R8 Spyder Safety
Safe and sure with quattro®
Off the racetrack, the Audi R8 Coupé's special quattro technology isn't all about high-performance handling. For every-day driving, especially with non-ideal road conditions, quattro will help you reach your destination quickly and safely.
It works by carrying the amount of drive that is sent to the front and rear wheels, reacting in milliseconds, constantly feeling for any loss of grip. So, on slippery surfaces, if one or more wheels are at risk of spinning, more drive is directed to wheels that have better road-surface contact. You don't notice this happening: all you feel is more assured cornering, whatever the weather.
ESP keeps you pointing in the right direction
Audi's electronic stability program (ESP) is a combination of advanced technologies that helps keep the car under control in more extreme situations such as when you need to avoid an unexpected obstacle in the road. ESP is especially helpful in adverse weather conditions.
When you need to turn quickly and sharply, ESP identifies your intended direction and responds by applying the brakes to individual wheels. In the wet, the brake discs are dried by applying the brake pads lightly. You and your passengers won't notice but, compared with conventional braking systems, your stopping distances on wet roads will be optimised.
Slowing-down technology
The optional Audi ceramic brakes guarantee a compelling braking performance with virtually no fading - even when under continuous load. The discs are made from carbon-fibre reinforced ceramic material and the callipers are driven by eight pistons at the front, and four at the back. Special cooling duct geometry enhances ventilation so optimal braking performance continues to be delivered when you're pushing the vehicle to its limits.
The onboard technologies on Audi vehicles make them some of the safest in the world - especially when road conditions are less than perfect.
ABS
The Anti-lock braking system works by momentarily releasing and then applying the brakes when it detects a skid resulting in reduced stopping distances and the ability to turn under emergency braking.
ASR
Anti-slip regulation - or traction control - reduces power to any wheel that is in danger of spinning. Full power is returned when traction is re-established.
EBD
Electronic brake-force distribution works in conjunction with ABS to ensure an even maximum braking force between the front and rear wheels.
EDL
The electronic differential lock allows a smooth getaway on surfaces with mixed levels of grip.
ESP
Audi's electronic stability programme uses the four technologies above. It identifies the intended direction and applies braking to individual wheels to help keep the car stable.
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