The Audi R8 has been with us for quite a while now. When Audi introduced the R8 back in 2007 they proved to the world something that looks like a supercar can be built more cheaply and without some of the problems you usually get during everyday driving. It's delivered thrills ever since, but its performance isn't up with the pack, which is why it's out with the old and in with the new!
This is the new R8, seen for the very first time in our exclusive video shot at the Nurburgring by our spy photographers. The look of the thing is completely different to the rounded, unobtrusive shape of the current mode. Creases and sharp angles have been added all over the place, culminating with a substantial rear diffuser.
Essentially, this new platform is similar to the new Huracan from Lambroghini, but because this car will be cheaper some of the trick components have been removed. At start, all the engines will be naturally aspirated, but further down the road when a facelift is introduced turbocharging is to be adopted. Just like the Gallardo, the new R8 will only be offered with all-wheel drive and will also drop the manual option which very few customer were actually getting.
It's a shame, but one we'll have to deal with in the quest for faster 0 to 100 km/h times governed by launch control and double-clutch gearboxes. On paper, the new R8 will be hard pressed to match up against the latest roster of turbo sports saloon and coupes. Just to give you an example, the cheapest AMG you can buy, the A45, is now faster than the R8 Spyder.
If you'd like to know what to expect from the next big Audi quattro project, look no further than the video below. The new R8 is expected to make on official debut early-to-mid 2015, which would make it a 2016 model year in the US.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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