Audi R8

All the features of the Audi R8 have been purposefully designed while at the same time giving the car it unique progressive sportiness. From its emphatic, structural shape, with wide air intakes, sweeping sideblades and high-tech, retractable rear spoiler – to name just a few – each sport design feature isn’t just for show. These individual features each serve their own purpose, whether to enhance the car’s aerodynamic potential or to cool the massive V8 engine seated directly behind the cockpit

Audi Space Frame (ASF®)

The Audi R8 incorporates Audi’s many years of experience in working with aluminium. As a result, it has an extremely rigid but light aluminium body.
Sideblades

The R8 sideblades provide the powerful V8 engine with a continuous stream of cool air, these vents give the R8 a sporty, progressive look – which can be enhanced even further with either Oxygen Silver or Carbon Sigma contrasting finishes.

LED daytime running lights

Xenon Plus ellipsoidal headlights with headlight washer system, dynamic headlight range control and LED daytime running lights.

19-inch alloy wheels

The Audi R8 is fitted with 5-arm double-spoke design, 19” alloy wheels 19 x 8.5J front and 19 x 11J rear with 235/30 and 295/30 tyres.

R8 Colours

A range of eight exterior colours. The sideblades are in a harmoniously contrasting finish, also optionally in Oxygen Silver or Carbon Sigma.

Exhaust system

4-branch exhaust system – twin tailpipes on left and right

Rear Spoiler

Retractable rear spoiler – deploys and retracts automatically at set speeds, or can be operated manually with the button in centre console.

The NEW R8 Spyder

We are proud to announce the new Audi R8 Spyder. With a fully automatic, acoustic roof which retracts in just 19 seconds, you are guaranteed open-top, high-performance motoring pleasure. And the magnificent, high-revving V10 engine takes you from 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds.

A stunning new take on the much lauded Audi R8 has been launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 17-27). The new R8 Spyder with fully automatic lightweight fabric hood brings added wind-in-hair intensity to the already extreme driving experience delivered by the lightweight aluminium, mid-engine and quattro-equipped supercar.

Based on the 525PS, 5.2-litre FSI model, but featuring a bespoke body incorporating additional weight-saving carbon fibre composite panels, the new open-air R8 will be available to order in the UK from November in six-speed manual and six-speed R tronic automated manual forms priced at £111,955 OTR and £117,155 OTR respectively. UK deliveries will start in the first quarter of 2010.

The sculpted lines of the emotion-packed R8 have been subtly re-interpreted to create the new Spyder. The absence of the distinctive sideblades that extend into the roof of the fixed head R8 Coupe has been compensated for by the use of elegantly curved new side panels made of carbon fibre composite that blend beautifully with striking arched and vented cowls behind the cockpit which flow apparently seamlessly into the gently curving carbon fibre composite cover for the hood compartment.

The soft top blends harmoniously into the R8 design, and weighs a mere 30kg. It has no negative impact the dynamic abilities that have brought this car worldwide acclaim.

Electrohydraulically controlled, the hood opens and closes in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, and when lowering folds like a Z beneath the automatically activated cover of its storage compartment above the V10 engine. The heated glass window, which is separate from the fabric hood, is lowered into the bulkhead. It can be independently raised and lowered at the touch of a button, with the top up or down. An additional net-like wind deflector is fitted as standard and can be latched into the bulkhead behind the seats in two easy steps.

Coupe-like refinement

The top, which comprises an outer skin of a waterproof textile fabric and a headliner, is fully compatible with high-speed driving. When driving at moderate speeds with the top up, interior noise levels in the R8 Spyder are barely higher than in the Coupe. The bulkhead includes integrated rollover protection in the form of two strong, spring-tensioned plates. Head/thorax side bags in the backrests protect the passengers in the event of a side impact. Full-size airbags stand at the ready in the event of a head-on collision. In a rear-end collision, the integral head restraint system reduces the risk of whiplash injuries.With manual transmission, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1,720kg thanks primarily to its aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) body. Despite reinforcements in the area of the sills, the centre tunnel, the rear wall, the floor pan and the A- and B-pillars, the body weighs only 216kg – just 6kg more than that of the R8 Coupé. The high rigidity of the ASF body, which includes an integrated engine frame of ultra-lightweight magnesium, provides the foundation for the car’s dynamic handling and superior safety.

Safety and visual appeal are also enhanced by the light-emitting diode (LED) headlights which are standard equipment, and a so far unparalleled world first for Audi. LEDs are used for the low beams, the high beams, the daytime running lights and the turn signals. With a colour temperature of 6,000 Kelvin, the LED light is very similar to daylight, making it easier on the eyes when driving at night. Additional strengths include excellent light distribution, long service life and extremely low energy consumption.

New seatbelt-mounted mobile phone microphones

The open-top two-seater from Audi features a spacious, typically high quality interior that, helped by a front luggage compartment with a useful 100 litre capacity, is genuinely comfortable and practical enough to make everyday use a pleasure rather than a chore. The low-mounted, electrically adjustable seats position the body perfectly in relation to the flat-bottomed steering wheel and the clear, logically arranged dials. The generous standard equipment list for UK models includes an extended leather package featuring Fine Nappa leather, the Audi Music Interface iPod connection system (or a CD changer as required) linked to a Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated seats, DVD satellite navigation and – in another world first for Audi – seatbelt-mounted microphones which make it possible to talk on the phone even with the top down on the motorway.

Like its Coupe relative, the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro, which was developed in co-operation with quattro GmbH, delivers absolutely uncompromising performance. The naturally aspirated V10 engine with its aluminium crankcase, much of which is hand-built, produces 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm and peak output of 525PS at 8,000 rpm as it revs freely to its 8,700 rpm limit.

Performance reflects this awesome potential: 0 - 62mph in 4.1 seconds; 0 - 124mph in 12.7 seconds; a top speed of 194mph for the six-speed manual version – all delivered with a heady 10-cylinder soundtrack that is of course even easier to savour in this open-top model.

The 5.2-litre engine with FSI direct fuel injection has a high 12.5:1 compression ratio that contributes to the high performance and also to a 19.0mpg combined economy figure for the manual transmission version that is an impressive achievement considering this car’s performance capabilities. With R tronic, this figure improves to 20.3mpg. Dry sump lubrication, another motorsport technology, ensures that the supply of oil is maintained even at the maximum lateral acceleration of 1.2 g.

The optional six-speed R tronic transmission offers a normal and a sport program as well as a fully automatic and a manual mode. The manual mode allows the driver to make lightning-fast gear changes using the lever on the centre tunnel or with the paddles on the steering wheel. The open-air sports car also comes with ‚ ‘launch control’ – a program that manages engagement of the clutch perfectly to maximize acceleration at start.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive features a central viscous coupling and distributes power to all four wheels with a heavy rear bias. It works together with the locking differential on the rear axle to provide significantly greater traction, stability, cornering speed and precision.

Standard Audi magnetic ride

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro has a 2,650mm wheelbase and a 43:57 axle load distribution. Double triangular wishbones made of aluminium suspend all four wheels, and Audi magnetic ride optimizes composure both in terms of ride comfort and handling. The system uses magnetic fields in the shock absorbers to adjust their response to road conditions within milliseconds and adapt to the driver’s style. The driver can choose between two settings.

The R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro rides on 19-inch 10-spoke Y design alloy wheels. The front rims are shod with 235/35 tyres, with 295/30 tyres at the rear. 305/30 tyres are optionally available. The brakes offer impressive performance: The four discs are internally ventilated and perforated, with eight-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the rear. Carbon fibre-ceramic discs that are extremely light, robust and long-lived are available at extra cost. The ESP stabilization system has a Sport mode and can also be completely deactivated. The brake system includes a Hill Hold Assist function that facilitates starting on gradients.

Exterior features

Building on the V10 Coupe styling, the Spyder has some unique features that make it one of the most distinctive cars on the road. The Spyder has no sideblades, but the windscreen frame's aluminium finish complements the finish on the air vents in the carbon fibre panel that disguises the hood when folded. With the soft-top roof closed, the lines remain sleek and coupe-like thanks to fins incorporated within the fully automatic, acoustic hood.

Colours and upholstery

Paint

In addition to the existing paint colours available on the R8 Coupe, two new metallic colours are available. Metallic or pearl effect paint is included in the model price.

• Teak brown, metallic
• Aurum beige, metallic

Fine Nappa leather

There are six upholstery colours available, including black, Luxor beige and red (currently available on R8 Coupe). There are also three new colours which are only available on the Spyder:

• Lunar silver
• Nougat brown
• Titanium grey

Hood

There are three colour choices for the hood:

• Black (PA)
  
• Brown (PW)
  
• Red (SF)

Technical data

Audi R8 Design

Low and wide, the R8 crouches on the road, waiting for just one thing: the driver’s command to spring into action.

The Audi single-frame grille adapted to the proportions of a sports car, the colour-contrasting sideblades (available optionally in Oxygen Silver or Carbon Sigma), the LED rear lights and daytime running lights… this is a car designed to take your breath away.

Interior
Beneath the skin is a deceptively spacious two-seat cabin with plenty of racing car inspiration in its layout and appearance, and full of typical Audi luxury - evident in its fine Nappa leather upholstery and trim.

Wheels
The Audi R8 is fitted with 5-arm double-spoke design 19-inch alloy wheels. The 235/40 size tyres at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide all the road-holding you need.

Audi Space Frame ASF®
The Audi R8 incorporates Audi’s many years of experience in working with aluminium. As a result, it has an extremely rigid but light aluminium body.

Colours
Choose from a range of eight exterior colours. The sideblades are in a harmoniously contrasting finish, also optionally in Oxygen Silver or Carbon Sigma.

Lights
See and be seen with Xenon Plus ellipsoidal headlights with headlight washer system, dynamic headlight range control and LED daytime running lights.

Racing technology and distinctive Audi design, luxurious driving comfort and incredible performance – the Audi R8 is a new kind of car. It combines the design and performance of a thoroughbred sports car with all the functionality and technology you expect from the brand that lives by Vorsprung durch Technik.

Spoiler
An electronically activated rear spoiler deploys when sensors detect that composure at higher speeds would benefit from additional down-force.

DVD navigation
The optionally available navigation system Plus (RNS-E) for the Audi R8 provides a wide range of information and services, but is extremely easy to use.

MMI (Multi Media Interface)
The Audi R8’s innovative MMI system is an intuitive one-point solution for entertainment, communications and vehicle control. It includes a 6.5” colour TFT display and is located on the centre console for ease of use by both driver and passenger.

Bang & Olufsen Sound System
The optional Bang & Olufsen Sound System has been developed specifically for the Audi R8 by the Danish hi-fi specialists. This outstanding stereo features dynamic compensation for road noise, a digital amplifier, 12 speakers and a total output of 465 watts.

The new Audi R8 combines the time-honoured hallmarks of the best of the classic sports cars with futuristic construction, transmission and suspension technologies. All this is underpinned by the steadfast reassurance of the quattro four-wheel-drive system.

V8 engine
The high-revving V8 petrol engine delivers 420PS, spontaneous response and a thrilling engine sound. It punches the R8 through the 62mph barrier in just 4.6 seconds.

Transmission
You can choose a 6-speed manual transmission to channel the 430Nm of torque, or the race-inspired R tronic sequential shift gearbox with joystick and paddle control, which offers exceptionally fast gear changes.

FSI®
Audi’s exclusive FSI technology means a higher power output, higher torque, lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions.

quattro
The R8’s unique engine position, together with quattro permanent
four-wheel drive, results in outstanding dynamic performance with very high directional stability and enormous lateral acceleration.

Audi Magnetic Ride
Audi Magnetic Ride, optional on the R8, is an adaptive suspension system with two selectable modes: Normal and Sport. Sensors in the car monitor the road conditions and adjust the damping effect by varying a magnetic charge that passes through a fluid-based shock absorber, delivering improved road handling, outstanding chassis control and excellent driving comfort.