Audi R8 Gets Refresh, New Top V10 Plus Model

AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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has refreshed the R8Audi R8Germany, 2006 > present44 versions
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with several new standard features including LED headlights and a new seven-speed DSG transmission. It also has a new top model - the R8 V10 Plus with 550hp available only as a coupe. 

The changes to the R8 amount to a refresh, so the exterior and interior dimensions remain the same. On the exterior, all cars get a new gloss black, single-frame grill and a new bumper with larger air intakes. All models are available with a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) front splitter, but it comes standard on the V10 Plus. The LED running lights also get a slight redesign in shape on all models. V10 Plus models get CFRP mirrors and side blades, and they are optional on all other models.  

The underbodies of all of the cars have five NACA ducts and two diffusers. It reduces the drag coefficient to 0.35 or 0.36 depending on engine. 

At the rear the cars get new LED lights with progressive LED turn signals. When the driver signals to turn, the lights are lit one-by-one similar to the current Ford Mustang. The rear diffuser is optionally available in CFRP, but it is standard on the V10 Plus.

The engines are the same as before, but the seven-speed DSG is compeltely new. Audi claims that it cuts CO2 emissions by 22g/km and increases acceleration to 0.3 seconds. It sends about 15% of the torque to the front axle and the rest to the rear. 

All cars other than the V10 Plus get to Wave brake discs that save 2kg of weight. They are similar to a motorcycle and have a wavy design instead of the normal circle. The V10 Plus has ceramic brakes. 

V10 cars get extra chrome on the grill, navigation and Bang & Olufson stereo standard. V10 Plus cars get CFRP lining for the engine compartment and LED engine illumination. The last two features are options on the rest of the cars.  

The V10 Plus weighs 1,570kg, just 10kg more than a V8 coupe, thanks to extensive use of lightened parts. It has 550hp and 540Nm of torque, which is 25hp more and 10Nm of torque more than the standard V10. it accelerates to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the standard V10. The V10 Plus's top speed is 317km/h is , which is 6km/h more than the standard V10. The cars get seat chassis made from fiber glass, less sound deadening, lighter wheels, ceramic brakes and all of the CFRP body parts. In addition to the other features, the V10 Plus get black-painted exhaust and an optional matt effect color blue. 

The refreshed R8 will enter production at the end of the year. The base price is €113,500 for a V8 Coupe and €124,800 for the Spyder. The V10 costs €154,600 for the coupe and €165,900 for the Spyder. The V10 Plus costs €173,200.