The facelifted Audi R8 has finally arrived in Australia in two trim levels and two body styles, arriving in showrooms from July 24.
Starting from $295,000 plus on-road costs, the R8 now offers a permanent rear-wheel drive entry model, dubbed R8 V10 RWD, as well as the flagship R8 V10 performance quattro with all-wheel drive.
Key changes for MY20 include a refreshed design, revised suspension and some new available technologies.
Pricing
- R8 Coupe V10 RWD – $295,000
- R8 Spyder V10 RWD – $316,500
- R8 Coupe V10 performance quattro – $395,000
- R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro – $416,500
All prices exclude on-road costs
Engines
The R8 line-up is all powered by a 5.2-litre ‘FSI’ naturally-aspirated V10 shared with the Lamborghini Huracan.
In R8 V10 RWD models the motor outputs 397kW and 540Nm, which is the same as the pre-facelift RWS model, sent to the rear axle.
The R8 V10 performance quattro gets a 449kW/560Nm version of the same engine, carried over from the previous R8 V10 plus, sending power to all four wheels. Although overseas markets get a newer iteration with a petrol particulate filter, Australia maintains the spec of the outgoing car under the bonnet.
All models are fitted with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
Claimed fuel consumption is rated at 12.2L/100km for the V10 RWD Coupe and 13.4L/100km for the V10 performance quattro, both on the combined cycle.
The R8 Coupe V10 RWD claims a 3.7-second 0-100 dash (3.8 seconds for Spyder), while the all-wheel drive R8 Coupe V10 performance quattro cuts that to 3.2 seconds (3.3 seconds for Spyder).
Safety
The Audi R8 is as yet untested by ANCAP and Euro NCAP, which isn’t uncommon for sports cars and supercars.
Standard safety equipment includes dual front, side and curtain airbags – six inflators in total – as well as the usual suite of electronic aids like ABS, stability and traction control.
Dimensions
The new R8 measures 4429mm long, 2037mm wide and 1236mm tall, with a 2650mm wheelbase.
Coupe models claim an unladen weight of 1595 kilograms, with Spyder models slightly heavier at 1695kg.
Standard Equipment
Audi R8 V10 RWD standard features:
- Audi virtual cockpit (12.3-inch driver’s display)
- Wireless smartphone charger
- 13-speaker 550W Bang & Olufsen sound system
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights with Audi laser light
- LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
- Metallic paint
- Heated sports seats in fine nappa leather with contrast stitching
- Full electric and pneumatic seat adjustment
- Fine nappa leather extended cabin upholstery
- Piano black gloss inlays
- Stainless steel pedals and footrest
- Reversing camera with parking system plus
- Cruise control
- Convenience key
- Electric folding, heated mirrors
- 18-inch steel ‘wave’ disc brakes with red calipers (eight-piston front, four-piston rear)
- Sports suspension
- Tyre pressure loss indicator
- Anti-theft wheel bolts and alarm
The Audi R8 V10 performance quattro adds:
- Exclusive gloss carbon exterior styling package (including side blades)
- Gloss carbon cabin inlays
- Sports bucket seats in fine nappa leather
- Black Alcantara headlining
- Ceramic brakes (19-inch discs) with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers in anthracite, red or blue
A range of optional packages are available for both models, including carbon exterior and interior packages for the R8 V10 RWD models, as well as a sport seat package for R8 V10 performance quattro models.
Other optional items include a range of five alloy wheel designs (all no-cost options), and nine different exterior paints (all $NCO bar Ara blue crystal for $1300).
Servicing
The new Audi R8 comes with a complimentary three-year service plan package included in the purchase, covering the first 36 months or 45,000km.
Audi doesn’t offer a five-year service plan for the R8 like it does with other models.
