design awards for model year 2008.
  • Top Gear named the Audi R8 the 2007 Car of the Year.
  • Fifth Gear named the R8 both the Best fast car and the Car of the Year 2007.
  • Automobile Magazine awarded the R8 the 2008 Automobile of the Year.
  • The Audi R8 was named 2008 "MSN Car of the Year", with 42% of the votes, beating the Ferrari F430 into 2nd with 13%, and the BMW M3 into 3rd with 11%.[37]
  • The JB car pages awarded the Audi R8 its maximum rating of 5 stars.[38]
  • In the 2008 World Car of the Year awards, the R8 was awarded World Performance Car of the Year and World Design Car of the Year.
  • European Car magazine rated the R8 as Car of the Year.
  • Motor Klassik readers named the Audi R8 the "Classic Car of the Future 2009" in the Sports Car category. [39]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Audi R8.

References

  1. ^ "Financial Information" (PDF). Audi.de. Retrieved 2007-12-31. Template:De icon
  2. ^ http://www.audi.de/etc/medialib/ngw/company/investor_relations/pdf/finanzberichte/geschaeftsbericht.Par.0007.File.pdf/audi_gb_2008_de_finanz.pdf Template:De icon PDF
  3. ^ a b c "V10-power: Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro finally unveiled!". PaulTan.org.
  4. ^ a b "2007 Aston Martin V-8 Vantage v 2008 Audi R8 v 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo - Comparison Tests". CarAndDriver.com.
  5. ^ CarAndDriver.com 2008 Audi R8 - First Drive Review
  6. ^ "Audi UK R8 microsite".
  7. ^ "Audi R8 Reference". carautoportal.com. Retrieved 2009-06-26.
  8. ^ "Audi Unveils the V10 R8 with 525 HP". Automoblog.net.
  9. ^ "Mysteriously burnt Audi revealed to be V10 RS8". Autoblog.com.
  10. ^ http://forzamotorsport.net/en-uk/game/default.htm
  11. ^ Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro unveiled ahead of Detroit
  12. ^ "Audi R8 microsite/performance". microsites.audi.com. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
  13. ^ Audi R8 with a V10 - Finally!
  14. ^ http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=127271#performance
  15. ^ http://investor.delphi.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=105758&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=937293&highlight=
  16. ^ "Primary Suspension". Lord.com.
  17. ^ "2008 Audi R8 Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  18. ^ AutomobileMag.com Review: 2010 Audi R8 V10
  19. ^ "Audi R8 - "We can't think of another supercar that takes a demanding road with such surgical precision"". EVO Magazine.
  20. ^ "Audi R8 v rivals - "it will rupture the supercar status quo"". EVO Magazine.
  21. ^ "Head to Head: 2008 Audi R8 vs 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 - "should Porsche be worried by Audi's new supercar?"". MotorTrend.com.
  22. ^ "Audi R8 vs Nissan GT-R feature". TopGear.com.
  23. ^ "Audi R8 TDI Le Mans". Audi.co.uk.
  24. ^ "Diesel power for Audi R8 supercar". AutoExpress.co.uk.
  25. ^ "2008 Detroit Auto Show Preview: Audi R8 TDI Concept". Edmunds.com - Inside Line.
  26. ^ "Audi Cans the R8 V12 TDI". AudiSite.com.
  27. ^ "Preview: Audi R8 'Spider' convertible - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots". MotorAuthority.com. Retrieved 2009-05-12.
  28. ^ Audi R8 Spyder gets an early unveiling
  29. ^ "Audi e-Tron Electric Concept Unveiled". Audisite.com.
  30. ^ "Audi R8 may feature Hand Writing Recognition technology". Carthusiast. Retrieved 2009-08-18.
  31. ^ "Audi announces its 2009 motorsport programme". PlanetLeMans.com. 2008-11-28. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
  32. ^ GT3-spec Audi R8 LMS formally unveiled at Essen (w/ Video)
  33. ^ WorldCarFans.com First Audi R8 LMS Delivered
  34. ^ "Team". Adac.24h-rennen.de. Retrieved 2009-07-13.
  35. ^ "Ergebnisdatenbank - 37. ADAC Zurich 24h-Rennen". Adac.24h-rennen.de. Retrieved 2009-07-13.
  36. ^ Le Mans 24: News From The Audi Team
  37. ^ "Audi R8 is crowned Car of the Year 2008". MSN UK.
  38. ^ "Audi R8 Reviews & Specs". JB car pages.
  39. ^ "Audi R8 Wins "Classic of the Future 2009"". Audisite.com.
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