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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 8:30 am
Blast-off for 200mph Audi V10
n this week's mag you can feast your eyes on the most exciting Audi ever! Based on the Le Mans concept which debuted at 2003's Frankfurt Motor Show, this is the new R8 supercar. Our spies caught the top secret prototype on the road testing. And the mag's pictures show what the photographers saw in more detail.
The R8 only got the green light for production a few months ago - as we reported in issue 885. A true supercar, Audi's mid-engined marvel has a futuristic shape. Underneath lies an aluminium chassis derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo, as well as the same mid-mounted 5.0-litre V10 powerplant, four-wheel-drive system and six-speed manual gearbox.
With at least 450bhp, the R8 will offer performance to rival the Gallardo's, sprinting from 0-60mph in four seconds with a top speed of 200mph.
Although the R8 shares much with the Lambo, it will also feature many Audi-specific parts. These are likely to include the option of a specially developed seven-speed DSG sequential manual transmission and the firm's new Magnetic Ride adaptive damping system - which was first seen on the A4 Roadjet concept at January's Detroit
These electronically controlled dampers are filled with a magnetic fluid that changes thickness when a current is applied, allowing the suspension to be constantly adjusted, optimising response and comfort. However, the driver won't be left out of the equation - as the R8 will also feature several manually controlled suspension settings. The car is also set to be equipped with a full range of hi-tech stability and traction control systems. And with the four-wheel drive likely to be biased in favour of the rear wheels, the R8 is expected to corner with supreme agility.
Inside, the two-seater will have an interior heavily influenced by the TT Shooting Brake concept - including blue-ringed dials, a centre console trimmed in aluminium with circular air vents and a competition-style steering wheel. Set to go up against rivals such as BMW's M6, the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin's V8 Vantage, the R8 - which is named after Audi's all-conquering enduro race car - is likely to command a price tag upwards of £70,000. After the official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in September, UK sales will kick off in early 2007.
kc
n this week's mag you can feast your eyes on the most exciting Audi ever! Based on the Le Mans concept which debuted at 2003's Frankfurt Motor Show, this is the new R8 supercar. Our spies caught the top secret prototype on the road testing. And the mag's pictures show what the photographers saw in more detail.
The R8 only got the green light for production a few months ago - as we reported in issue 885. A true supercar, Audi's mid-engined marvel has a futuristic shape. Underneath lies an aluminium chassis derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo, as well as the same mid-mounted 5.0-litre V10 powerplant, four-wheel-drive system and six-speed manual gearbox.
With at least 450bhp, the R8 will offer performance to rival the Gallardo's, sprinting from 0-60mph in four seconds with a top speed of 200mph.
Although the R8 shares much with the Lambo, it will also feature many Audi-specific parts. These are likely to include the option of a specially developed seven-speed DSG sequential manual transmission and the firm's new Magnetic Ride adaptive damping system - which was first seen on the A4 Roadjet concept at January's Detroit
These electronically controlled dampers are filled with a magnetic fluid that changes thickness when a current is applied, allowing the suspension to be constantly adjusted, optimising response and comfort. However, the driver won't be left out of the equation - as the R8 will also feature several manually controlled suspension settings. The car is also set to be equipped with a full range of hi-tech stability and traction control systems. And with the four-wheel drive likely to be biased in favour of the rear wheels, the R8 is expected to corner with supreme agility.
Inside, the two-seater will have an interior heavily influenced by the TT Shooting Brake concept - including blue-ringed dials, a centre console trimmed in aluminium with circular air vents and a competition-style steering wheel. Set to go up against rivals such as BMW's M6, the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin's V8 Vantage, the R8 - which is named after Audi's all-conquering enduro race car - is likely to command a price tag upwards of £70,000. After the official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in September, UK sales will kick off in early 2007.
kc
