Audi R8 2016
When R8 arrived on the market in 2007, it gave buyers who couldn’t quite swing that Lambo or Ferrari an option, particularly when equipped with the V-10 engine. But as the years wore on, the R8 became stagnant and by the time the 2015 model came out everyone was begging for an update. Well, for the 2016 model year, we are all getting our wish, as the second-generation R8 is here. It’ll make its official debut at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show, but ahead of this debut, Audi revealed all of the juicy details of its redesigned supercar.
The term “redesign” takes a different meaning here, as most redesigns include a whole new look. For the R8, however, the exterior changes are quite light. There are a number of modifications under the skin and in the cabin of the new R8, but the big issue at hand here is whether or not these changes are enough to overcome Audi mailing in a revised exterior.
We previously stated, the next-generation Audi R8 will adopt a new design look with elements inspired by the R8 E-tron concept. The front end receives a new single-frame grille plus new matrix-beam LED headlights.
Around back, our rendering shows the larger air intakes and heat extractors added to ensure better cooling for the more powerful engines. Additionally, we expect to see revised taillights, tailpipes and diffuser.
Up front the changes include a larger hexagonal grille with a bolder outline and a mesh insert, while the air intakes on the edges of the bumpers are shrunken and now have vertical slats. The headlights also got a mild tweak, as their edges are now straight instead of having the subtle curve that the 2015 model had. Additionally, the European market gets the new laser high-beam headlights that use a camera system to detect oncoming traffic and adjust the beam for ideal distribution. Unfortunately, the NHTSA has yet to approve them for use in the U.S.
Another key change is the elimination of the vertical contrast stripe just above the rear air intake. This is one change that I am all for, but it’s not revolutionary.
Around back, the 2016 R8 gets lightly revised taillights with new graphics underlined by new rear grilles with mesh inserts. The tailpipes also gain a trapezoidal shape in place of the old circular units, and the diffuser spanning the gap between the tailpipes is revised.
On the R8 V10 Plus, there is an added carbon-fiber-reinforced (CFRP) wing.
Where there are some pretty significant changes are in the numbers, specifically curb weight. The 2016 R8 V10 Plus checks in at just 3,428 pounds, which is up to 110 pounds less than the 2015 model. This weight loss is thanks to a new multi-material lightweight construction that includes an Audi space frame that weighs only 441 pounds. The body is made up of CFRP B-pillars, central tunnel, and rear wall. The R8’s front end is made of aluminum, as is the roof arch and the rear section of the frame. Despite the weight loss, the new R8 is approximately 40 percent more rigid than the 2015 model. There is no mention of the weight savings in the base R8 V10, but I assume it is roughly the same.
The 2016 R8 is 174 inches long, 76.4 inches wide and 48.8 inches tall, which makes it 0.6 inch shorter, 0.4 inch wider and 0.5 inch lower. The 2016 model’s wheelbase is the same as the previous model’s at 104.3 inches.
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