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The R8 combines Audi's experience gained from
motorsport racing with groundbreaking design and the acknowledged technological expertise.
This expertise has led to the slogan 'Vorsprung
durch Technik,' or advancement through technology, becoming a byword for leading edge
technology both on the race track and on the road.
Audi R8 Exterior
The Audi R8 sits wide and low
on the road, with its strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a
sprinter ready to leave the starting block.
The proportions of the Audi R8 are dictated by the location of the engine
behind the cockpit, where it's also found in race cars. One of the most striking examples
of this design – and as such one of the legitimate antecedents of the Audi R8 – is the
Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car. The central position of the engine is a boon to
driving dynamics, with a weight distribution, as on the R8, of 44 percent to the front and
56 percent to the rear.
The R8's body is highly compact in appearance. The front end and the gently curved roof
arc are drawn in a sweeping line that immediately marks the two-seater as an Audi.
The side view also reveals familiar contours. The dynamic line above the wheel arches
and the shoulder line interlink the front end, side and rear, imbue the doors and the
transition to the side air vent with a strong presence, and even more emphatically
highlight the typical Audi rounded wheel housings that accommodate the big wheels
The cabin of the Audi R8 is pushed far forward. Behind the cabin, positioned in front of the
rear axle, is the V8 FSI engine, a sculptured piece of engineering visible both through the large,
shield-shaped rear window and from inside the car.
The Audi R8 measures 75 inches wide by 174.5 inches long and 49.3 inches high a 104.3-inch
wheelbase. Behind the doors, a large-surface 'sideblade' air deflector sweeps between the wheel arch and the
roof section, delivering air for the V8 to breathe as well as for cooling. The paint finish of
the sideblades is contrasted with the body color, or it can be ordered to match the body
color.
The front end is characterized by the trapezoidal styling of the Audi single-frame grille,
flanked on the right and left by additional large-dimensioned air intakes. For the first
time, the Audi four-ring badge is positioned on the hood, above the grille. The LED
daytime running lights, with their clear-glass covers, join flush to the tops of the air
intakes.
Two large-format diffuser openings in the rear bumper illustrate how the R8's styling is
dictated by aerodynamics. The two pairs of circular twin exhaust tailpipes sit at the right
and left above the diffuser openings.
The rear spoiler deploys automatically. It provides additional downforce to boost the
suction effect produced by the aerodynamic styling of the underbody and by the diffusers.
When traveling at lower speeds, the R8's rear spoiler automatically retracts flush with the
body.
The full aluminum body uses the Audi Space Frame (ASF) design. Its perfect synthesis
of minimal weight and maximum rigidity provides the ideal foundation for optimum
driving dynamics and an outstanding weight-to-power ratio of just 8.6 lbs./hp.
Audi R8 Interior
The interior is based on a driver-oriented cockpit architecture called
"Monoposto" that positions the driver between the dashboard and the high center
console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver.
Form follows function throughout the Audi R8. The driver-oriented architecture also is
reflected in the styling of the side window sills. The styling and placement of all elements in the cockpit
of this driving machine mimic the R8 race car. They are focused on the essentials that
make the driver the center point.
The combination of aesthetics and ergonomic considerations is maintained in the colors
used and the overall ambience they create. Dark hues reflect the emphasis on engineering
and are again reminiscent of the motorsport world. Professional functionality and ergonomic
styling are enhanced by the visible presence of top-quality materials and
exceptional craftsmanship.
The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a sporty Leather/Alcantara combination, or
optionally in full leather. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort
levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the
seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has
a capacity of approximately 3.5 cu. ft.
Audi R8 Drivetrain
In the high-revving 420 hp eight-cylinder engine, the evolution of FSI gasoline direct
injection technology has reached new heights. This is the same technology that also has
enjoyed many triumphs in the Audi R8 race car.
These figures illustrate the outstanding potential of the eight-cylinder unit: at 7,800 rpm
the 4.2-liter engine delivers 420 hp of power output; peak torque is 317 ft. lbs. from 4,500
to 6,000 rpm; no less than 90 percent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently
throughout a wide range of engine speeds from 3,500 to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these
qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides maximum thrust in virtually any driving
situation.
The Audi R8 accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 187 mph.
The engine is a high-revving unit with a maximum engine speed of 8,250 rpm. The
results are superior power output at high engine speeds and a smooth, responsiveness
across the revs range.
The R8's dry sump lubrication – another technology that flows directly from motor
racing – provides the ideal basis for maximum longitudinal and lateral acceleration. It
allows the V8 to be positioned lower, thereby lowering the center of gravity and further
enhancing driving dynamics.
Two transmissions are available: a manual six-speed gearbox or the Audi R tronic
sequential-shift gearbox.
'Shift by wire' technology provides for very fast gear-shifting and an outstanding power-to-
weight ratio, allied to compact gearbox dimensions.
The R8 is fitted with permanent all-wheel drive, which
distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On
the Audi R8, the quattro system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical
of mid-engined cars.
Audi R8 Chassis
The Audi R8 chassis features forged aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front
they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a
triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This provides for optimum wheel control, and it
is a geometry that has proved itself to be the ideal solution for delivering agility,
maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering characteristics.
Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the
driver.
The spring and damper setup is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics,
while still providing an astonishing level of ride comfort. The shock
absorbers employ an innovative technology. Instead of conventional damper fluid, they
use a magnetorheological fluid. This is a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an
electromagnetic field, thereby enabling the damping characteristic to be influenced
electronically at will and instantaneously by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.
Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every
driving situation, thus optimizing ride comfort and driving dynamics. A computer
equipped with sensor technology determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter
of milliseconds. Drivers can choose between two driving programs, depending on
whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style – with the magnetorheological fluid
adjusted to a low viscosity – or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.
The Audi R8 is fitted with split five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels. The 235/35 size
performance tires at the front and 295/30 tires at the rear provide the necessary roadholding.
This tire configuration also ensures that this mid-engined sports car always is
able to translate the dynamism of its drivetrain and chassis into optimum grip and
maximum lateral dynamics.
Audi R8 Dimensions
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