Official: 2013 Audi R8 Facelift & 2013 Audi R8 V10 Plus

Audi has upgraded their R8 model series and added a new top model to the line up. The R8 V10 plus is a new top model in the model series with a totally new seven-speed S tronic. The LED headlights and the new rear indicator lights with dynamicized display are now standard equipment on all variants.

Other new details are a single-frame grille with the beveled upper corners painted high-gloss black and horizontal chrome inserts. The bumper is also new, with the air inlets bearing three crossbars each. As an option, Audi installs a front splitter made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The splitter is standard on the new R8 V10 plus.

The housings of the outside mirrors and the side blades, the lateral air inlets on the Coupé, are made from CFRP on the new R8 V10 plus top model. In the 10-cylinder variants the blades extend outwards farther than on the V8 and have special edging; small marks of distinction also occur at the sills.

The vent louvers next to the rear window have an aluminum look on the R8 V10 Coupé (matt black on the R8 V8 Coupé and R8 V10 plus). As an option, LEDs illuminate the engine compartment; in the R8 V10 plus this illumination as well as a partial CFRP lining for the engine compartment are standard.

The LED lights dominate the rear of the Audi R8. One innovation from Audi is the indicator light with dynamic display at the bottom edge of the lamp – its light always proceeds towards the outside, in the direction the driver wishes to turn. Above the high-gloss black area between the vent openings sits the new badge – the letter “R” resting partly on a red diamond, the Audi Sport signature. The large diffusor, optionally CFRP (standard on the R8 V10 plus), has been pulled far upwards. In all engine versions the exhaust system terminates in two round, glossy tailpipe trim sections, painted black on the R8 V10 plus.

Audi offers the R8 in the two solid colors Ibis White and Brilliant Red, in four metallic shades and with five pearl effect / crystal effect coatings. For the R8 V10 plus a matt effect color is available as an exclusive feature. The side blades on the Coupé come in eight colors, while the soft top of the R8 Spyder comes in black, red or brown.

Adjustable bucket seats with glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) chassis, less use of insulating materials, special light alloy wheels and chassis components, including the standard ceramic brakes, as well the CFRP add-on parts at the body all contribute to lowering the weight. On the Audi R8 Spyder the lid on the soft top compartment and the side parts are also CFRP.

The new top model of the model series is the Audi R8 V10 plus. Developing 550hp, its maximum torque is 540Nm at 6,500rpm. With S tronic, the R8 V10 plus, available only as a coupé, catapults from zero to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 317km/h. The key data with the manual transmission are 3.8 seconds and 319km/h.

Two power transmission systems are available for the overhauled Audi R8. The manual 6-speed transmission, with its lever leading into an open stainless steel gate, is standard on the V8 and optional on the V10. The new 7-speed S tronic – optional on the V8 and standard on the V10 – spaces the gears closely in a sporty mode; the final drive position has a wide gear ratio. The dual clutch transmission can be shifted at the selector lever or at the steering wheel paddles; a sports mode is alternatively available. At the press of a button the launch control manages starting at an increased initial engine speed and with optimal tire slip.

On the R8 V10 plus the springs and shock absorbers have been specially tuned and the camber values at the front axle adapted accordingly. The Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping is standard on the R8 V10 and optional for the V8 variants.

The overhauled R8 rolls along on large wheels. The V8 engine versions have the standard wheel dimensions of 8.5Jx18 at the front and 10.5Jx18 at the rear, with tire sizes 235/40 and 285/35. On the V10 versions Audi mounts 19 inch wheels of widths 8.5 and 11 inches; the tires come in the sizes 235/35 and 295/30 respectively.

The steel brake disks of the high-performance sports car are internally ventilated, perforated and joined to the aluminum disk bowls by pins. The new “Wave” design of the disks – the wavy exterior contour – lowers the weight overall by about two kilo­grams (4.41 lb) compared with round disks of the same dimensions. The aluminum brake calipers operate at the front wheels with eight pistons each, and at the rear wheels with four pistons each. In combination with the 19-inch wheels, Audi can provide optional carbon fiber ceramic brake disks (standard on the R8 V10 plus). The electronic stabilization control system ESC offers a sports mode and can also be fully deactivated.

The overhauled Audi R8 will roll off the line to European customers at the end of the year. The base price is €113,500 for the V8 Coupé, and €124,800 for the Spyder. The V10 variants are listed at €154,600 and €165,900 respectively, while the R8 V10 plus costs €173,200.