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The Audi R8 is a mid-engined sports car released by the German automaker Audi in 2006. Audi announced in 2005 that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car, which appeared at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show and 2003 International Motor Show. The R8 was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There is some confusion with the name which the car shares with the Le Mans winning R8 LMP. Originally, many thought the car would be called the R9 (as there is a gap in numbering left when Audi announced the R8's successor, the diesel-powered R10).
The Audi R8 is already available with a 4.2 L V8 developing 420 hp, the same engine seen in the Audi RS4. Pricing for the 420 bhp model starts from ˆ104,400 or £77,000. The base price in the US is $109,000 for the 6-speed manual. An R-Tronic equipped R8 will be priced at $118,000. The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). A 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.6 seconds is possible with a top speed of 301 km/h (187 mph). The quarter mile time for the R8 is 12.6 seconds and roadhandling on the 300 ft skidpad is 0.98g.
As Audi AG owns Lamborghini, 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis. The R8 is made further distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine and pricing. The European Audi R8 will also be the first production vehicle to feature all-LED headlights. The Audi R8 also features an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The 2-seat coupe will be made available to the U.S. in the summer of 2008. In addition, an open-top, Porsche Carrera GT-like model will follow in 2009. For 2009 a second, more powerful engine variant that uses a 570-hp 5.2 L V10, an enlarged version of the Lamborghini Gallardo's engine and already seen in the Audi S8, is rumoured but not confirmed by Audi. Audi is currently in the process of developing a new turbocharged 5.2 L V10 engine for the future Audi RS6, and there is a possibility that this engine will make its way into the R8, dependent on marketing decisions. Test mules of this vehicle are developing well in excess of 600 bhp with the turbocharged 5.2 L V10. If this were to happen it is almost certain that this would create an R8-RS. Wikipedia
Performance
* Power: 420 bhp/7800 rpm
* 0-60mph: 4.8 secs
* Top Speed: 187 mph/301 km/h |
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