Audi R8 II (Notizie)

[Touareg 2.5]

An all new Audi R8 is due in 2015 and our exclusive images show how the car could look.Replacing the R8 is a tricky task, given how talented the current car is, but Audi hopes to elevate it above the competition with more power, less weight and a jaw-dropping new design.

Despite lacking a rich sports car history, Audi hit the jackpot when the R8 was unveiled back in 2006. In fact, the car was so good that it continued almost unchanged until last year, when the brand carried out a facelift and ditched the car’s only real Achilles heel – its R tronic gearbox – in favour of a slick-shifting S tronic transmission.

The new model is likely to stay close in concept to today’s R8, maintaining the proportions and interior space. However, neat new design features will include a more prominent single-frame grille that will eventually grace all Audi’s RS-badged models. There will also be new matrix-beam LED lights with an updated daytime running light design, and a shorter version of the car’s trademark sideblade.

Audi will use lessons learned from its R8 LMS racer, adding a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bonnet and roof to save weight, while a version of the downforce-generating double diffuser used on the LMP1 Le Mans winner is expected, too. The car will also draw on the R8 e-tron – adopting its Multimaterial Spaceframe body, which uses 23 per cent carbon fibre in its construction to save 23kg. Also likely to be included are the e-tron’s glass fibre-reinforced polymer suspension springs, CFRP anti-roll bars, ceramic brakes and titanium rear wheel hubs. All this will help keep the weight below 1,500kg.

Audi isn’t expected to follow Porsche, Ferrari and McLaren down the hybrid supercar route, though. Instead, the R8 will be fitted with a revised version of the current V8 and V10, with power hikes of around 25bhp for both, taking them to 450bhp and 570bhp respectively. All engines will get cylinder deactivation and stop-start. Expect a 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy.

The interior will benefit from a thorough overhaul, with most functions incorporated into a new MMI system. Digital dials are also likely, as is a digital rear-view mirror that uses a hi-res camera to produce an image on a screen.

Audi is also set to use the carbon fibre bonnet from the R8 LMS, as well as a high-downforce double-diffuser. But carbon fibre isn't just for body panel and interior trim; it will form 23 per cent of the R8's chassis, resulting in a stiffer body. Groundbreaking suspension will see glass fibre-reinforced polymer coils save weight without compromising performance.

The new R8 V8 is expected to cost from just under £100,000.

[h=3]New Audi R8 details explained[/h]Bold grille

Speaking to Auto Express at the Detroit Motor Show back in January, quattro division boss Franciscus van Meel confirmed the striking grille you see here will feature on future RS cars.

Race tech

Audi is keen to transfer tech directly from the race track to the road. As a result, the carbon fibre bonnet from the R8 LMS will be used, as well as a high-downforce double-diffuser.

Suspension

If you thought suspension springs had to be made of metal, think again. Groundbreaking glass fibre-reinforced polymer coils help save weight without compromising performance.

Chassis

Carbon fibre isn’t just for body panel and interior trim; it will form a key part (23 per cent) of the R8’s chassis in varying thicknesses – and make the body four times stiffer.

Efficiency

Both V8 and V10 will get a major efficiency boost with the addition of stop-start and cylinder deactivation, which cuts half the cylinders under light throttle loads.

autoexpress

Secondo autoexpress sarà più potente, leggera ed aggressiva dell'attuale...

Ma "sarà"?? Se non erro Trucido aveva parlato di qualche dubbio a riguardo.

[Archaon]

Dubbio nel senso che sarà "meno sportiva" ?

[VeeSix]

Ma "sarà"?? Se non erro Trucido aveva parlato di qualche dubbio a riguardo.