Audi Shows Off Second Generation R8

This is it. The R8 is the dynamic spearhead of Audi. In its second generation, the high-performance sports car has been newly developed from the ground up – it is more taut, more striking and more fascinating. The high-revving V10 engine is available in two performance variants, the Audi R8 V10 (pictured in blue) and the Audi R8 V10 Plus (pictured in red).

The R8 V10 develops 397 kW of power with a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The R8 V10 plus is even more powerful and is the fastest series-production Audi of all time. It develops 449 kW with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.2 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and a top speed of 330 km/h.

The body’s shell is now around 15 percent lighter than its predecessor, thanks to Audi’s new ‘Space Frame’ with high proportions of aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP). Interior wise the cockpit has been completely re-designed to follow cue’s from new models such as the recently released TT, this includes Audi’s virtual cockpit set in a free-standing housing.

We’ve waited quite a while for the new R8 to surface, and whilst plenty of surgery has been performed under its skin, the exterior looks to be more of a facelift than a new model introduction – but we’ll leave judgement to you, weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.

Alongside the new R8 series-production model, the second-generation R8 LMS race car will make its debut at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show. More to follow when the event kicks off on Tuesday, March 3.