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Uncompromising dynamism: More powerful, agile andenthralling, plus even lighter than ever before, the revampedAudi R8 asserts its dominance on the streets.Photos: AUDI AG, Primate PostproductionMotorsport is in its DNA. Which means that thetechnical and aesthetic revamp of the Audi R8 followed thesame principles as for a race car with the four rings badge:Never rest on your laurels, never stop refining the detailsand always keep pushing the envelope in terms of dynamismand agility.Both overhauled versions of the sports car—theAudi R8 Coupé and its convertible counterpart, the Audi R8Spyder—are still available with either a 4.2-liter V8 FSI or5.2-liter V10 FSI engine. Their shared mid-engine layout,which positions the weight of the power plant close to theyaw axis, ensures neutral handling and exceptional roadholding. As a result, the sports cars’ tremendous brawn isinstantly on tap and yet easily controlled—even for thoseof us that don’t earn a living on the track.To ensure the optimal translation of the engines’thrust into acceleration, the Audi R8 now has an S tronicgearbox. The new seven-speed dual clutch transmission allowsfor lightning-fast shifting and virtually uninterruptedpower delivery. In the Audi R8, the engine’s power is transferredonto the road via a quattro permanent all-wheeldrive with a strong rear-wheel bias and a highly responsiveviscous coupling. From behind the wheel, this is experiencedas better driving stability and enhanced agility.What’s more, there’s an exciting new addition tothe Audi R8 family—the Audi R8 V10 plus Coupé. If you’relooking for the “plus,” check out the increased engineoutput of 550 horsepower and the additional ten newtonmetersof torque over and above the Audi R8 V10. An intelligentmix of materials and a focus on trimming bulkmean that the Audi R8 V10 plus Coupé tips the scales at50 kilograms less than its sibling. Accordingly, the powerto-weightratio has also been squeezed down to an impressive2.9 kilograms per horsepower. Contributing tothis achievement are the standard ceramic brakes, bucketseats and special light alloy wheels in addition to numerousCFRP body parts such as the rear diffuser, sideblades,front spoiler and exterior mirror housings.Engine output, power-to-weight ratio and powertransmission can all be measured and fine-tuned. Butthere’s another key aspect that, while it certainly improvesin tandem with the others, is impossible for even Audi engineersto quantify. It’s something all Audi R8 drivers haveto explore for themselves: the astonishing driving enjoyment.One thing is for sure: The Audi R8 is and remainsultra-thrilling. //You can find a video game in the Audi magazine iPad Appthat will challenge your memory.EngineAudi R8 V8 Coupé 4.2 FSI quattro (430 hp)1Audi R8 V8 Spyder 4.2 FSI quattro (430 hp)2Audi R8 V10 Coupé 5.2 FSI quattro (525 hp)3Audi R8 V10 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro (525 hp)4Audi R8 V10 plus Coupé 5.2 FSI quattro (550 hp)5Drive/transmissionQuattro permanent all-wheel drive, six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed S tronic.Standard equipmentIncl. all-LED headlights, leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel in threespokedesign, anti-theft alarm, driver information system, seat heating, LED rear lights,recuperation.Optional extrasIncl. diamond-stitched Fine Nappa full-leather equipment, garage door opener (Home-Link), gear/selector lever knob in aluminum with leather inlay, Audi music interface,Bluetooth interface, parking system plus with reversing camera, cruise control.To find out more about the Audi R8 or configure your car,go to www.audi.com/r8.Watch the Audi R8 in action at www.audi.tv.The specifications and models available locally may vary from the models stated above.The figures stated were determined in accordance with stipulated measuring methods,fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined (in l/100 km):(1) 21.3–19.3/10.0–8.4/14.2–12.4; (2) 21.3–19.6/10.3–8.6/14.4–12.6; (3) 22.2–20.5/10.6–8.9/14.9–13.1; (4) 22.2–20.5/10.7–9.2/14.9–13.3; (5) 22.2–19.9/10.6–8.6/14.9–12.9. CO2 emissions combined (in g/km): (1) 332–289; (2) 337–294; (3) 346–305; (4) 349–310; (5) 346–299.013 / drive / Audi magazine Audi magazine / 014