The R8 V10 performance RWD is mostly handcrafted at the “Audi’s second location in Germany is the Heilbronn, close to Neckarsulm, Bllinger Hfe sports car manufacturing factory. Since 2014, the plant has been producing the Audi R8, and in 2019, it underwent an expansion, update, and conversion to make room for the production of the Audi e-tron GT. As a result, two of Audi’s most potent and quick production vehicles are currently made here. ” According to Wolfgang Schanz, production manager for the company, it is unusual for two vehicles with such disparate technologies to be produced on the same manufacturing line. “Our small-scale manufacturing plant at Audi’s Bllinger Hfe has evolved into a highly adaptable high-tech production facility that nonetheless maintains its small-scale character with the integration of the all-electric four-door coupe.
Additionally produced there is the LMS GT4 race vehicle, which is directly adapted from the production variant and shares roughly 60% of its components.
On around 40,000 square meters of production space, up to 1,000 highly qualified workers create sports cars here “The Bllinger Hfe facility’s adaptability made it simple to prepare for the production of the R8 V10 performance RWD. We had no issues integrating the new R8 derivative into the processes with the help of the small-scale manufacturing team, said Bjrn Friedrich, project manager for the Audi R8.
The equipment, information, and costs mentioned in this paper apply to the German model line. Subject to modification without notification; omissions and errors exempted.
In This Article...
The Audi R8 engine is made by whom?
The V10 engine in the R8 is an Audi engine because it was created by Audi and constructed in Neckarsulm. Its 5.0 liter V10 was modeled by that of the Gallardo, but the two were not created at the same time. In reality, the Gallardo stole the Audi engine when it upgraded to a 5.2 liter.
How many Audi R8s exist worldwide?
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.
Is the Audi R8 manually crafted?
A group of 241 experts are in charge of measuring and putting the 2020 Audi R8 together by hand at Audi’s famed production facility in Neckarsulm, Germany. Robotics are still utilized in the manufacturing process to ensure quality and safety, but whenever practical, manual labor is used in its place.
You could believe that the V10 engine era is ended, but that is not the case. Despite the fact that only 2 production automobiles still use the V10 engine, it continues to occupy a particular place in the hearts of all car enthusiasts. The hand-built V10 of the R8 produces 562 horsepower, matching the Lamborghini Huracan.
Large touch screens are a common feature in modern production automobiles, but the R8 takes a somewhat different approach. The R8’s interior is covered in plush leather and offers a very genuine driving experience thanks to its fully digital gauge cluster. Additionally, it offers extensive steering wheel controls and dials as well as voice-command possibilities.
The exterior of the 2020 R8 has been completely redone and updated. The front of the R8 is covered with a beautiful grill with three airflow openings. The R8 also features enhanced aerodynamics and bigger intakes. Customers can also customize the body and side blade colors of the R8 through the special Audi program.
R8 took a risk by deciding not to prioritize cargo capacity, especially in light of how highly practicality is valued in today’s market. Audi, though, appears to want the R8 driven for just one thingpure enjoyment of the driving experience.
The R8’s entry lights option is yet another feature that distinguishes it. The entry light illuminates the floor beneath the door as soon as the R8’s doors are opened. In fact, it’s excellent for ensuring safety at night. A “Quattro entrance light or one with the recognizable Audi insignia are both options.
Is the Audi R8 a German vehicle?
The second generation of the R8 sports car produced by German automaker Audi is known as the R8 (Type 4S). The platform and engine of the Lamborghini Huracn are shared by the Type 4S. The Type 4S was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and production got underway in the latter part of that year.
Development
The Type 4S’s development started in 2013, and testing on prototypes started in early 2014. The Lamborghini Huracn and the Type 4S both share the Modular Sports System platform. The Huracn’s V10 engine was detuned for the base model, but it still produced the same amount of power for the V10 plus variant. The manufacturer announced that the V8 engine would be retired mostly due to pollution laws, dispelling rumors that the V8 engine for the R8 would be available. In 2015, the Type 4S made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. At the same time, the Type 4S-based all-electric variant known as the e-Tron, which was under development during the Type 42’s production run, was also unveiled. [2] [3]
Facelift
In October 2018, the R8 had a mid-cycle facelift. The V10 plus was renamed V10 performance quattro, while the regular V10 was renamed V10 quattro. The base V10 quattro received an increase in engine power of 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) to 570 PS (562 hp; 419 kW), and the V10 performance quattro saw an increase in engine power of 10 PS (7 kW; 10 hp) to 620 PS (612 hp; 456 kW). The addition of a gasoline particulate filter to all models, the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, more substantial carbon-ceramic brakes, and a revised steering rack system for a more responsive steering feel are other mechanical upgrades. Additionally optional, a carbon fiber roll bar reduces weight by 2 kg.
The style on the exterior has become more angular and forceful. To increase front downforce, the car’s redesigned front bumper has a square shape with winglets on either side. The grille had grown in size and was now visible between the headlights. Three tiny horizontal air vents, reminiscent of the renowned Audi Quattro, are positioned above the grille between the headlights to increase airflow. A single wide grille is now featured beneath the taillights, accompanied by an aggressive diffuser and two circular dual exhaust tips in exposed and sculptured cut-outs. Side skirts finished in exposed carbon fiber now flank the sides of the car.
With new trim options available, the inside was carried over from the previous model.
The base model’s acceleration time to 097 km/h (060 mph) is 3.5 seconds, compared to 3.1 seconds for the V10 Performance quattro model. The V10 Performance quattro has a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). Early in 2019, the facelift model began selling in Europe.
R8 Coup
Both the base 5.2 FSI model with a 540 PS (397 kW; 533 horsepower) V10 engine and the more potent V10 Plus with a 610 PS (449 kW; 602 hp) engine are available in the new R8. Due to the replacement of several sizable aluminum elements in the shell with carbon fiber, the body is lighter and more rigid. As compared to the original generation, more electronics are built into the chassis to enhance handling. There was also access to the “Virtual Cockpit,” which was initially shown in the TT. There is no option for a manual transmission; the all-wheel-drive system and the 7-speed S-Tronic transmission are standard. With variable power supply to the wheels, the R8’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system has a little rearward bias. The car’s responsive handling is aided with a water-cooled front differential, a passive limited-slip rear differential, electromechanical power steering, and other components. The variable magnetic-ride suspension is an optional feature, although it is only available in European markets.
The styling adheres to the current design language used by Audi for all of its products. The Type 42’s unique “side-blades” that were once located behind the doors have been divided in half and are now visible on the backside windows and below the beltline. Body color is a choice for the side blades. The automobile came standard with Audi’s recognizable LED headlamps, while the recently developed laser headlamps are only offered as an option in Europe.
20-inch wheels are an option for the R8, which comes standard with 19-inch wheels. The option of carbon-ceramic brakes is also available. Audi said that it would stop selling the 5.2 FSI model in the US in July 2020. A unique model known as the limited edition was released, with a production cap of 25 Coupes and 5 Spyders. The three special colors for the limited edition are Sonoma Green with a black interior and red stitching, Avus Silver with a black interior and silver stitching, and Mugello Blue with a pastel silver interior. Alcantara headliners with diamond stitching and unique 20-inch machined silver wheels are standard equipment on all vehicles. [4] [5]
R8 Spyder
The R8 Spyder is the new R8’s convertible version, which was unveiled at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. A V10 Plus Spyder with an engine that produces 610 PS (449 kW; 602 horsepower) was added to the lineup in the middle of 2017. Initially, it was only offered with the basic V10 engine, which has a power output of 540 PS (397 kW; 533 hp). At speeds up to 50 km/h, the Spyder’s revised soft top is operable (31 mph).
R8 Spyder V10 Plus
The convertible variant of the R8 V10 Plus is known as the R8 Spyder V10 Plus. The R8 Spyder V10 Plus and the standard R8 Spyder share relatively few characteristics. With a top speed of 203 mph, 0-62 mph is completed in 3.3 seconds. It primarily competes with the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and the McLaren 570S Spider.