Audi R8 facelift arrives in Malaysia
The new and improved Audi R8 is in town, and prices start at RM1,250,000 on-the-road for the V10 model, presumably without options. Changes from the original model include new design details, all-LED lighting, and a new transmission, with a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch replacing the previous R tronic automated manual gearbox.
Paddle shifters enable manual selection of gears, and the transmission also features a ‘Sports’ mode that offers a more aggressive shift pattern. It also has a launch control function to facilitate quick traffic light getaways. Feeding the transmission with power, all 525hp of it, is a hand-built 5.2-litre direct-injected V10 sitting amidships just behind the passenger cell.
Breathing through natural aspiration, the engine serves its maximum power at 8,000rpm and its peak torque of 530Nm is delivered at a stratospheric 6,500rpm. These outputs are unchanged from before, but thanks to the new transmission, the new S tronic-equipped R8 V10 hits 100kph from rest 0.3 seconds faster than before and spews out 22 grams less carbon dioxides per km traveled. Official figures from Audi read 3.6 seconds to the century mark, 314kph top speed, and fuel consumption at 13.1 l/100km.
Based on the same platform that also underpins the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Audi R8 features aluminium-forged double wishbones all-round with adaptive magnetic dampers. Cross-drilled vented steel disc brakes, which sport wave-like contours, help reduce overall weight by 2kg compared to conventional discs of equivalent dimensions. Customers can specify carbon ceramic discs as a cost option for added stopping power.
The new R8’s styling sees a subtle but not unnoticeable evolution from its predecessor’s. Its single-frame grille features a new design with bevelled upper corners and horizontal chrome inserts adorning the struts on the V10 variant. The revised bumper features the air inlets bearing three crossbars each. The vent louvres next to the rear window are finished in matt black. A Carbon sigma engine compartment cover and illuminated by LEDs is available as a cost option to dress up the engine room, which can be seen through the vehicle’s rear window.
All-LED headlights are standard on the Audi R8, and are complemented by new strip-shaped daytime running lights that form a ‘clasp’ around the lens. The light-emitting diodes for the high and low beam headlights have been placed above and below the daytime running lights, which are specially actuated to serve as indicators. Static cornering lights are also integrated into the headlights.
The LED theme continues at the rear, where the indicators flash in a fashion which appear to perform a ‘sweeping’ movement from the inside outwards. The sweep is achieved by a horizontal row of LEDs that are illuminated in successive blocks. The latest R8 is also distinguishable from its predecessor by way of its new badge with signature Audi Sport red diamond, and by its repositioned diffusor, with the exhaust system terminates in two round and glossy tailpipe trim sections.
Standard equipment levels include the all-LED headlights and 19-inch alloy wheels, MMI navigation plus with DVD player, bluetooth mobile phone preparation and Fine Nappa Leather-upholstered sports seats. It also comes with the 10-channel amplifier 465 watts Bang & Olufsen Sound System. Euromobil carries the improved model in three solid colours Ibis White, Brilliant Red and Phantom Black with five pearl effect options. After sales is covered by a 4-year / 120,000km warranty
Pictures: Official Audi release.
