It’s hard to believe that the Audi R8 was introduced to us back in 2006. Considering it still looks as fresh today as it was when Audi first introduced the car any kind of make-over seems a little premature. Fortunately, however, there has only been some minor fettling with LED lighting, grille, brightware and the odd bit of composite adornment (called CFRP in Audi-speak).
The most important aspect of this R8 update, however, is the replacement of that clunker of a gearbox called the R tronic. It never worked as it was supposed too and the only reason it was tolerated is because it sat inside a stunning piece of automotive art.
Jump into your R8 R tronic when the engine is cold whilst closely parked between two other cars. Attempting to get the car out of the space was usually met with a series of jerks, jolts and snatches that was akin to trying to steering a rhino through a shop full of Swarovski crystal. It was rubbish. The only time it did work was at full throttle which wasnt very often at all.
Thankfully that gearbox is no more because a seven-speed S tronic transmission is now on offer together with the still very good six-speed manual gearbox. The S tronic is smaller, lighter and much, much faster than the forgettable R. This makes the R8 an even better car since it is matched perfectly to the V8 and V10 engine options.
Other benefits from fitting the new S tronic transmission include lower emissions, lower centre of gravity (to aid handling) and slightly improved performance figures (if your life is measured in milliseconds)
There is a new flagship model in the range called the R8 V10 Plus which produces 550PS which allows for a 3 second 0-60 mph time and a top speed of 197 mph with the S tronic transmission installed. Ceramic disc brakes are fitted as standard on the ‘Plus’ which is very handy. Pricing for this hot and spicy version of the R8 is given as £124675 for the manual and £127575 for the S tronic version.
The rest of the range starts off at £91575 for the manual V8 Coupe while the Spyder kicks off at £100225. Compared to the (rising) prices of sports cars these days such as the latest 911 the Audi R8 actually looks pretty good value for money and certainly pulls off a trick with those head-turning looks.
Orders can be placed August 2012 and first UK deliveries are expected to take place during early 2013.
To find out more about the new R8 range or any other Audi model give The Car Spy a call on 01732 760699 or email sales@thecarspy.net
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