Audi R8: exclusive pictures
Le Mans quattro moves closer to reality
Audi R8
We've captured more exclusive images of the Audi R8, as it nears production, which will start towards the end of the year.
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The official presentation of the Le Mans quattro car will be at the Paris Motor Show, starting 30 September 2006, with the first customer cars available early to mid-2007.
Meanwhile, Audi continues its R8 test programme. Four months after we first snapped the car and almost nine months after it was confirmed for production, Audi is now testing at least five cars in different colours at different places, on the track and on public roads. The cars are still camouflaged, although only with tape around front and rear lights, third brake light and mirrors, and less camouflaged than the first prototype.
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All prototypes so far had the Gallardo wheels fitted -- the R8 is based on the Gallardo -- there's now one prototype which shows the wheels the R8 will get as standard.
The concept car at the IAA / Frankfurt 2003 had a V10 with 610bhp fitted, I don't expect that we'll see this engine in the R8, because it would be too strong a competitor for the Lamborghinis.
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Latest rumours indicate that the R8 will be available with two different engines, a V8 with 425bhp, as in the Audi RS4, and a V10 with approx. 480bhp -- a modified Audi S8 / Lamborghini Gallardo engine. Performance is likely to be in the region of 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and to 125mph 10.8 seconds.
Audi's subsidiary quattro GmbH will build it using lightweight components at its Neckarslum plant. Audi is relying on intelligent lightweight design for its R8, a core area of expertise at the plant; the Audi A2, A6 and A8 were all developed there using lightweight design technology.
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Words and pictures by Sebastian Geisler
Eew yuck, I don't. It makes it look like a Lincoln.
This is a great looking car. I am sure Porsche are worried. Or at least would be if they didn't own VAG and could therefore pull this project at a moments notice!
Is it just me or does it look like a pimped up Ford Courgar from the side? They were never the prettiest cars either.
Styling does nothing for me I'm afraid. I'd still take the 911, or Aston V8 any day (not that that is going to bother Audi, as I'd be lucky to afford a set of wheel nuts at the moment!)
Possibly. But didn't Clarkson famously remark once that the Gallardo was a bit "Audi-ish"?
Makes sense to make one that's meant to be Audi-ish. It's an entirely different statement.
Picture a yellow Gallardo and a silver R8 at the lights. To me, the R8 is a far classier prospect, even if it is slightly dulled.
It's the one I'd have!
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