The Audi R8 is a mid-engined sports car introduced by the German automaker Audi in 2007.The first appearance of the car was in 2006, appearing at auto shows and events all over the world. The R8 is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, as Audi has full ownership of subsidiary Lamborghini S.p.A.. Audi announced in 2005 that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, which was based on the earlier Audi RSQ concept vehicle, appearing at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show and 2003 International Motor Show. The R8 was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There is some confusion with the name which the car shares with the Le Mans winning R8 LMP. Originally, many thought the car would be called the R9 (as there is a gap in numbering left when Audi announced the R8’s successor, the diesel-powered R10).Pricing for the R8 model starts at around €88,000, although in Ireland, due to high VRT the base price of the R8 is about €160,000. The base price in the US is $109,000

Technical details

The Audi R8 is equipped with a 4.2 L FSI V8 developing 420 PS (414 hp/309 kW), the same engine used in the B7 Audi RS4.The transmission is either a manual gearbox with metal gate, or a “R-tronic” gearbox (single-clutch robotic gearbox). These options are the same that are available on the Lamborghini Gallardo. A double clutch gearbox (DSG, S-tronic) is not currently (as of January 2008) available.The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension utilizes magneto rheological dampers.As Audi AG owns Lamborghini (Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.), 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis. The R8 is made distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine and pricing.The Audi R8 also features an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system, and Carbon-Ceramic composite brakes with monobloc Brembo calipers on all four wheels.

Production

In the production of the Audi R8, 70 workers fit 5000 unique parts by hand - the factory produces 25 cars a day. Ninety-five lasers inspect the entire car in 5 seconds to ensure that over 220 measurements are within 0.1 mm of the programmed plans.

Performance

The 2-seat coupe is already available in Europe, and will be made available to the USA in the summer of 2008. In addition, an open-top roadster, Porsche Carrera GT-like model is rumoured to follow in 2009.Many publications were hailing it as the first car to truly be able to beat Porsche - considered by many to be one of the best supercars ever made, and the leader in its class. Initial comparison tests have proven quite positive in this respect; Evo Magazine in its comparison test between the R8, 911 Carrera 4S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage and BMW M6 have claimed that the Audi is a better supercar saying that “Audi humbles Porsche. A new dawn starts today.”Other publications have also made similar reviews of the Audi beating the Porsche in comparison tests.

Rear View of Audi R8