2016 Audi R8 Supercar Image and Tech Specifications Leaked

Edit – Official Images and Details of the 2016 Audi R8 Supercar Released

Days away from an official reveal at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the second generation, 2016 R8 supercar is Audi’s show stopper at Switzerland. An image of the second generation version of the supercar, whose firs generation version has been widely hailed as one of the most practical of its ilk, has leaked onto the interweb. Visual changes apart, the second-gen Audi R8 retains the low slung stance and the familiar looks of its predecessor. A significant change up front is the addition of laser headlamps and a distinct strip of LED daytime running lamps that sit flush in the headlamp assembly. The front of the car shows a new grille, a revised bumper and other minor cosmetic tweaks.

The biggest change in the 2nd-gen Audi R8 concerns the chassis department. The all-new chassis that is a mix of aluminium and carbon fiber is 15 % lighter, allowing the R8 supercar to shed all of 66 kilograms. The chassis’ lightness notwithstanding, stiffness is ratcheted up by a full 40 %. This should translate into better handling than before. The mid engined car delivers a 42:58 weight distribution, an affair meant to keep the supercar involving enough to drive, even as it delivers surgical precision when it comes to flat out track driving. The engine is the familiar 5.2 liter V10 petrol unit with revisions that jack up outputs.

In standard tune, this naturally aspirated, direct injection engine makes a peak power of 532 Bhp at 8,000 rpm while the peak torque of 539 Nm comes in at 6,500 rpm. In V10 Plus state of tune, the peak power and peak torque outputs are boosted significantly, to 601 Bhp at 8,150 rpm and 559 Nm at 6,500 rpm. A seven speed twin clutch DSG automatic gearbox handles torque transmission to all four wheels of the car by means of the signature Quattro all wheel drive mechanism. Fuel consumption cutting options such as an idle-stop mechanism and a coasting feature are standard in the engine. It remains to be seen if the V8 engine is offered on the 2016 Audi R8, as an entry level engine option.

In terms of dimensions, the new car measures the same length as its predecessor, at 4,444 mm, but is 9 mm shorter at 1,241 mm and 39 mm wider at 1,944 mm. The wheelbase, front and rear tracks remain similar to the older version, at 2,650 mm, 1,640 mm and 1,595 mm respectively. 19 inch wheels shod with 235/35 and 295/30 section tyres at the front and the rear are standard. The optional wheels get upsized to 20 inches, with 245/30 and 305/30 section tyres at the front and the rear. The top-end 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus accelerates to 100 Kph from nought, in 3.2 seconds, with the top speed rated at 328 Kph. The car is likely to make its India debut later this year.

The 2016 R8 delivers a mileage of 8.47 Kmpl, and 10 % more efficient that its predecessor, claims Audi. An all-electric e-Tron variant of the supercar is in the works. The all-electric variant will feature an electric motor with outputs of 455 Bhp and 920 Nm. A 450 kilometer range per charge and a 0-100 Kph timing of 3.9 seconds are the other details of the R8 e-Tron that Audi has revealed. All variants of the 2016 R8 will be built at Heilbronn, Germany. The supercar’s European prices start at 165,000 Euros (1.15 crore rupees) for the V10 variant, and 187,400 Euros (1.31 crore rupees) for the V8 Plus variant. Expect India prices to be double the European prices.

Image courtesy AutoFilou

Tech Specs courtesy AutocarUK