By Khulekani Dumisa

The updated R8 has been revealed for the local market. With it, Audi is also introducing a new model designation. The Audi R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 plus is now called Audi R8 Coupé/Spyder V10 performance quattro. This speaks to the most powerful RS models from Audi Sport.

Looks

In terms of looks, the singleframe radiator grille is wider and flatter, and there are “dimmed” headlights. There are flat slits above the grille (reminiscent of the Audi Sport quattro) whilst winglets at the side divide the large air inlets. The new front splitter is now wider and an air inlet grille spans the entire width of the rear end. There, the rear diffuser is even more dominant and frames the new oval exhaust tailpipes. The air filter is situated in the engine compartment under a new three-part cover. It is available in a choice of plastic or carbon fibre. LED headlamps and rear lights with dynamic turn signals and high-beam control are standard with an option to upgrade to the Audi laser light at an extra cost.

Comin standard is a high-gloss black styling package which offers buyers a front splitter, sill trims and diffuser that are all finished off in black accents. There is an option to upgrade the exterior look to the gloss carbon RS exterior parts. The Audi rings and badges on the exterior are painted in high-gloss black and are complemented by the standard carbon exterior mirror housings and sideblade.

Colour options are enhanced with new metallic colours of Kemora grey and Ascari blue. Audi says, the Audi exclusive program allows customers to have any paint colours blended according to their wishes. There are three variants and the customized paint finish to choose from for the sideblades (carbon, Kendo grey or Mythos black), and there are three colours for the fabric top of the Spyder (black, red or brown)

 The facelifted Audi R8 is equipped with factory-installed 20-inch Audi Sport wheels V-spoke Evo design wheels in two colour options – titanium (standard) or matte bronze. An alternative 20-inch 5-double spoke dynamic style alloy wheel in anthracite black is also available. Ceramic brakes as well as red calipers are a standard feature. The stabilizer at the front axle is optionally made from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminium, which cuts weight at the front axle by around two kilograms.

Interior

The updated R8 sees two standard-fit modules merged into one unit; the information from the MMI navigation plus is shown in the revised Audi virtual cockpit. It has a 12.3-inch display and the driver can use the “View” button on the steering wheel to switch between views. The system is operated via the performance steering wheel and a rotary push-button on the console of the centre tunnel. The Audi phone box and Smartphone Interface are additional standard features

Additional options here include the R8 sports seat with Nappa leather and diamond stitching as standard. Customers are able to select between the upholstery colours of red, white or black.

Other key standard equipment includes: rear view camera, electric and folding exterior mirrors, comfort key, parking aid plus, R8 sport seats, seat heaters, tyre mobility kit with a tyre pressure monitoring system (to name a few).

Engine

The 5.2 litre V10 naturally aspirated engine continues to offer 449 kW and 560 Nm. The Coupé sprints to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and the Spyder takes 3.3 seconds. Top speed sits at 310/329 km/h respectively. The engine is paired with a 7-speed S tronic gearbox which sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s Qautro all-wheel drive system. A sweet engine note is guaranteed by a R8 sports exhaust system which comes standard.

Pricing

The updated Audi R8 range is priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:

Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro        R3,336,000

Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro       R3,592,500

The new Audi R8 will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 April 2021.