Audi's facelifted R8 to make world debut at Paris Motor Show | New Release - Car News Jul 2012

12:22 Monday 30 Jul 2012

Audi has revealed the first pictures of its new R8, ahead of the model's debut at this year's Paris Motor Show.

What's new in the Audi R8?

Although it looks largely similar to the old car, and despite being offered with the same 4.2-litre V8 and 5.2-litre V10 engines as its predecessor, the new R8 boasts a number of new features.

Audi has also been busy shedding weight and the new R8 features lightweight alloy wheels, smatterings of carbon-fibre and reduced insulation.

Looks-wise, you'd be forgiven for mistaking the R8 for its predecessor. The new R8 features new headlights, bumpers, rear light clusters and a redesigned front splitter and rear diffuser but, despite this, it looks very similar to the outgoing model.

Gone is the current model's six-speed R-tronic gearbox to make way for the new car's seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Not only does this mean a 22g/km reduction in CO2 emissions but, much more importantly, a 0.3 second reduction in 0-62mph time.

So how fast is the new Audi R8?

This means that the V8 model will now hit the magical 100kph in 4.3 seconds, while the V10 model will manage it in a very impressive 3.6 seconds.

Audi R8 V10 Plus

Also joining the line-up will be a new hardcore V10 Plus model with an extra 24bhp over the standard V10. This means a total of 542bhp, a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 197mph.

How much will the new Audi R8 cost?

Although Audi has not released the official UK price list, it has revealed how much the R8 will cost on the continent. Prices will start from €113,500 (£88,671 at current exchange rates) for the V8 Coupe, rising to €173,200 (£135,312) for the V10 Plus.