2015 Audi R8: Official Images and Info

The sportiest model in Audi’s lineup has come to a new generation. Let’s find out how more aggressive it got.

Ingolstadt’s supercar, Audi R8 stepped up on the evolutionary ladder — and not only design-related. The side blades from behind the doors have disappeared, or rather have been divided by a strong shoulder line connecting the wheels — making the car appear longer and more muscular, maker says. Some of the fans probably won’t love the change, as the sided blades were one of R8 signatures, but that would be forgiven once they pass on the mechanical details.

The new Audi R8 comes in two versions (V10 and V10 Plus) and makes the best of the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter FSI engine mounted in front of the rear axle. The base model comes with 532 hp (540 PS) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm), while the Plus version crosses the 600 hp mark: 602 hp (610 PS) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm). At 3,205 lbs (1,454 kg), the V10 Plus version is 220 lbs (100 kg) lighter than the standard one, thanks to the CFRP and aluminum mix that efficiently compose the Audi Space Frame. The V10 version tops the scale at 3,528 lbs (1,555 kg).

In terms of performance, the base model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, while the more powerful V10 Plus reaches the same speed in only 3.2 seconds and can keep accelerating up to 205 mph (330 km/h). Despite all those impressive performance ratings, the new Audi R8 manages a mileage as low as 20.6 mpg (11.4 l/100 km), with the V10 Plus showing a combined fuel consumption of 19.1 mpg (12.3 l/100 km).

The engine is coupled to a 7-speed S tronic gearbox that manages the power flow to all four wheels via a permanent quattro all-wheel drive system. In normal behavior, it’s a rear-wheel drive car (with up to 100 percent of the torque being sent to the rear axle), but it all can be transferred to the front axle if necessary. To ensure optimal traction on any road condition, the rear axle features a mechanical differential lock.

For as much stopping power as possible, the new Audi R8 has 14.4 in (365 mm) / 14.1 in (356 mm) front/rear ventilated steel brake disks, hidden behind the 19-inch wheels. The V10 Plus version features 15.0 in (380 mm) / 14.0 in (356 mm) front/rear ceramic brakes as standard, as well as 20-inch rims.

The interior of the new Audi R8 greets you with newly designed bucket seats, a driver-oriented cockpit and the impressive 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. You can choose between Nappa leather or Alcantara/Nappa mix for the upholstery and can upgrade the cockpit with carbon fiber accents and a 500-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, if the throaty V10 that sits just behind you is not enough for your aural satisfaction.

The market debut will happen this summer, with prices from €165,000 (for the base model) to €187,400 for the V10 Plus version in standard guise.