Awesome news from Audi. They’ve officially unveiled the brand new, facelifted 2013 Audi R8, through an entire collection of images and details about the new range. The superb sportscar has started its automotive life with fuss, and now every little bit of upgrade or change related to it, like the launch of the brand new V10 Plus Coupé model, was and is an occasion for celebration.
The car has undergone a few changes in looks, having received a brand new front fascia with new front bumper and single-frame grille, while the LED headlights which used to be optional for the previous versions are now part of the standard package on all models.
There are a few upgrades that have, sort of, amazed us deeply, like the brand new 7-speed S tronic transmission system, the newest replacement for the previous 6-speed R Tronic one. The newer one sports two multi-plate clutches that serve two mutually independent sub-transmissions. This results in the drastic reduction of the delay between gear changes. The 7-speed S Tronic is yet an option for the V8 models, and a standard for the V10s.
Co-working with the brand new transmission is either the upgraded V8 or the V10, which propel the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill 0.3 of a second faster than the previous transmission system. For example, the 4.2-liter FSI V8 motor is now delivering a higher output, of 424 HP (316 kW) and 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque. Equipped with the S Tronic, the V8 on the coupé model boosts from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the Spyder version, both being able to reach a top speed of 187.65 mph (302 km/h).
The 5.2-liter FSI V10 on the other hand packs a stronger punch, being available with two different outputs. The base version delivers 518 HP (386 kW) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, while the top of the range “Plus” version develops 542 HP (404 kW) and 540 Nm of torque.
The “Plus” accelerates from naught to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 197 mph (317 km/h), whereas the standard V10 motorization is 0.1 seconds and 4 km/h (3 mph) slower. The Spyder version of the Audi R8 reaches 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph (311 km/h).
The facelifted 2013 R8 is due to reach European dealerships before the end of 2012. The base models will start at €113,500 for the coupé model and €124,800 for the Spyder, while the more powerful, V10 eponyms will start at €154,6000 and respectively €165,900. The top of the entire range, the R8 V10 Plus, will be purchasable for prices starting at €173,200.
[Audi]
