Virat Kohli, a cricket player, has acquired Audi’s R8 LMX limited edition sports car, which costs Rs 2.97 crore.
There are just 99 of these cars available from the German luxury automaker, four of them are for India.
Cricketer Virat Kohli was one of the two people who purchased a R8 LMX, according to an Audi India official.
Audi introduced the limited edition R8 LMX, its most potent and quick road vehicle, in India in January of this year.
When asked about having Kohli as a R8 LMX client, Audi India Head Joe King said: “For “Young Achievers” who have achieved success and want to celebrate both their success and their uniqueness, Audi has always been a brand to consider. Virat’s perfect vehicle is the Audi R8 LMX.”
The company, which sells a number of well-known brands, such as the A3 sedan and the Q5 sports utility vehicle, reported a growth of 15% in the January-March quarter at 3,139 units compared to 2,740 units in the same period last year.
By selling 11,292 units in 201415, an increase of 11.51 percent from the 10,126 units sold in 201314, Audi set a new record for sales.
In This Article...
How numerous are Audi R8s?
Audi has never produced a real sports vehicle, despite having a long history in motorsports and enjoying enormous success in rallying and endurance racing. The once-popular Audi TT possesses the majority of the necessary components, but its front-wheel-drive architecture, which was mostly derived from the VW Golf, left it well behind the Porsche Boxster, Nissan Z cars, and various roadsters and two-seat coupes from BMW.
Even though the resulting speed-specials were softer and more road-oriented than the adrenaline-charging weapons from Mercedes-Benz’ AMG or BMW’s M division, Audi remained content developing high-performance versions of its premium coupes and sedans, focusing on promoting all-wheel drive technology and turbocharged engines.
Only in the early 2000s, as a result of Audi’s continued dominance in the Le Mans race and the Volkswagen Auto Group’s recent acquisition of Lamborghini, did the reality of an Audi supercar start to take shape. The plan for the mid-engine Audi R8the brand’s first supercartook shape with the Le Mans Quattro concept in 2003. This was done to amortize the cost of development of the nascent Lamborghini Gallardo and to move Audi a little closer to Mercedes and BMW.
Audi Le Mans Quattro Concept
Although the exotic twin-turbo V-10 engine was replaced with a more production-friendly version of Audi’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8, the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept looked nearly identical to the real R8 that debuted in 2007. With 414 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque transmitted to all four wheels via either Audi’s R-Tronic six-speed automated manual or a gated six-speed manual transmission, power was enough for a mid-engine sports car of the era. These early R8s had zero-to-60 mph speeds of roughly four seconds and a top speed of about 188 mph.
The Audi R8 Goes V-10
When the revised 5.2-liter V-10 from the Lamborghini LP560-4 was forced into the R8, the R8’s Lamborghini heritage was fully on display for the 2009 model year. Interesting fact: The V-10 in the Lamborghini is actually an Audi V-10 taken from the S6 and S8. In fact, the R8 V10 employs an Audi V-10 that was taken out of a Lamborghini, but I digress. The R8’s peak speed was increased to 196 mph, while its output was increased to 518 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This allowed it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
The Audi R8 Spyder
Both the V-8 and the V-10 models came with drop-top Spyder variations. The V-8 added 14 more horsepower than the V-8 coupe, bringing the total to 428 horsepower, although torque stayed the same at 317 lb-ft. The limited edition R8 GT debuted in 2011, reducing the curb weight of the standard R8 V10 by 220 pounds and boosting its output to 552 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. To make up for the extra power and expand the overall performance envelope, the R8 GT also added a variety of suspension, braking, and aerodynamic improvements over the ordinary car. Only 333 units of the GT were produced in total, with an extra 333 units of the R8 GT Spyder being produced.
In the rest of the globe, the first-generation R8 underwent a mid-cycle makeover for 2012, and it made its way to the United States in 2013 as a 2014 model year. The R8 received mainly cosmetic enhancements from the refresh, but it also received some substantial mechanical improvements, most notably the replacement of the unreliable R-Tronic automatic manual transmission with a new seven-speed dual-clutch. Additionally introduced as an optional upgrade for the V-8 cars was standard magnetic dampening for the R8 V10.
In 2014, the R8 V10 Plus made its way to our shores, bringing with it a new top-of-the-line trim with more power and performance akin to the earlier R8 GT. The R8 V10 Plus, which also received a retuned suspension, an improved interior, and enhanced looks, has the same 5.2-liter V-10 engine as the normal R8 V10 but with 542 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.
Second-Generation Audi R8
The first-generation R8 was replaced with a brand-new model in 2015 for the 2016 model year following these transient changes. The second-generation R8 shares a large portion of its structural DNA with the Lamborghini Huracan, staying with the bones of the previous generation of Lamborghinis. This includes the well-known 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V-10, the only engine now available, which has an initial output of either 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft in the R8 V10 Plus coupe or 533 horsepower and 398 lb-ft in the original R8 coupe. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the exception of the limited-edition R8 RWS (Rear Wheel Series), is used to distribute power to all four wheels.
The second-generation R8 received a power boost and cosmetic overhaul for 2019. The standard coupe now has 562 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the newly called R8 Coupe Performance Quattro has 602 hp and 443 lb-ft. All versions of the second-generation R8 feature excellent performance; manufacturer estimated zero-to-60 mph timings range between 3.2 and 3.5 seconds, though independent tests have shown that these times are conservative.
Audi R8 Highlights
The Audi R8 will probably do well with time. Many enthusiasts’ rankings of the best designs from the 2000s routinely place the first generation of the supercar at the top, and it will only become better with time. Even though older R8s could have a negative connotation as merely used supercars, wait a while or buy one now, when their depreciation curve is at its lowest point.
The R8 will be one of the best ways to get into something genuinely exotic for not much more than the price of entry into a loaded mid-size crossover SUV after the first R8s are out of the too-new-to-be-classic but too-old-to-be-cool dead zone. Early V-8s are especially affordable to buy and substantially less expensive to maintain than a Ferrari or Lamborghini of a same vintage. Think of regular Porsche 911 maintenance as being more expensive than a BMW or Audi car and less expensive than an Aston Martin.
Any generation of the R8 is intended to be a more formal, understated supercar, if such a thing exists. Although the price of the current R8 is closer to that of the Porsche 911 Turbo, the current Acura NSX, and the Aston Martin Vantage than it is to the Huracn or the 720S from Lamborghini, the R8 performs and performs on par with those more exotic cars, in our opinion. On the basis of its sound and brutal launch control, we’d really prefer a new R8 to any of the listed options. A first-generation Audi R8 V10 with a gated manual transmission is rumored to be one of the best “exotic” sensations available for less than $100,000, so there’s that as well.
Audi R8 Buying Tips
Any model or specification of Audi R8 should be fairly reliable and shouldn’t come with too many mechanical surprises. A pre-buy check at a nearby expert or dealer is always a pleasant addition with any potential purchase, as is a thick stack of maintenance documents. Considering that even the oldest R8s still get factory support from Audi for the time being, the R8 has a high availability of parts. As previously said, anticipate routine maintenance costs akin to those associated with a Porsche 911.
We strongly advise only looking at first-generation R8s with either the six-speed manual transmission or the later dual-clutch models if you’re in the market for one. At all costs, stay away from the R-Tronic; it’s clumsy, slow, somewhat fragile, and, in the opinion of some devotees, destroys the whole experience. The type of engine also important because V-8s are obviously more economical than V-10s, but there is also a big difference in the speed, upkeep, and prestige between the two engines, which can add to (or take away from) collectibility.
Audi R8 Auctions
The Audi R8 has undoubted appeal, but it isn’t yet valuable enough to sell at big auction houses. The solid track record of sold R8s suffices to provide an estimate of what you might pay for a first generation, and Bring a Trailer never lets you down. There are so many second-generation R8sthe current modelon Audi lots that purchasing one directly from the manufacturer would be preferable.
What number of Audi R8s does Virat Kohli own?
Our Indian cricket team’s youthful skipper has a sizable automobile collection. Due to his position as Audi’s brand ambassador in India, you will primarily see Audis. In addition to them, he also has other basic vehicles like the Duster and Fortuner. Check out Virat Kohli’s automobile collection.
We look at the cars in our captain’s collection when he bats in today’s India vs. England cricket match. A few Audis are in the possession of one of India’s wealthiest athletes. The number of cars grows with Anushka Sharma, but Virat Kohli also has a sizable collection. He has two versions of the Audi R8, Range Rovers, Audi Q7s, as well as a Renault Duster and the little Fortuner. This indicates that he is a major auto aficionado, particularly of the Audi brand. Check out Virat Kohli’s car collections in this article.
What number of R8 sports cars are made?
The near-production race car is partially constructed in the Bllinger Hfe facilities at the Neckarsulm facility, sharing half of its assemblies with the road-legal counterpart. The final stage of assembly takes place at the Audi Sport customer racing facility in Heilbronn’s Biberach neighborhood. The R8 LMS includes a number of important qualities, including a sophisticated chassis design with a material combination of steel, aluminum, and CFRP, excellent dependability, and cost-effective operating conditions. Audi has increasingly taken into account consumer requests regarding running times and drivability in the evolution that has been in use since 2019.
A total of 275 GT3 sports cars, including the first and second iterations of the Audi R8 LMS, have been produced. Together with Australia and New Zealand, they have won 188 racing championships to date throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific region. The total is completed by 13 overall victories in 24-hour events, eight in 12-hour contests, and further long-distance triumphs. This establishes Audi Sport as a pioneer in both the sporting and business worlds. The firm also offers two additional racing versions of the R8 in the GT2 and GT4 models, in addition to the GT3 model. A total of approximately 100 more GT race vehicles have been produced so far from these. The second generation of the RS 3 LMS touring vehicle, which has been in production since this year, completes the wide-ranging model lineup of Audi Sport customer racing.
The best supercar for Indian roads?
When the Audi R8 was introduced in India in 2008, it became an instant hit. The R8 quickly made a name for itself as a ruthless yet incredibly powerful supercar that was equally at home being pushed to the maximum on a racetrack as it was in a bumper-to-bumper commute. Early versions of the R8 were V8s with manual gears. The R8 was extraordinarily accurate because to Audi’s engineering and technological know-how, and soon after that, it received a V10 engine from the Lamborghini Gallardo, which made the bargain even sweeter. The R8 V10 Plus was sold by Audi in a respectable quantity and was priced at Rs 2.4 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Early V8 models, according to rumors, are selling for as little as Rs 55 to 70 lakh, while the V10 and the 541 horsepower V10 Plus are both available for about Rs 1.5 crore.
What the Gallardo is to Lamborghini, the 458 Italia is to Ferrari.
Despite being the youngest member of the family, it is in no way diminished. The 458 Italia, which took the place of the nearly ideal F430, is a simply gorgeous car that also happens to be incredibly quick. The 2009-released 458 is propelled by a 4.5-litre V8 engine that generates 561 horsepower (see where that name came from?). It accelerates more quickly than any other vehicle on our list thanks to the mid-mounted engine’s combination with a lightning-fast 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Its top speed is an astounding 325 kph, and it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.9 seconds. In India, the 458 was quickly off the shelves, thus there are many still available for purchase. The 458 has evolved into a sort of collector’s item since Ferrari unveiled its replacement, the 488 GTB (which opted for a turbo instead of staying normally aspirated). Its worth on the used car market, however, is still higher than Rs 2.3 crore.
The Gallardo will be remembered as the Lamborghini that was most approachable, appealing to both purists and the newly wealthy. It didn’t take much searching to find an early Gallardo in that eye-popping yellow as they arrived in India nearly ten years ago, much before Lamborghini did. It has only ever had a 5-liter V10 engine, whose output increased from 493 horsepower to 562 horsepower in the late-2012-introduced LP 570-4 Superleggera model. Due to the Gallardo’s engineering and dependability qualities, which made it less volatile than prior Lamborghinis, its popularity was increased. It’s still stunning despite not having undergone much change since its original design in 2003. Since the Huracan has taken its position, a pre-2010 Gallardo can be purchased for about Rs 90 lakh, while the more potent models cost just less than Rs 2 crore.
The Porsche 911 is a timeless classic that perfectly combines tradition, performance, luxury, and that special sense of cool. For the past 50 years, the 911’s rear-engine, rear-wheel drive design has won admirers everywhere. Although the 911’s iconic shape has been preserved, it nonetheless boasts a modern appearance on par with the best of its competitors. The 911 has been on sale in India since 2004 and is available in a total of 21 variations. From the 345 horsepower Carrera to the 552 horsepower Turbo S variant, you read that correctly. Additionally, Porsche has an absurdly extensive range of options, so no two 911s are exactly same. Porsche is never one to sacrifice quality for performance, thus 911s age and withstand abuse more better than some of its competitors. For approximately Rs 65 lakh, you may purchase a car that is 10 years old, while the price of newer, more potent models is Rs 1.7 crore. A Porsche 911 is the best option if you want a supercar that will always be stylish.
Fans of “Have It? Flaunt It” will enjoy this. The Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG is essentially the spicier version of their storied SL convertible, which is the ideal vehicle for many people. It’s the ideal pin-up sports vehicle, offering fierce performance and a hard top canopy that folds down. A 6208cc bi-turbo V8 under that protracted beak generates 518 horsepower, all of which is released through the rear wheels. The 603 horsepower V12 bi-turbo version of the SL65 AMG, which succeeded the SL63 AMG and was also sold in India, was an improvement over the earlier model. However, we prefer the V8 since it is slightly more suited to Indian roads. Since every English Premier League player’s WAG was busy getting one, the SL63 did receive some negative news internationally, but this has little impact on the SL’s reputation in India. It’s filled with technology as well, and although lacking some of the other cars’ nimble performance and handling, it’s still incredibly appealing. One can be found for as little as Rs. 40 to Rs. 45 lakh, or possibly a little more for well-kept versions, if you seek hard enough. Still desire that standard posh bar?
A lavish family sedan that, well, isn’t is the BMW M5. From a distance, it resembles BMW’s standard 5 Series saloon all too closely, but when you go near, you’ll see the changes. The M5 is the epitome of a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” because to its hunched-down stance, enormous wheels with extremely low-profile tires, scary body package, and the four exhaust tail pipes poking out at the back. With 552 bhp in a four-door saloon design and a 0100 kph time of under 4.4 seconds, the F10 M5 (after 2011) is a masterpiece. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph. The M5 is perhaps one of BMW’s most admired vehicles because it strikes the ideal balance between performance and practicality, and India is home to a sizable M5 fandom. Newer M5s may still be purchased for around Rs 85 to 90 lakh, while older models can be had for as little as Rs 45 to 50 lakh. This is the vehicle you need to get if your family enjoys speeding just as much as you do.