In a row of five cars available for review (all from Audi’s RS series), I positioned the new R8 supercar to be last. The recently renewed German coupe has already arrived in Brazil. But even if you have his 234,990 reais, the price that Audi has proposed for this model, you will need to plan for 2023. The 25 units, scheduled to arrive by the end of this year, sold out within a week.
Going back to the fictional Commander Borpe, leaving R8 until the end was not a problem. As exciting as the other cars in the RS Sportline were (see details below), they would all give the impression of being slow if your first reference was a supercar. The closed track of the Dallas didn’t seem appealing to explore the potential of one of the world’s last naturally aspirated V10 engines. But the curves, climbs and descents proved me wrong. In standard mode, 610 hp of power and 57.1 mkgf of torque are distributed to the axles. But you can direct up to 100% of that vitality forward or backward. When you press the accelerator, the tachometer needle rises at the same speed as the deafening roar of the V10 engine. The engine is located behind the cab and is partially visible through the rear observation window.
The transmission is a dual clutch his 7 speed automatic transmission. In both automatic and manual modes, shifts are made quickly via paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. Don’t hesitate when changing gears. If you don’t, your speed will hit the 9,000 rpm limit and you’ll stop before you can change gears. The seating position is low to the ground, and the sports seats provide good support for the driver and passenger.
The evaluation vehicle was equipped with a conventional double A type independent suspension system. The sports car ran smoothly on some asphalt on the track. This despite the 20-inch wheels. Excellent weight distribution also keeps the R8 balanced and glued to the ground in corners.
Also noteworthy is the electromechanical steering with its direct and precise response. Options include an adaptive suspension with magnetic shock absorbers that automatically stiffen or soften. In fact, the R8 swallowed corner after corner. This set inspires great confidence. By the third lap I was already able to attack the curb without any embarrassment.
You can clearly see that the 4×4 drive system has a stronger influence on the rear axle. Without electronic traction and stability control, rear rollovers would be even more severe.
Tour
I don’t think anyone will be carrying children in the R8, but the passenger seat is equipped with an Isofix system for installing child seats. A straight-base multifunction steering wheel includes controls for launch control, sound, and phone systems, as well as a large red button to start the engine.
The virtual dashboard can be configured to suit the driver’s preferences and can project a variety of information about the car. The R8 is equipped with digital air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, electrically adjustable seats, a reversing camera, obstacle sensors, and more. Headlights and taillights are LED. The redesign includes a hexagonal grille with a new pattern, a redesigned front bumper and a bonnet with small air intakes in the nose. The shape of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) wing was maintained.
Individualization
Audi offers an extensive individualization program for the R8. Buyers can choose from 1.6 million combinations, including wheel design, roof color, exterior mirror and brake caliper colors, interior and body side panels, seat covers, and even brand logo colors. This is the first time that Audi offers its most comprehensive personalization package in EUA. This new feature is available for all models in the Audi Sport family. His
Audi, which has nine models in the RS line in Japan, is betting on the return of its top model, the R8, as well as the new RS4 Avant (Estate) and RS5 (Coupe). Recently, the brand confirmed that the RS family will grow with the introduction of the S Q3 and RS Q8 SUVs, the TT RS and RS7 Sportback coupes, and the RS6 Avant station wagon.