Audi claims the latest R8 Spyder with a naturally aspirated V10 power unit
returns “more technologically accomplished, more powerful and quicker against
the clock, even more tightly pinned to corners and even more composed on the
straights thanks to a 50 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity”.
Dry, the
two-seater weighs 1,612kg using a newly developed Audi Space Frame (ASF)
using the multi-material construction principle, made from aluminium and carbon
fibre.
The aluminium components make up 79.6
per cent of its weight. In a progression from the R8 Coupé, they form a lattice
that Audi’s engineers have used to incorporate specific reinforcements
especially into the sills, A-pillars and windscreen frame.
Innovative manufacturing methods
lower the weight of individual components by up to 10 per cent. As a result,
the rigid body weighs a mere 208kg, and its torsional rigidity has increased by
over 50 per cent compared with the previous model.
The mid-mounted engine with dual injection system sets the tone. The
naturally aspirated 5.2-litre engine has a dynamic throttle response and a
distinctive hard-edged soundtrack which can be amplified further by an optional
sport exhaust system with gloss black tailpipe trims.
The engine develops 540PS of power and 540 Nm (398.3 lbft) of torque at 6,500
rev/min giving a 0 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 197mph.
Efficiency technologies such as the new freewheeling mode, in which the
R8 coasts with the engine decoupled, also boost fuel efficiency by 10 per cent
compared with the previous Spyder. The new R8 Spyder is capable of returning up
to 24.1 mile/gal, corresponding to 277 grams CO2 per km.
Behind the V10 there is a seven-speed S tronic transmission with lightning-fast
action, which the driver controls electrically – by wire. The dual-clutch
transmission directs forces to a newly designed quattro drive system with an
electro-hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch at the front axle.
The all-wheel clutch, watercooled for maximum performance, distributes
the drive torques fully variably according to the driving situation – in
extreme cases, up to 100 percent to the front or rear wheels.
The Audi R8 Spyder V10, which has been dubbed '2016 World Performance Car' at the New York Auto Show, is almost entirely hand-built at the “Audi
Böllinger Höfe” purpose-made production plant near Neckarsulm. The small
production runs undertaken there by quattro GmbH ensure ample scope to
accommodate specific customer requests.
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