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The 2008 Audi R8

Limited. Because perfection demands it.

The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, subjecting every part and component to intense scrutiny. This ensures that every one of the maximum of 15 cars per day built will more than match the exacting quality standards of Audi.

Technology

Mid-Engine Design
The V8 mid-mounted engine and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive forms the muscular heart and soul of the new R8. Positioned between the two axles, it literally is the core of the machine. The result is excellent weight distribution over the axles. Another defining feature of the engine design is its lubrication by a dry sump which allows for a lower vehicle centre of gravity. Behind the wheel, this translates into agile, assured handling. Even when taking corners at high speed, the Audi R8 remains glued to the road. Step out of the car and you can see the precision technology of the R8 through the shield-shaped rear window.

FSI®
Since 2001, Audi has dominated with FSI® technology at Le Mans. This paid off with an unbroken string of victories until an Audi TDI engine picked up the baton in 2006. With FSI®, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, which in turn boosts combustion efficiency and engine performance.

ASF®
Audi was the first brand to use aluminium to manufacture production car bodies. And as with all innovations from the Ingolstadt carmaker, this technology is constantly refined. The upshot is a new-generation, high-strength Audi Space Frame ASF® made from aluminium and magnesium which has been developed for the R8. The struts are constructed from sealed hollow extrusions joined directly with one another. Meanwhile, the sheet aluminium elements that perform a load-bearing function are integrated into this framework. This construction technique offers the best of both worlds – extreme rigidity and minimal weight. The revolution in automotive engineering comes standard with the new Audi R8.

Audi Magnetic Ride
The technology that gives the Audi R8 even more incredible driving dynamics is the Audi Magnetic Ride adaptive damper system. Instead of conventional damper oil, the shocks are filled with a special fluid whose viscosity can be controlled by an electromagnetic field. Audi harnesses the fluid's electromagnetic properties to deliver the appropriate damping forces in every driving situation. Whatever the road surface, the Audi R8 responds almost instantly by adjusting its driving dynamics.

Bang & Olufsen® Sound System
12-speaker sound system with 465 digitally amplified watts designed specifically for the R8. Microphone-based noise compensation ensures optimum sound under varying road conditions and speeds.

Performance

Engine
The mid-mounted V8 engine with 4.2 litre displacement and four-valve FSI® technology produces 420hp and accelerates the Audi R8 to 62mph in 4.6 seconds. The maximum torque of 317 lb-ft delivers breathtaking thrust. The top speed is 187 mph. Anyone who shares our enthusiasm for sports cars will understand all these figures. But ultimately they merely prepare the ground for an something that is impossible to express in numbers: the supreme driving experience

Instead of generating its power exclusively from displacement, the compact mid-engine in the R8 utilises an innovative high-rev concept. As a result, the engine develops huge thrust over a broad speed band up to 8250 rpm. Even at low speeds, the long-stroke powerplant offers high torque, extreme agility and spontaneous throttle response.

So much thrust in combination with the outstanding suspension of the R8 results in correspondingly high transverse acceleration. For this reason, the oil supply to the engine is handled by a dry sump lubrication system typical of race cars. In this, the deep oil pan of a conventional engine is replaced by a shallow oil pan, scavenger pump and separate oil tank. The oil tank ensures that the delivery pump is supplied with lubricant at all times, guaranteeing a constant uniform oil supply.

Horsepower: 420 hp @ 7800 rpm*
Maximum torque: 317 lb-ft @ 4500-6000 rpm*
0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h): 4.6 seconds*
Top speed: 187 mph (301 km/h)*

Transmission
2 options available: an optimized six-speed manual transmission is standard. The R8 comes with an optional R tronic transmission. Like the R8 itself, this sequential six-speed manual gearbox is racing-bred, with the emphasis clearly on performance. Shifting can be carried out either via a joystick or by paddles on the steering wheel.

In addition, an automatic mode is available. Shift-by-wire technology allows very short shift times and a total engagement with the vehicle.

Retractable rear spoiler
Automatic extension at 75 mph (120 km/h), retraction at 50 mph (80 km/h). Automatic extension in the Sport setting for maximum downforce. The spoiler may be manually activated by a separate switch.

Progressive Design

Exterior Design
The exterior styling of the new R8 makes an emphatic statement. Its kinship with design classics such as the Audi quattro spyder and Le Mans quattro is unmistakable with the dynamic single frame grille flanked by striking headlights. For the first time, the four-ringed badge is emblazoned on the engine hood – a further dramatic accentuation of its look. Together with the broad cooling intakes, the overall impression of the front end leaves no doubt that this is a true sports car.

In silhouette, the muscular, clear-cut lateral contours combined with the trademark side blades instantly create a unique optic. The R8's lateral air ducting is underscored by the contrasting colour of the side blades, lending the Audi R8 an individualistic appearance.

From behind, the large air outlets and narrow tail lights featuring LED technology enhance the car's width. Four tailpipes and a performance optimized diffuser add the finishing touch to the aggressive rear view.

Interior
Cocooned in a dynamic yet comfortable space, the driver can focus on the thrilling performance of the new Audi R8. The distinctive racing-style cockpit is another reminder of the car’s ties to the world of motorsport.

The 'monoposto' is integrated into the cockpit as an autonomous unit. Encased in a carbon-fibre frame, the hood over the instrument cluster and the steering wheel are moulded into a single harmonious unit. The message is loud and clear – this is 100-percent sports car.