Audi R8 and R8 Spyder Overview

Nothing about the R8 is ordinary. The same goes for the way the vehicle is built. Each R8 is assembled by the hands of a highly skilled Audi technician, which has proven to be the ideal tool for creating a mere 20 or less works of art a day.

Interior and Exterior

The entire cockpit (monoposto) of the R8 is tilted toward the driver for maximum performance from both the car and the driver. The driver information system located in the middle of the instrument cluster offers the driver an eyes forward display of pertinent information such as current MPG status, navigation directions, estimated time and distance to destination, a lap timer as well as allowing you to scroll through your phone book, CD menu and radio presets.

The quality of materials and craftsmanship of the R8 interior is highlighted by refined Micrometallic inlays that extend throughout the cockpit. The sheer distinction of Carbon Fiber isn’t only limited to the exterior of the R8. Inside, available Carbon Fiber Sigma elements are featured in the monoposto driver’s cockpit, on the driver leg rest as well as the door handles and door inlays. Seats and other elements finished in standard Fine Nappa leather create a comfortable, supportive and luxurious experience no matter how long or short the trip may be. The 10-way power sport seats are furnished in Fine Nappa leather and include lumbar support and a heating feature to provide supreme comfort for the duration of any journey. The R8 Spyder 5.2 features exclusively designed thermal resistant leather, which ensures seat temperature no greater than 68º F even in direct sunlight

The race-inspired, lightweight, magnesium, three-spoke, leather-wrapped design has a performance look and feel that includes R tronic shift paddles [on vehicles equipped with R tronic transmission] for quick gear changes. The multifunction steering wheel provides easy access to MMI®-inspired logic control for CD, radio, navigation and voice control functions.

The same designers who created the Le Mans-winning prototypes also designed the R8. And not only does the R8 perform like the race car that the last nine out of eleven 24 Hour of Le Mans races, but it also bears the same track-dominating resemblance. From its wide stance, to its powerful wheels to the artful integration of exclusive materials like Carbon Fiber, the R8 is as unmistakable parked as it is in motion. This unmistakable presence is also due to the R8 being the world's first series-production vehicle to offer an available full LED headlight system. High beam, low beam, daytime running lights, mirror-housed turn signals and taillights all offer brilliant, unmistakable illumination. The R8 features a total of 24 LED daytime running lights, symbolic of Audi victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Although the R8 Spyder 5.2 is a convertible, it’s still very much designed for speed. In fact, the specially designed Acoustic top incorporates three-layers of insulation comparable to a traditional hard top. This means the R8 Spyder 5.2 is capable of reaching the 195 MPH top speed without hesitation. In addition, the top is capable of retracting in 19 seconds at speeds up to 31 MPH. The rear window offers the ability to be retracted whether the top is up or down. When the window is retracted during top down driving, it acts as a wind blocker to help reduce turbulence.

The R8 5.2 is distinguished by a number of exclusive features. Among them are the specially designed wheels, high gloss black grille, engine intakes, rear diffuser and Aluminum Optic engine vents. Every element comes together to form a car unlike any other. The R8 offers various optional sideblades that complement the stunning proportions of the R8 while increasing performance by directing air to the engine intake. The visible engine compartment reveals the engineering behind the powerful engine with standard LED lighting and Carbon Fiber Sigma engine bay.

Every detail of the R8 is designed for the sole purpose of performance. Amongst those details are the aerodynamically designed front, underbody, diffuser and side air intakes of the R8. These features help air flow to and from the engine bay for optimal cooling and performance.  Nestled under a carbon fiber reinforced polymer cover, the R8 Spyder features Aluminum Optic engine vents and rear body panels. With its exclusive aesthetic and bold design, these exclusive design features distinguish the R8 from everything else on the road while highlighting the performance characteristics of the vehicle.

Performance

At the heart of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro® is the soul stirring 525 hp 5.2 FSI V10 engine. Displayed under a transparent panel and nestled within a Carbon Fiber Sigma engine bay, the V10 screams to an astronomical 8700 rpm and propels the R8 5.2 to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds on the way up to a top track speed of 196.4 mph. As part of a race-bred mid-engine design that contributes to superb handling dynamics, the 5.2 V10 produces 101hp/liter and features race winning technology such as FSI direct injection and a dry sump lubrication system that assures engine lubrication under the most demanding driving situations. It is no wonder then, that this same engine is used in the R8 LMS GT3 race car.

The soul of the R8 4.2 FSI quattro® is the adrenaline inducing 420 hp 4.2 FSI V8 engine. Like the 5.2, the V8 is also displayed under a transparent panel, producing 317 lb-ft of torque and rocketing from to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds to a top track speed of 187 mph. As part of a race-bred mid-engine design that contributes to superb handling dynamics, the 4.2 V8 features race winning technology such as FSI direct injection, sodium-cooled exhaust valves and is setup for a high-revving 8250 rpm.

Audi Fuel Stratified Injection, or FSI®, offers the benefits of increased performance and fuel efficiency. FSI direct injection delivers a precise amount of fuel directly into the engine cylinders as opposed to the engine intake runners. This advanced process helps ensure a more complete combustion, thereby diminishing waste and increasing power. Additionally, the specially designed piston heads compress the fuel-air mixture in a spiraling motion, creating the most efficient combustion possible. Making the most of these technologies allows for greater efficiency in the combustion process.

A dry sump is an exclusive oil system in development as a racing application that uses a secondary external reservoir for oil, as compared to a conventional oil system. Dry sump lubrication offers many advantages in the R8. For instance, under heavy acceleration or cornering, the vehicle’s powertrain components stay in place and continue to receive lubrication, guaranteeing an even and constant supply of oil. Also, the large reservoir offers increased oil capacity, which ensures cool oil temperatures for consistent performance.

As a true supercar the R8 not only offers blistering speed but awe-inspiring handling. Featuring the legendary quattro® all-wheel drive system, the R8 inspires driver confidence, giving you traction when you need it, where you need it, regardless of road conditions. To accommodate the extreme performance of the R8, quattro® utilizes a continuously variable torque distribution, dynamically adjusting power to the wheels with the best traction. With a significant 85% rear torque bias and up to 30% available for the front wheels as needed, this highly specialized quattro® system provides the R8 with a balanced driving experience unlike any car on the road.

An automated six-speed manual gearbox combines the control of a manual gearbox with the advantages of an automatic. Shifting is performed with the joystick gear lever or with manual shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. A sport mode shift program further accentuates motorsport oriented gear shifting. 

Handling

The R8 is built with the revolutionary Audi Space Frame [ASF®] chassis, a technology Audi invented, and has spent more than a decade mastering. The framework of an ASF body consists of extruded aluminum sections and pressure castings. The aluminum chassis and sheet metal are just as strong as steel, but lighter to boost performance and efficiency. The frame carries the sheet aluminum elements, such as the roof panel, which helps withstand loads on the body. The elements of ASF are varied in shape and cross-section, depending on the tasks they have to perform. Like the bones of a human skeleton, they combine optimal function with low weight. The result of ASF technology is a frame that is lightweight yet extremely strong, which delivers high torsional rigidity and optimal performance.

With thousands of miles logged on the world’s most grueling test circuit, the North Loop of the Nürburgring, the suspension system of the R8 is further enhanced with Audi magnetic ride, which offers instantaneous driver control at the touch of a button. By utilizing an advanced magnetically charged fluid whose viscosity continuously adapts to driving dynamics and can be controlled electromagnetically, the driver can select from ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ modes to customize the R8 ride and handling. The result is improved driving dynamics, reduced body movement, better road handling and enhanced overall ride comfort.

The R8 boasts a braking system designed to match its impressive power output. The system features a 14.4” front rotor with eight pistons and a 14” rear rotor with four pistons. The brakes are internally vented and cross-drilled to increase airflow and cooling, which prevents brake fade for faster stopping. The front brakes include a total of eight pistons which offers high clamp force for fast, powerful braking.

Technology

The optional DVD-based Audi Navigation system plus features a full-color 6.5'' LCD screen and MMI®-inspired control logic for AM/FM and SIRIUS Radio® functions, real-time traffic, a six-CD changer in the glove box or iPod® integration through Audi Music Interface, and two SD® card slots for your MP3 music. Navigation information is given as audible route-guidance prompts and turn arrows via the color driver information system as well as a detailed color map on the main screen; five languages are available.

The advanced technology of the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 allows you to conveniently access many features on your Bluetooth®-enabled phone via the MMI® operating system or convenient voice control, allowing for easy, intuitive, hands-free communication. The system is also the first to include a seatbelt microphone, which delivers the best possible sound even at highway speeds with the top down

The driver information system located in the middle of the instrument cluster offers the driver an eyes forward display of pertinent information such as current MPG status, navigation directions if equipped, estimated time and distance to destination, a lap timer as well as allowing you to scroll through your phone book, CD menu and radio presets. The optional Bang & Olufsen Sound System includes 12 speakers with 465 digitally amplified watts and surround sound reproduction. The microphone-based noise compensation ensures optimum sound under varying road conditions and speeds.

Audi Parking System plus with Rearview Camera. The rearview camera offers a real-time view of the rear parking area, while the front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors measure the distance to the nearest objects and intermittent audible tones indicate the distance to the driver.

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