From left, Audi Philippines Corporate Affairs director Amado Del Rosario, Marketing director Paolo Manzano, and General Sales manager Paolo Brambilla
Audi pulled the wraps off its latest supercar, the mid-engined R8 V10 plus. Carrying 610 hp and 560 Nm, the new R8 is Audi’s most powerful production model.
With all that torque and power, coupled to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, the Audi R8 V10 plus can catapult to 100 kph in 3.2 seconds, on to a top speed of 330 kph.
The R8 V10 is probably the only remaining supercar with a naturally aspirated (NA) engine. Eschewing the turbocharging that many performance cars use these days, Audi decided to go the NA route to ensure that the engine delivers the responsiveness and driveability that its drivers desire.
The engine in the R8 V10 plus is the same one used in the R8 LMS (Le Mans Series) racecar. The V10 engine features 5.2 liters of displacement with 40 valves. The engine can rev to 8700 rpm while delivering a satisfying growl.
The transmission is a seven-speed dual clutch transmission dubbed as S tronic. This wouldn’t be an Audi without a quattro all-wheel drive, and so the R8 has the system on board.
The system includes a mechanical differential lock and an electrohydraulic multiplate clutch.
This application of quattro is unique in that it allows the R8 to deliver the pure handling behavior of a rear-wheel drive car, while still able to safely divert up to 100 percent of the torque to the front axle.
New drive mode selection
New to the R8 model is the drive mode selection, with Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual settings. The R8 V10 plus has an additional performance model with dry, wet, and snow programming to allow the car to maximize its potential.
Audi Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto (right) and Audi certified driving instructor Christoph Klapper unveils the all-new Audi R8 V10 Plus.
Available dynamic steering can vary the steering ratio based on the car’s speed and the drive mode selected.
Exterior
The R8’s exterior is an evolution of the previous car’s powerful shape. The front has the brand’s single-frame surround, with honeycomb grille.
Full LED headlights, a feature pioneered by the R8, are complemented by LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights with dynamic turn signals. The distinctive R8 sideblade are retained.
The R8 V10 plus shaves 35 kilograms off the standard model to improve on its performance.
The Audi virtual cockpit, a 12.3” fully-digital instrument cluster
The V10 plus features standard carbon ceramic disc brakes, carbon fiber rear diffuser, front lip spoiler, outside mirror housings, and fixed rear wing spoiler.
Cockpit features
The cockpit features a three-spoke flat-bottom sport steering with shift paddles and satellite buttons. The buttons control the performance model selector and sport exhaust system.
The Audi virtual cockpit uses a high-resolution display screen in place of the usual analog instruments. The display can change its readout from navigation to virtual gauges.
For example, one large rev counter has secondary readouts to display information like tire temperature and torque output.
5.2-liter, 40-valve, naturally-aspirated V10 engine with 610 hp and 560 Nm
Luxury is still part of this supercar, with a performance twist. Carbon fiber inlays are used for the interior.
The seats are lightweight racing shells, and the headliner is made of black Alcantara.
Leather wraps around the door armrests and center console, and driver’s kneepad.
Space frame technology
The R8 V10 plus uses the Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology. The frame is made from 79 percent aluminum and 13 percent carbon fiber.
The ASF weights just 200 kg, 10 kg less than the old R8’s. Carbon fiber is used for the cabin for safety, with aluminum for the front and rear body modules.
The R8 V10 Plus weighs 1,555 kg, making it 118 kg lighter than the previous model.
The R8 and R8 LMS race car share many components, with 50 percent common parts between road and race car.
The high-revving V10 engine and ASF aluminum construction allow both to deliver a unique driving experience.
The all-new R8 V10 is one of the last supercars to be powered by a naturally aspirated engine.
The R8 Coupe was awarded as the 2016 World Performance Car in the World Car Awards given during the New York Auto Show. The award cements the R8’s standing as the most successful model in the history of the World Car Awards.
The previous R8 model had won two World Performance Car awards and a World Car Design of the Year award.
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