Audi R8 (Type 42)

The Audi R8 (Type 42) is the first generation of the R8 sports car developed and manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Audi. Conceived in 2003 in concept form, the R8 was put into production in June 2006. The Type 42 is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo and shares its chassis and engine. Audi's parent company Volkswagen Group owns Lamborghini as well and components of both of the cars were shared mainly to save development costs. Production of the Type 42 ended in August 2015, following the introduction of the Type 4S at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show which was based on an entirely new platform.

Conception and development

The Audi R8 was first conceived as the Audi LeMans Quattro concept car which was presented to the public at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. Designed by Frank Lamberty, the car featured many unique features such as a Jet Blue exterior colour, the front curve of the front wings shared with the TT along with Nuvolari quattro GT, 20-inch wheels, a twin-turbocharged FSI V10 engine with a rated power output of and , a single-frame radiator grille, aluminium sports suspension with magnetic ride shock absorbers and dark interior colours. The body of the car was made of aluminium and carbon fibre in order to keep the weight low. Another unique feature of the car were its full LED headlamps.

The R8 development program began in 2004 with Frank Lamberty's design being approved and frozen for production. In 2005, Audi announced that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007. Production body prototypes began field testing in January 2006 and the car was introduced to the public at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

In 2007, Audi was the first manufacturer to mass produce headlights that solely used LEDs, which were used in the Audi R8.

Road models

R8 Coupé 4.2 FSI quattro (2006–2012)

The Audi R8 was initially equipped with a V8 engine. Specifically, it is an all-aluminium alloy 32-valve (four valves per cylinder) petrol engine, utilising Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), and has a displacement of . It develops a motive power output of (Directive 80/1269/EEC), and generates of torque, on 98 RON 'Super Unleaded' petrol. It is basically the same engine used in the B7 RS 4, but is modified to use a dry sump lubrication system. It uses two chain-driven double overhead camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder bank, and utilises variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust camshafts. The 4 wheel drive system is biased towards the rear; it can send up to 70% of its power to the rear wheels and 30% to the front. According to Road & Track the 4.2-liter V-8 R8 did a zero to 60 mph sprint in 4.0 seconds in the manual version while the automated manual version did it in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 301 km/h (187 mph). Both gearboxes were built by Graziano Trasmissioni.

R8 Coupé 5.2 FSI quattro (2009–2012)

Audi AG unveiled the Audi R8 V10 on December 8, 2008. It uses an FSI V10 engine, based on the unit in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (which in turn was based on the 5.2 FSI V10 as used in the C6 S6 and D3 S8), but is re-tuned to have a power output of , and of torque. Compared to the V8 variant, the R8 V10's performance numbers are enhanced. Audi states the new acceleration time as 3.9 seconds, in 8.1 seconds, and a top speed of . Other changes to the V10 version of the R8 include some aesthetic differences: such as all-LED headlights (a world-first), "V10" badging on the front fenders, interior enhancements such as Bang & Olufsen 465 watt sound system, a more aggressive body styling, larger rear brakes, a dual outlet exhaust system and different wheels.

R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro (2010–2012)

Although it was rumoured by the automotive press since the announcement of the production variant of the R8 in 2006, it was only in August 2008 that spy shots of a convertible R8 "Spyder" from filming scenes of the movie ''Iron Man 2'' were published online. The photos showed a clearly visible soft-top roof and the absence of the distinctive "sideblades" found on the V10 FSI coupé. The R8 Spyder was formally unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Compared with the coupé model, the convertible had extra chassis support, a pair of roll-over safety bars, as well as minor changes such as the location of the fuel filler cap. It was powered by the same uneven firing 5.2-litre V10 engine as the coupé.

R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro (2011–2012)

On April 11, 2011 automotive magazine Autocar reported that Audi has made the 4.2-litre FSI V8 engine available on the R8 Spyder, alongside the 5.2-litre V10 engine initially fitted. The (an increase of 14 PS as compared to the coupé), unit now completed the R8 Spyder range alongside the V10 Spyder offered. The V8 Spyder has a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time of 4.3 seconds and could attain a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Like the V10 model, the V8 Spyder features an aluminium spaceframe with carbon composite construction and an automatic retractable folding cloth roof.

R8 GT (2011–2013)

Introduced at the 2010 Wörthersee Tour, the Audi R8 GT is a high-performance variant of the R8 V10. The GT utilises a V10 with the quattro four-wheel drive system. Changes from the R8 5.2 FSI quattro include reduction in the curb weight by to and increased engine power to at 8,000 rpm ( per ton) and at 6,500 rpm of torque. Because of these changes, the R8 GT has an increased top speed of and accelerates from 0– in 3.6 seconds, 0.3 faster than the R8 V10. The car also features some visual changes including red brake calipers, a fixed rear wing, front bumper mounted winglets and GT badging in place of the standard V10 badging. The car was introduced for the 2012 model year and with a limited production of 333 cars worldwide with 35 destined for the UK market and 90 for the US market.

R8 GT Spyder

Unveiled at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans, the R8 GT Spyder is the convertible version of the R8 GT. Limited to 333 units worldwide, the R8 GT Spyder combines the aggressiveness of the R8 GT with an open top driving experience. Aside from the roof, the only performance related change is the change in weight which has increased to (dry weight). The engine frame is made of ultra-light magnesium; the soft top cover and the large side panels at the rear are made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). CFRP is also used for the modified front spoiler, the fixed rear spoiler and the new rear bumper; even the seats used are made of carbon fibre which result in a weight saving of alone. Together, these components provide a weight saving of over the standard V10 Spyder. Visual changes include add-on parts in contrasting titanium gray, a front splitter with a dual lip, flics at the sides of the front bumper, red GT badges, round exhaust tailpipes, an enlarged rear diffuser and tinted LED tail lights in a clear-glass design. A CFRP windshield frame is also available as an option. US model went on sale as a 2012 Model Year car, with delivery beginning in February 2012. Only 50 units were available for sale in the US.

Race models

R8 LMS (2009–2012)

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 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 was thus only available with the typical rear-wheel drive setup. The torque is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential race oriented gearbox. The car was jointly manufactured by Audi Sport, quattro GmbH, and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. (Győr). The first test races in various European racing series was scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers was planned from the Autumn of 2010.

R8 LMS Evolution (2010)

Changes to the 2010 R8 LMS include the improvement of the engine cooling system capacity, suspension revisions, a race-optimised electronics and exhaust systems, and a 6-speed transmission that can be inspected through an opening in the housing without the need to dismantle the entire assembly. Previous variants could be upgraded via an update kit. The first deliveries of the car were made to the American-owned United Autosports team from Yorkshire in England.

R8 LMS ultra (2012–2015)

Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the R8 LMS ultra is a modified version of the Audi R8 LMS with CFRP (carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic) doors with high-energy absorbing new crash foams, new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi, updated transmission providing additional reserves on long-distance runs, increased engine power to (depending on restrictor regulations) with higher torque at lower engine speeds, a larger engine oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler, relocated steering hydraulics oil cooler to the vehicle's midsection, enlarged air vents, improved air flow to radiator and interior, front 18-inch wheels with Michelin 30-65/18 tyres, optimized brake cooling at the front wheels, uniball joints transverse control arm mounts, weight-reduced compression and rebound-adjustable gas dampers from Bilstein, springs by Eibach, wider front hood with louvers, new wider rear wing with larger end plates, new front plate with optimised diffusion under the front end.

R8 Grand-Am (2012–2013)

As part of NASCAR's embracing of GT3 in their Grand American Road Racing Association Rolex Series races, GT3 cars were permitted to run with slight restrictions in the "national" GT3 in the United States. The R8 Grand-Am features an engine with its power reduced from to via an air restrictor and the engine electronics, a reduced fuel tank capacity of 83.3 litres, three-part rims for wheels and suspension, and deactivated anti-lock system and traction control (as NASCAR/Grand-Am does not permit either traction control nor anti-lock brakes). Additional changes include loss of aerodynamic grip via smaller front splitter and rear diffuser, stiffer roll cages, an Earnhardt bar (anti-intrusion bars on the windscreen), and side window nets on both sides, both of which are required in the Rolex Series. As per the rules, NASCAR specified Continental tyres are used. Compared to the Audi R8 LMS ultra, the R8 Grand AM has lower down force. This model made its debut at the 50th Daytona 24 Hours in January 2012.

Special models

Audi R8 V12 TDI concept (2008)

The R8 V12 TDI (later renamed the R8 TDI Le Mans) is a concept car based on the R8 V8 coupé with a twin-turbocharged V12 Diesel engine rated at and of torque at 1,750–3,000 rpm with Euro 6 emissions standard compliance via oxidizing catalyst and Diesel particulate filter, matt Grace Silver and brilliant red metallic body colours, 6-speed manual transmission with small-diameter double-plate clutch and quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a ratio of 40:60 front and rear.

The car also had many unique body features such as rhombus-pattern cover on the air inlets and outlets, continuous aluminum lip spoiler, glass roof with two large transparent sections, glazed engine compartment behind the seats, NACA duct in the middle of the roof for cooling of the bigger V12 engine, optional carbon fibre lining of the engine compartment, LED headlights with color temperature of 6,000 kelvin, three-spoke flat bottom diecast magnesium core sports steering wheel upholstered in Valcona leather, aluminum application on the center console, 24-piston (total) brake calipers (red six-piston monobloc aluminum front calipers, fixed six-piston rear calipers) and ventilated carbon fibre reinforced silicon carbide ceramic brake discs.

The R8 TDI LeMans was unveiled first at the Detroit Auto Show in 2008 and then at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The development of the R8 TDI was cancelled, Audi cited the reason that the cost of re-engineering of the petrol R8 to accommodate the bigger twin-turbocharged diesel engine was simply too great, and that it would be unable to recoup its investment through sales alone.

R8 e-tron

e-tron concept (2009)

The all-electric Audi e-tron concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by the 2009 LA Auto Show (in orange body colour), and at the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Audi e-tron is a version of the R8 Coupé with a slightly smaller body utilising four electric motors rated at and of torque. However the proposed torque rating is the torque measured at the wheels, not at the output shaft — as is the industry standard, the true torque rating is at around . Other features included a 42.4 kWh liquid cooled lithium-ion battery pack, a need-based energy management system, LED technology used for all lighting units, independent cooling system for each axle; doors, covers, sidewalls and roof made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic; 3-mode flush gear selector (forward, reverse and neutral), instrument cluster with fold-out central display with integrated Audi MMI functions, climate control unit located to the right above the steering wheel, racing-inspired lightweight bucket seats, snow white and cognac interior colours, heat pump, climate control system; triangular double wishbones at the front axle and trapezoidal wishbones made of forged aluminum components at the rear axle, direct rack-and-pinion steering with speed-sensitive electromechanical steering boost, 235/35R19 front and 295/30R19 rear tires with a new blade design and the prototype version of an information processing system ( car-to-x communication).

Claimed performance figures for the R8 e-tron is a acceleration time of 4.8 seconds and a limited top speed of . The car has a limited all-electric range of . A full charge at 230 volts takes six to eight hours, while a 400-volt quick charger would reduce the charge time to about two and a half hours. Braking is accomplished and energy is recaptured through the electric motors’ regenerative function, unless the car detects more aggressive deceleration is required, at that point a conventional electromechanical system featuring carbon-ceramic discs starts functioning to assist. The battery pack and its necessary inverter and power accoutrements weigh about , or nearly a third of the E-Tron's approximately curb weight achieved by the excessive use of carbon fibre, magnesium and aluminium. The car has a weight distribution of 42% at the front and 58% at the rear.

R8 e-tron prototype (2011)

Audi originally announced the first e-tron model to be built by quattro GmbH at Neckarsulm, with a small production run beginning in late 2012. Keeping that announcement in place, Audi unveiled the R8 e-tron prototype at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Features included two permanent magnet synchronous motors at the rear axle rated and of total torque, a torque vectoring system, electric single-wheel anti-slip regulation, Multimaterial space Frame chassis with increased use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, springs made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic, wheel hubs made of forged titanium, anti-roll bar boasts made from hybrid aluminum and carbon fibre, 19-inch wheels with friction-optimized 225-35 series tires, 48.6 kWh lithium-ion battery beneath the passenger cabin as structural element, Crescendo Red Metallic body colour, fine chrome horizontal struts on the grille, e-tron-specific LED headlamp design, diffuser at the rear, 7-inch Multi Media Interface display, 6.7-inch AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) optic rear-view mirror system, leather and Alcantara upholstery, e-sound artificial engine noise emitting from a speaker system mounted in the underbody that is audible outside the car at speeds under .

The prototype was based on the standard R8 and followed closely the original concept, with a shape reminiscent of existing V8 and V10 petrol-powered versions. Audi claimed the production version of the R8 e-tron was capable of a 0– acceleration time of around 4.8 seconds, making it only 0.2 seconds slower than the R8 V8. Top speed was to be limited to to protect the charge of the battery making the performance figures true to the concept. It was planned to be put into production in early 2012. Along with the R8 e-tron, Audi also considered a small-scale production of a smaller and lighter zero-emission sports car based on the second e-tron concept displayed at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show.

Development

In 2010, Audi began a development program with the objective to manufacture the R8 e-tron in limited numbers. On June 26, 2012, one of the earliest R8 e-tron prototypes set a new electric car lap record at the Nürburgring racetrack with a time of 8:09.099.

In May 2013, after developing 10 prototypes for research and development purposes, Audi decided to put the production of the electric car on hold due to its limited all-electric range as battery technology did not advance as fast as Audi had initially expected, making the R8 e-tron unviable for series production.

In March 2014, Audi revised its decision and announced it will build the R8 e-tron upon customer request. The company explained that their latest development work resulted in an increased range from to approximately . The limited production R8 e-tron was based on the second generation of the R8 platform shared with the Lamborghini Huracán.

R8 NF

The "NF" (i.e. "Nachfolger" or simply "successor") prototype is a light weight variant of the R8 with excessive use of the lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. The R8 NF was featured online describing the proliferation of carbon-fibre in vehicles such as the R8 and highlighted the carbon-fibre engine cover on the R8 Spyder, the roof of the R8-based E-Tron and the various pieces found on the limited-run R8 GT, amongst others. The prototype of the R8 NF was reported to be up 20% () lighter than an aluminum-bodied R8. The R8 NF was presented to the public in Audi's lightweight research and production plant in Neckarsulm, Germany.

R8 V8 Limited Edition (2011–2012)

The R8 Limited Edition is a limited production variant of the R8 Coupé 4.2 FSI quattro developed for the UK market, commemorating the tenth victory for Audi in 24 Hours of Le Mans. Changes included a titanium body colour option (no-cost optional metallic and pearl effect paint options, Titanium Metallic at cost), titanium finish 19-inch '5-arm double-spoke Y design' alloy wheels (from R8 GT Coupe), red brake callipers, satellite navigation, the Audi Music Interface (AMI), an interior light package, a premium Bang and Olufsen sound system, mobile phone preparation via a Bluetooth interface with integrated seat-belt microphones, Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension system, Black Fine Nappa Leather-upholstered seats and headrests with crimson red accents and red contrast stitching, red stitching on leather-covered multi-function steering wheel and instrument cowl, crimson red leather upholstery on monoposto, knee pads and passenger door handle in red leather, floor mats have a red surround and feature the R8 logo in silver, stainless steel pedals and illuminated door sills with bright aluminium inserts carrying the R8 logo, optional Carbon Package (carbon sigma sideblades, door mirrors, monoposto, inlays and door sill trims, illuminated engine bay), bespoke R8 Driving Experience at Silverstone Circuit. The R8 Limited Edition was available to order from July 2011, with deliveries beginning in October of the same year. Production was limited to 100 units.

R8 V10 Limited Edition (2012)

Unveiled at the 2011 Guangzhou Auto Show, the R8 V10 Limited Edition is a limited production variant of the R8 V10 Coupé developed for the Chinese market with a limited production run of 30 units. Notable changes included a Nordic gold body colour, front and rear air intakes/outlets and lightweight tailpipes are in matt black, front and rear slats and rear bumper (partially) in matt titanium grey; front spoiler, flics, sideblades, exterior mirrors, a fixed rear wing, an enlarged rear diffuser in carbon matt; radiator grille in matt black; radiator grille surround and bars in matt titanium grey, 19-inch wheels in 5 twin-spoke "Y" design finished in titanium paint, an aluminum gear knob with limited edition number from 1 up to 30 without number 4, 14 and 24; sports bucket seats in black Alcantara with contrasting stitching and piping in trim colour, headlining in Alcantara with contrasting stitching, knee pad in shark skin black with contrast stitching, centre console inlays and door trim inserts in body colour, monoposto and door pulls use inlays in carbon matt, doors and centre console are in body colour, instrument cluster with black dials and R8 emblem, door sill trims with aluminium insert and R8 logo, R tronic transmission.

F12 (2012)

The F12 is an electric variant of the R8 Coupé designed by Audi Electronics Venture in collaboration with Robert Bosch GmbH, Bosch Engineering GmbH and 3 institutes at the RWTH Aachen University (Institute of Automotive Engineering (ika), Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives (ISEA), Institute of Electrical Machines (IEM)). Notable features include two separate blocks of 200-macrocell battery with total 38 kWh charge, front axle synchronous motor and rear axle asynchronous motors rated at and of torque a DC/DC converter, heat pump, user-programmable instrument cluster. The car's basic drive functions – Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive – are performed by operating buttons on the center tunnel. All other operations are controlled via a tablet computer that can be removed from the center console.

R8 Exclusive Selection Editions (2012)

R8 Exclusive Selection Editions are limited production variants of the 2012 R8 Coupé 4.2 FSI quattro (20 units) and 2012 R8 Coupé 5.2 FSI quattro (30 units) developed for the US market. Notable changes for the V8 model include Daytona Gray matte body colour, carbon fibre exterior splitter and diffuser, 19-inch titanium five-arm double spoke wheels, black grille surrounds, black exhaust finishers, R8 GT tail lamps, red brake calipers, exclusive leather package with Crimson Red elements and contrast stitching, exclusive leather Navigation surround, a thicker contoured leather multifunctional steering wheel, carbon fibre elements, Bang & Olufsen Sound System and Navigation with the Audi Music Interface. Notable changes for the V10 model include Ibis white exterior and Brilliant Black features (sideblade, exterior mirrors, rear license plate surround), R8 GT tail lamps, 19-inch bi-color e-tron wheels, Ibis interior upholstery with Alabaster White contrast stitching, carbon fiber monoposto driver's cockpit, exclusive leather Navigation surround and contoured steering wheel. Transmission choices for both models included a six-speed manual or the R-tronic automated manual transmission.

R8 China Edition (2012)

The China Edition is a limited production variant of the R8 Coupé 5.2 FSI quattro developed for the Chinese market. Changes included a choice of two body colors (Malibu blue body with Suzuka grey rocker panel side blades, or Suzuka grey body with Malibu blue side blades), 19-inch high-gloss black wheel hubs in a five twin-spoke "Y" design, fixed spoiler in carbon matte, shark skin upholstery with colored stitching, handbrake and steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, instrument shield in carbon matte, aluminum gear knob engraved with characters "R8 专享", removal of the numeral "4" from the serial numbers (as it is considered an unlucky number in China), seat heating function and the R-tronic automated manual transmission. Production was limited to 80 units.

R8 LMX (2014)

Unveiled at the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans, the R8 LMX is a limited variant of the Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro coupé with LED and laser high beams module shared with the Audi R18 e‑tron quattro with four 450 nanometer 5,500 Kelvin laser diodes per module, increased engine power to and of torque, 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission, carbon‑fiber ceramic brake discs ( front), red anodized brake calipers, 19‑inch wheels with 235/35 R 19 front and 305/30 R 19 rear tyres, exclusive Ara Blue body colour, a fixed rear spoiler, matte carbon fiber‑reinforced polymer front spoiler lip, side flics, engine compartment cover, exterior mirror housings, sideblades, rear wing and the diffuser; singleframe grille, front air inlet grilles, rear outlet grille finished in titanium gray; sport exhaust system with high-gloss black tailpipes, black interior with blue accents, folding bucket seats upholstered in Nappa leather with Sepang Blue diamond pattern, backrest covers in Ara Blue, Sepang Blue stitching at parking brake lever, center tunnel console, steering wheel and the instrument cowl; black Alcantara headlining, black Nappa leather door trim, center tunnel console, parking brake lever, inlays in the doors, arc around the cockpit in matte carbon; illuminated aluminum inlays integrated into the CFRP door sill trims, selector lever for the S Tronic and knee pads upholstered in Nappa leather, floor mats with black piping and Sepang Blue stitching. The R8 LMX was available for sale in early 2014.

R8 Competition (2015)

As the first-generation production for the R8 was coming to an end, Audi unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show the final version in the limited-edition 2015 R8 Competition – the most powerful production vehicle ever made by the company at the time. Only 60 examples of the Competition were produced for the USA. This version was more than just a trim package since power from the normal 5.2-liter V10 was revised to develop 570 horsepower, an extra 20 hp over the V10 Plus, and reached 8,800 rpm for redline. The only available transmission was the seven-speed, dual clutch S-Tronic gearbox, which allowed for downshifts with race car like exhaust overrun noises out of the standard sports exhaust. 0 to 60 miles per hour was manufacturer rated to 3.2 seconds, even though actual measured times were slightly faster. The advertised maximum velocity was achieved at 199 mph. Carbon-ceramic brake disks with red calipers were standard. Audi took inspiration from the R8 LMS Ultra race car for the development of the Competition and applied many qualities to the street version. Unique to this version were matte carbon fiber pieces replacing the rear spoiler, mirror housings, side blades, front spoiler and rear diffuser. The 60 cars went through Audi Exclusive so buyers could specify their own specific interior and exterior colors. All cars also had interior matte carbon fiber trim over the center console and illuminated doorsills. Retail pricing started over $200,000 USD.

HN R200 (2015)

The HN (Hoffman&Novague) R200 was a rebodied Audi R8 designed by Å koda enthusiast Petr Novague as a tribute to the Skoda 130 RS. The car was built by Metal Hoffman and used headlights from the Bentley Mulsanne and tail lights from the Lamborghini Gallardo, as well as various other components sourced from the Volkswagen Group, and featured the same 430 bhp, V8 engine from the R8. Despite ambitions of producing up to 30 examples, three cars had been produced as of 2019.

Facelift (Autumn 2012)

Changes for the facelift models include:
*New single-frame grille with the beveled upper corners is painted high-gloss black, with horizontal chrome inserts adorning the struts on the V10 variants.
*New bumper with the air inlets bearing three crossbars each (optional front splitter in carbon fiber reinforced plastic).
*LED headlights are now standard on all variants of the Audi R8.
*Vent louvers next to the rear window having a matte black look on the R8 V10 Coupé (aluminum on the R8 V8 Coupé).
*7-speed ''S-Tronic'' dual-clutch transmission replaced the ''R-Tronic'' automated manual transmission (S-Tronic later became standard on all V10 powered models).
*Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping standard on the R8 V10 and optional for the V8 variants; offering a normal mode and a sports mode.
*V8 engine models having the standard wheel dimensions of 8.5 J x 18 at the front and 10.5 J x 18 at the rear, with tire sizes 235/40 and 285/35. V10 models having 19-inch wheels of widths 8.5 and 11 inches; tyres having the sizes of 235/35 and 295/30 respectively.
*Electronically adjustable sports seats optional on the V8 models and standard on the V10 models (R8 Spyder seats include a special pigmentation reducing heating from direct sunlight).
*Centre console and the handbrake lever covered with leather upholstery, adorned by delicate seams; in the V10 models the molding around the standard navigation system plus is also leather-covered.
*R8 V10 and the R8 V10 plus come with the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System as standard on-board features.

The R8 V10 plus (introduced in 2012 and available only as a coupé) includes:
*Front splitter in carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).
*Housings of the outside mirrors and the side blades (lateral air inlets) made from CFRP.
*Standard vent louvers next to the rear window in matte black.
*LEDs illuminate the engine compartment with a partial CFRP lining for the engine compartment
*Plus rear diffusor in CFRP
*Tailpipe trim sections in black
*Matt effect body colour option
*Dry weight
*V10 engine rated at at 8,000rpm and of torque at 6,500rpm
*Sport-tuned shock absorbers and camber values at the front axle
*19-inch 5-double spoke Y design wheels with titanium finish (optional black gloss)
*Cross-drilled & ventilated Audi ceramic brakes
*Standard bucket seats with prominent side sections
*Upholstery inlays in Carbon Sigma finish
*Door sills in Carbon Sigma finish

Other options for all R8 variants included a high-beam assistant, a stowage package, various travel case sets, a cell phone preparation with belt microphone and voice control, and the parking system plus with reversing camera.

European models were delivered at the end of 2012. Early models included the R8 V8 (Coupé/Spyder), R8 V10 (Coupé/Spyder) and the R8 V10 plus (Coupé).

UK models went on sale as 2013 model year cars. The sales began in August 2012, with deliveries beginning in early 2013.

US models went on sale in April 2013 as 2014 model year cars. Early models include R8 V8 (Coupé/Spyder), R8 V10 (Coupé/Spyder) and the R8 V10 plus (Coupé).

Japanese models went on sale in August 2013. Early models include R8 V8 (Coupé) and the R8 V10 (Coupé/Spyder).

The updated model was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, followed by 2013.

Specifications

Road models

Race models

Transmissions

The transmission options are either a Lamborghini-sourced six-speed manual gearbox with metal gate for the shift lever, or an Audi-developed ''S or R Tronic'' gearbox—which is an automated manual, without a traditional clutch pedal, and with an automatic gear shifting mode.

Equipment

The R8 also features a distinctive curved bar of LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) mounted inside the xenon HID headlamp casings.

The R8, like most mid- or rear-engine designed sports cars, utilises wider wheels 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 8.5J×18H2 ET42, whilst the rears are two inches wider at 10.5Jx18H2 ET50. With the 19-inch wheels (standard fit in most markets), the theme continues—the fronts are all 8.5J×19H2 ET42, and the rears are 11.0Jx19H2 ET50. 19-inch 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 (eXtra Load) in front and at the rear. For the 19-inch tyres, two different options are available—all fronts are , and the rears are either or . Standard factory supplied tyre makes offered are either Continental SportContact3 or Pirelli P-Zero Rosso.

Other technical details

As Volkswagen Group owns both Audi and Lamborghini (Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.), some of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including some of the chassis and floorpan, door handle mechanisms, transmissions, and the revised V10 engine. The base R8 is made distinct by its German designed exterior styling, cabin, smaller V8 engine, magnetic dampers, and pricing.

The R8 (with the V8 engine) has a curb weight of . Its suspension system uses BWI Group's magnetorheological damper

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