The new Audi R8 (Official launch presentation)
 

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First official pictures: http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/3...dir8bc9.th.jpg

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Official launch website
:arrow: http://www.audi.de/audi/de/de2/neuwa...wagen2/r8.html

Awesome Audi R8 animation.
:arrow: http://microsites.audi.com/audir8/ht...ex.php?lang=de

Official video presentation
:arrow: http://leftlanenews.vidiac.com/video...4a00cc2b0a.htm
:arrow: http://leftlanenews.vidiac.com/video...4a00e7bdbe.htm

Amazing R8 coverage from Fourtitude.
:arrow: http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_2572.shtml
:arrow: http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_2575.shtml

Other R8 pictures

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Here the official Audi AG. Press release.

September 27, 2006
The Genes of a Winner: The New Audi R8
Source: Audi AG

Audi has incorporated the name and the genes of the five-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8, into a spectacular sports car. Three years after the unveiling of the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, the production version will be making its debut at the Paris Motor Show in the guise of the new Audi R8 mid-engined sports model. It is a fascinating driving machine and the sporty pinnacle of the Audi brand. The mid-mounted 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Audi Space Frame aluminium body form the basis for truly outstanding driving dynamics. The Audi R8 will be available to order from 28 September 2006; first deliveries will be made in the first half of 2007.

As the first Audi mid-engined sports car, the R8 combines Audi's experience gained from numerous motorsport triumphs with groundbreaking design and the acknowledged technological expertise of the brand. This expertise has led to the slogan 'Vorsprung durch Technik' becoming a byword for leading-edge technology both on the race track and on the road.

Audi has recorded countless motorsport victories on race tracks all over the world. Following the rally successes of the Ingolstadt brand in the 1980s, and its triumphs on the touring car circuit, the world of long-distance motor racing was without a doubt the biggest challenge yet faced by Audi’s motorsport engineers.

And they mastered this challenge in style too: the Audi R8 won the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours five times – from 2000 to 2002 and in 2004 and 2005 – and on two occasions even took the first three places.

Le Mans is without doubt the toughest challenge to the Audi Sport Team's engineers because it calls for a level of engineering going far beyond the need merely to keep all the systems focussed on a short, sharp sprint. Alongside the essential virtues of top performance and optimised driving dynamics, the key requirements in long-distance racing are endurance and reliability, allied with optimum ergonomic design.

These are genes which are eminently transferable to a road-going sports car too, and which, allied to its exciting design, make the Audi R8 truly unmistakeable.

The exterior

Even at first glance, the calibre of the car is plain to see. The Audi R8 sits broad and squat on the road, the strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready for the off.

The characteristic proportions of the vehicle are dictated by the location of the engine behind the cockpit. This layout is a typical feature of race cars. One of the most striking examples of this design – and as such one of the legitimate antecedents of the Audi R8 – was, and still is, the Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car. The central position of the engine is above all a boon to driving dynamics, as it allows for a weight distribution, as on the R8, of 44 percent to the front and 56 percent to the rear.

The car's body is highly compact in appearance. The front end and the gently curved roof arc are drawn in a sweeping line; a line which immediately marks the two-seater out as an Audi.

The side view also reveals familiar contours. The dynamic line above the wheel arches and the shoulder line interlink the front end, side and rear, imbue the doors and the transition to the side air vent with a strong presence, and even more emphatically highlight the typical Audi rounded wheel housings accommodating the big wheels.

The cabin of the Audi R8 is pushed far forward – a typical feature of a mid-engined sports car, and as such a visual cue linking it to the race car of the same name. Behind the cabin, positioned in front of the rear axle, is the V8 FSI engine, a sculptured piece of engineering visible both through the large, shield-shaped rear window and from inside the car.

1.90 metres wide but just 4.43 metres long and 1.25 metres high: these are the proportions of a true sports car. The 2.65-metre wheelbase offers room for the astonishingly spacious cabin and the longitudinally mounted engine behind it. Behind the doors, a large-surface 'sideblade' air deflector sweeps between the wheel arch and the roof section, delivering air for the V8 to breathe as well as for cooling. The paint finish of the sideblades is coordinated with the body colour.

The front end is characterised by the trapezoidal styling of the Audi single-frame grille, flanked on the right and left by additional large-dimensioned air intakes. For the first time, the four-ring badge is positioned on the bonnet, above the grille. The flat strips of the innovative LED headlights, with their clear-glass covers, join flush to the tops of the air intakes.

The R8 is the first series-production car to offer the option of ordering all the headlight functions – dipped beam, main beam, daytime running lights and indicators – as LEDs. LED stands for 'light-emitting diodes', and represents a technology which offers substantial advantages over conventional bulbs based on a much longer life.

Because they take up less space than conventional lights, LEDs provide the designers with greater freedom to be creative. The design of the strikingly three-dimensional main headlights, using LED technology, is particularly eye-catching.

Bionics, in other words drawing design inspiration from nature, has been deployed on the R8's headlights. The light unit has a design reminiscent of an open pine cone. Reflector shells arranged concentrically one behind the other, in conjunction with a powerful LED projection system, concentrate the light from one multi-chip LED, producing a high-luminosity, even form of driving light.

The internal reflectors of the main beam headlight are styled in a shape inspired by the architecture of the Sydney Opera House. And in contrast to them, the daytime running lights delimit the underside of the headlight as narrow strips of light – delivering distinctive signals and providing an innovative visual touch. It will be possible to order LED headlights as options from the end of 2007 onwards.

The interplay of concave and convex lines contours the side-on view of the rear end. Underneath the clearly defined separation edge there is a flat vertical surface framed at its sides by the rear lights – also in LED technology. The third brake light strip runs across virtually the full width of the roof, forming the termination of the transparent engine hood.

The latter feature is yet another visual highlight. The observer looks right onto the V8, the very heart of this sports car. Indirect engine compartment lighting by white LEDs, enabling the engine to be seen even in the dark, is available as an option.

Two large-format diffuser openings in the rear bumper illustrate how intensively the styling of the Audi R8 is dictated by aerodynamics. The two pairs of circular twin exhaust tailpipes each sit at the right and left above the diffuser openings.

An automatically extending rear spoiler is deployed to assist the R8 in using the wind. It provides additional downforce to boost the suction effect produced by the aerodynamic styling of the underbody and by the diffusers. When travelling at lower speeds, the rear spoiler automatically retracts flush with the body.

The full aluminium body is constructed in the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design. Its perfect synthesis of minimal weight and maximum rigidity provides the ideal foundation for optimum driving dynamics, as well as delivering an outstanding power-to-weight ratio of just 3.71 kg per bhp.

The interior

The sporty interior is dominated by a totally driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

Form follows function: this design principle is implemented throughout the Audi R8. Alongside the driver-oriented architecture, also reflected in the styling of the side window sills, the choice of materials also makes for a highly functional look and feel. Looking around when in the driving seat makes one thing clear: just like in the R8 race car, the styling and placement of all the elements in the cockpit of this driving machine is focussed on the essentials. The centrepoint of everything is the driver.

This combination of the aesthetic and the ergonomic is maintained in the colours used and the overall ambience created – dark hues reflect the emphasis on engineering and are again reminiscent of the motorsport world. The impression of professional functionality and ergonomic styling is enhanced by the visible presence of top-quality materials in supreme craftsmanship.

The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.

With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customisation options for the interior.

The drive train

Turbine-like power up to the highest rev ranges, a high maximum torque, all combined with a fascinating sound, are the characteristics of a perfect sports car engine. An engine that is fascinating both in terms of its enormous power potential and its suitability for everyday use.

In the high-revving 420 bhp eight-cylinder engine, the evolution of FSI petrol direct injection technology has reached a new high. This technology has also enjoyed many triumphs in the Audi R8 race car.

The figures illustrate the outstanding potential of the eight-cylinder unit. At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-litre engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-metres from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides maximum thrust in virtually any driving situation.

The performance figures are equally impressive: the R8 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 301 km/h.

The engine is a high-revving unit. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm. The advantages of this principle are superior power output at high engine speeds and a smooth, eager responsiveness all across the revs range. Added to this are its agility, liveliness and engine sound, which is similar to that of a race car.

The Audi R8's dry sump lubrication – another technology originating directly from motor racing – provides the ideal basis for maximum longitudinal and lateral acceleration. It allows the V8 to be installed lower, thereby lowering the centre of gravity and further enhancing driving dynamics.

Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox. Here, too, the influence of the motorsport world is clearly evident, with a joystick gear-shift on the centre console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel, which are a long-established ergonomic feature in motorsport. The best illustration of this is once again the Le Mans winning Audi R8, which also enables the driver to change gear on the steering wheel.

'Shift by wire' technology provides for very fast gear-shifting and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allied to compact gearbox dimensions. The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun. An automatic mode can also be selected.

Such a powerful Audi is of course fitted with permanent four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On the Audi R8 the legendary quattro system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical of mid-engined cars.

The chassis

The chassis features forged aluminium double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This provides for optimum wheel control, and is a geometry which has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility, maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering characteristics.

Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.

The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a quite astonishing level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.

The reason for this is that these shock absorbers employ an innovative technology. Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used – in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.

Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation, thus optimising ride comfort and driving dynamics. A computer equipped with sensor technology determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. Drivers can choose from two driving programs depending on whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style – with the magnetorheological fluid adjusted to a low viscosity – or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.

The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The 235/40 size tyres at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide the necessary road-holding. This tyre configuration also ensures that this mid-engined sports car is always able to translate the dynamism of its drive train and chassis into optimum grip and maximum lateral dynamics.

The mid-engined sports car's long wheelbase and extremely low centre of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability, resulting in superb agility, finely attuned responsiveness to any driver input, and high levels of safety.

Equipment and trim

Even the standard equipment of the Audi R8 meets the high demands of customers in this segment. Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.

The range of optional extras leaves virtually nothing to be desired. A Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers, delivers surround sound of the highest standard. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.

The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to manoeuvre into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format colour monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.

A range of coordinated and ideally combinable design and leather trim packages from Audi and from quattro GmbH can turn any R8 into the customer’s personal dream car.

The wheels range offers design alternatives in sizes of 18 and 19 inches, fitted with 235/35 size tyres at the front and up to 295/30 at the rear. A total of eight exterior colours are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.

The craftsmanship

The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. The entire production process – from the bodyshell construction to final assembly – is organised in the same way as a craft workshop. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, subjecting every part and component to intense scrutiny. This ensures that every one of the maximum of 15 cars per day built will more than match the customary high quality standards of the Audi product range.


Edit: Here a new teaser, the PS pix of the upcoming Audi R8 from R&T magazine

http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/i...6200694855.jpg


"Fast-lane prestige is naturally given to Audi’s upcoming first real sports car, the mid-engine R8, presented at the Paris auto show. Though technically based on the Lamborghini Gallardo, the R8 comes with permanent all-wheel drive and has a longer wheelbase, offering more cabin space.

Instead of the Lambo’s V-10, the R8 will use a brand-new 4.2-liter FSI V-8 with 430 bhp at the beginning of production, at a price of around $100,000. The 2-seat coupe will hit the U.S. in the summer of 2007 while an open-top, Porsche Carrera-GT-like model will follow in 2008. For 2009, Audi will install a version of the Gallardo’s V-10, punched to 5.2 liters and delivering 500 bhp."

@ Edit: SIMPLY AUDIWESOME !!! And more, this is only the V8 version, the V10 will be more hot ! :onfire:

so its really coming with LED headlamps like in the concept car?They werent there in the SPY shots that we had of them testing the R8..

Cant wait to drive it ...

Don't know, I'll check ...

Unfortunately they will not be identical to those you can see on the LeMans concept car, they will be 2 xenon bulb lamps with LED side bar, think more like those you can see on the current Audi S6 V10 but around the same light unit.

Yes it will be similar like the official launch of the Audi TT MKII in Berlin and the Audi B7 RS4 at the Piazza of the Audi Forum in Ingolstadt.

Sounds great. An R8 adapted for road use was always going to be fantastic and it's quite exciting.

DAMN!!! This is the First Audi I like, supersexxysleek design, very good engine, hope all audi's will look like this in the future :P

The PS Audi R8 Cabrio is in my first post. :D

the cabrio looks really good!

So, where are the pics of the final version ? The car was presented today....

w w w.jalopnik.com/cars/new-cars/jalopnik-team-party-crash-live-exclusive-pictures-from-the-audi-r8-introduction-203691.php

Thanks folks for the update. :wink:

Its not ugly, I just wouldn't buy it :roll:

Just saw the official trailer, it sounds very good !! :D

Amazing car, I love it.

Thanks for the info and pics, Schwalbe

It´s gorgeous!!

hmmm its ok... not brilliant though imo...

I must admit, I'm a bit disappointed. It's not ugly, but it's far from beautiful. :| It's that mouth thing and the 15 shades of gray on the press car that ruins it for me. I think the 911 Turbo's the same price and overall, just a better car.

^^^^

We talk here about the V8 model in the $99-103K USD price range, not 123K-134K USD like the great and mighty 997 turbo. And you can choice the plain color if you want. :wink:

Not convinced, the future V10 FSI 5.2L +510hp version will do it. http://www.rs6.com/smilies/nutchy.gif

I'm really disappointed with the final version :x I was expecting it to look great just like prototype but there's something weird in it. The shape of the car doesn't look exactly the same, those exhaust are a bit ugly and the others wheels were better looking....

Maybe I will love it but now I'm disappointed. And I don't think this car will be great. It will be just a Gallardo with the Audi badge :roll:

i would take it over the 911 anyday, the exterior looks really good IMHO, and the interior... :drool:

and i think that the V10 unit will perform better than the gallardo because of the audi DSG gearbox

The R8 is different than a Gallardo in many ways (Engine+suspension etc.. and it's an AUDI. :P The V10 version will look much more like the Le Mans concept...and remember this is only the R8 entry key model. :D

About Audi R8 vs Porsche 997, I'm neutral here because I love both very much. But, I very like the new R8, the car is so futuristic. :wink: :robot:

http://www.dealernet.ie/pictures/news1082140131.jpg

Its nice but the ride looks a bit high. Lower it a inch or inch and a half and then we are talking about some serious pimping! :lol:

i found it pretty low already :P

Well done Audi :good: ...im really impressed with this car, looks fantastic...and it should be a really sweet ride since its based on the gallardo

http://www.vg.no/bilder/edrum/1159392581004_272.jpg
http://www.vg.no/bilder/edrum/1159392721059_87.jpg

Audi Norway released the price for it today.... In Norway it will have a base price of $237.000,- :(

Wow, FantasticoO!

I've been waiting to see this TT Father in a way! or husband! if TT is girly!

Thanks for sharing... :D

104.000 euros for the V8 FSI, right ??

What's the price of a Carrera S in Germany ?? This will be a very good rival to the 911. I rather prefer it to a simple Carrera 8)

video of the presentation
:arrow: http://www.bilsport.se/webbtv.php?file=audi.flv

Thanks Dani and Skaala for your great multimedia updates, this is very appreciated. :good:

In the 90's Audi made several Concept of sport cars and I always regret that they didn't produce them.
Now it's time to have a proper sportcar for Audi and I like it very much :D

I don't really like the looks, I think it will sound great and drive great, but for the same money you can buy 2 2nd hand F355's :wink: or maybe even a F430 (on discount or something haha) or a Spyker...

Buy the Spyker

well, in todays standards, it appears that Audi lose.... its just so under powered :(

ugly! But that engine's power curve looks VERY nice!

Exactly, thats the Gallardo underneath :twisted: !

When I look the awesome R8 engine room, that's recall me this famous quote from Clarkson in the CGT review: "This is made of fiber carbon and silicon carbide....oh oh oh !" :lol:

http://www.germancarfans.com/news/20...08.mini15L.jpg

LOL Schwalbe :mrgreen:

yes, that is what it will need.

What does this over-priced TT weigh?

So lets get this straight - $100,000 for a 400hp Audi.

Are they insane?

The few people who can afford 100 cars, will buy one to have as it will be a novelty for a while - but those that can only afford 1 car int he $100,000 price range would buy a Porsche.

Period.

This car will go the same way the Phaeton went - down the poop chute.

Like Dani said RC, your absolutely right. Thats the main reason I don't like it. Normal people would just think its an TT if your driving it on the streets, you would have to be a real carnut to see that. I mean at least if you drive a Porsche or a Aston that makes people turn their head :wink:

But the fact that this car will absolutely demolish an AMV8 - sets the poseurs apart from the enthusiasts. We already know that a Gallardo handles with the best in the world so this car should be no different, with the same power and price as a 997 GT3 I can see this car selling quite well. Also I cant see any similarities with a TT other than the trademark Audi grille and it being a coupe :|

According from people who have seen in real this new Audi R8 at the Mondial of Paris, they all said that the car is simply breathtaking. The entire world car press are entirety unanimous to affirm this new Audi R8 is the star of Mondial de Paris 2006. I think on this you must see the car in real before judging, because I know for must who have commented yet that you will love it when you will see and hear (and drive for lucky one) your first R8 at your local Audi dealer. And this is only the V8 version, like I said many times the V10 version will be more respectful to the Le Mans concept idea. :wink:

Concerning the litigation Porsche vs Audi, like you all know I’m a die-hard fan of both brands so it’s very hard for me to comment on that. If the price is the only priority, indeed as several here underlined the "rational choice" is a Porsche 997 S. But if I want to place myself as an Audi R8 advocate, here what I will say: To summarize the R8, this Audi is different from a Porsche 997. It's much more luxurious (simply check the equipment and trim list http://www.rs6.com/smilies/deal.gif) and it's more exclusive (only 15 cars per day built by small teams of quattro GmbH specialists). http://www.rs6.com/smilies/nutchy.gif

But if you want to compare two AWD cars (Porsche 997 4S vs Audi R8 ) you will see this new Audi model has his place on the market. Based on Euro stats: An Audi R8 cost only 4 000 euro more than a C4S, but you have more equipment and a radical new design. Both cars weight nearly the same (R8: 1560 KG) and (C4S :1515Kg). According to Porsche AG/Audi AG Deutschland mfg data, the R8 is faster than the C4S. (Audi R8: 0-100 KM/h in 4.6sec and top speed of 301 Km/h) versus (Porsche C4S: 0-100 KM/h in 4.8sec and top speed of 288 Km/h).

BTW, Audi & Porsche, these two cousin car brand will be always the best. http://www.rs6.com/smilies/thumbsup.gif

About the overpriced and overrated Ford AM V8, this car cost much more than the new R8 and their performance…haha :lol:, do you really want to see their Ford Mustang GT figure numbers category. http://www.cirena.com/rs6/smilies/hihi.gif

Thanks for the insights everyone.

I gotta say though, it is definitely isn't pretty. But the Enzo wasn't pretty either, nevertheless it was very aggressive. This one here doesn't look very agressive. It doesn't look very elegant either.

I don't know, it just doesn't look like a performance car. I love the new RS line sports cars that Audi has came out with, but just doesn't fit the bill for some reason.

I can't put my finger on it.

Ohhhhhh, me likey. I think this car would look exceptionally sexy in white (keeping the darker color on the side behind the door) 8)

Thanks for all the pictures, its hard to judge the looks from pics, but I think it looks pretty damn cool! 8) It looks like a concept car, very forward thinking exterior design...a nice change from all these retro designs we've been seeing. I can't wait to see some on the street shots...I bet it will look amazing out on the road. 8)

Awesome sounding 420hp high revving V8, 6spd manual, and mid-engine, sweet styling...how can you go wrong with that? :D

2 more Audi R8 videos in first post. :wink:

It looks different and I don't think you can compare it to a Porsche. However, I wouldn't buy one, because there are better looking cars out there, like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

i think this car is absolutely gorgeous.......and you know the fit and finish will be top notch....also, i think this car looks more exotic than anything else in its price range (ie. the engine bay with its clear cover display). thumbs up audi!