Audi launches New R8 At 1.34 Crores

Audi India has refreshed its flagship sports car, the R8 with the new 2013 version. The new R8's price has been increased.

Audi India chief Michael Perschke while speaking about the new R8 said: "We are presently the growth drivers of the luxury car market in India and I am confident that 2013 will be more rewarding than 2012, despite the price hike. Audi R8 is the top of the line product of quattro GmbH and embodies cutting-edge technology of a performance car. Many of its features can also be found in the Audi RS5, Audi S4, Audi TT and the soon to be launched, Audi S6 ".

Audi is the market leader in the sports car segment with Audi R8, Audi R8 Spyder, Audi RS5, Audi S4 and the Audi TT Coupe. Audi continues to be the market leader in the luxury SUV segment in India with Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 and with the introduction of Audi Q3 it has consolidated this leadership position.

The new Audi R8's launch got added glitter through the arrival of Bollywood stars acting in the soon to be released film Race 2.

The new Audi R8 coupe is available with two engine options. The entry level variant is powered by the 4.2-litre V8 while the top end variant gets the more powerful 5.2-litre V10 engine.

The Audi R8 V8 delivers 316 kW (430bhp) and 430 Nm of torque between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, it accelerates the R8 Coupé from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h.

The Audi R8 V10 Coupé with the S tronic completes the standard sprint in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 314 km/h and delivers 386 kW (525 hp). The new Audi R8 V10 Spyder sprints in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 311 km/h.

Speaking about the power and performance delivered by the new R8, Mr Michael Perschke said:"Immense power, spontaneous response, extraordinarily free-revving and a rousing sound - the new Audi R8 with its skin-tingling sports car experience epitomizes the Audi customer today. Equipped with a powerful V8 and V10 engine, a single-frame grille with tapered corners, round tailpipes, cornering lights and a whole series of performance characteristics, this high performance sports car has some of the most eye-catching new features."

The interior of all versions of this high-performance sports car is now even more refined. With the optional honeycomb-quilted Fine Nappa full-leather package, the seat covers and inserts in the door liners are quilted. This quilting is also available as an option for the Alcantara headlining.

The Audi engineers have reduced the weight of the top model by roughly 50 kilograms. The R8 V8 with the seven-speed S tronic gearbox (without a driver) tips the scales at just 1,660 kilograms. An aluminum Audi Space Frame weighs just 210 kilograms, roughly 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The body of the R8 Spyder with its electrohydraulically actuated cloth top weighs 216 kilograms. The ASF body lays the foundation for the dynamic, precise and safe handling and high passive safety.

Engine
- 4.2-liter V8 and 5.2-liter V10 with dry sump lubrication
- 316 kW (430 hp) and 386 kW (525 hp), respectively
- Better acceleration and fuel economy than predecessor model

The exterior design has been honed ever further. The restructured all-LED headlights and rear lights are standard with all models. The Singleframe grille with tapered corners at the top, the redesigned diffuser and the large, round tailpipes are the most eye-catching new features. The rear lights of all models include dynamic turn signals, a worldwide first from Audi. Produced by LEDs, the turn signal runs from the inside out in the direction in which the driver wants to turn.

Drivetrain
- New seven-speed S tronic
- S tronic with larger shift paddles on steering wheel
- quattro permanent all-wheel drive with a rear-biased power distribution

Chassis
- Aluminum double wishbone suspension
- Lightweight wave design brake discs; ceramic brakes optional
- 18 or 19-inch wheels, new rim designs
- Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system (optional)

Equipment
- Comprehensive standard equipment, including all-LED headlights