Audi unveils its Fezza
It's been dubbed a Porsche hunter but in reality Audi's new R8 which debuted in Paris this week, is Ingolstadt's answer to the likes of Ferrari's F430The R8 took pride of place on Audi's stand at the 2006 Paris Mondial de L'Automobile but surprised pundits with its choice of powerplant. Long expected to debut in V10 petrol or even V12 turbodiesel form, the production R8 is powered by the direct-injected, naturally aspirated 8250rpm 309kW 4.2-litre FSI V8 from Audi's RS4 uder-sedan.
Claimed to use technology and expertise gained via Audi's Le Mans racing program, the mid-engined R8 is built on an all-alloy Audi Space Frame chassis and is now officially on sale in Europe. Deliveries will start in the first half of 2007.
The car will be virtually hand-built in a new bespoke production facility at the Audi Neckarsulm plant. According to Audi, small teams of specialists will accompany every step of production "subjecting every part and component to intense scrutiny". Just 15 R8s will be built each day.
Unlike initial press images of the R8, the show car eschews the contrasting centre band adjacent to the doors and engine air intakes. Audi says this single colour theme will be the production default.
Rolling on 18-inch wheels (19s are optional in Europe) the R8 has Ferrari-like rear-biassed weight distribution of 44:56. Unlike the Italian car, however, the R8 features quattro permanent four-wheel drive.
Two gearbox options are offered -- a conventional six-speed manual or Audi's R tronic sequential-shift gearbox. The latter features paddle changers mounted on the flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel.
Audi says the R8's cabin is "astonishingly spacious." Though sportscar accented with conventional driver-focussed binnacle and centre stack, the maker claims there's sufficient luggage space behind the two seats to store two golf bags! Up front there's a conventional if small 100-litre 'boot'.
Styling is close to the original Audi Le Mans concept car and features a toned-down version of Audi's single-frame grille. The four-ring badge is positioned on the bonnet -- a first for the marque and the headlights are also a production car first -- the first series-production car to offer all LED front lighting
True Blue Aussies will be pleased to know Audi claims elements of the front lights styling are based on the Sydney Opera House. No, we're not kidding.
As offered on the new Audi TT, the R8 also boasts the availability of 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system. Other state of the art features include an automatic rear spoiler and downforce generating under body ducting.
Audi claims a power-to-weight ratio of 3.71kg per hp placing the R8 at around 1560kg. This compares to the 360kW 1450kg F430 and 1550kg 261kW Porsche 997 Carrera S. We expect local pricing to be somewhere between the 911's $220K and the rarefied $380K-plus territory of the Italian car.
According to Audi's own stats the R8 accelerates to 100km/h in just 4.6sec and flaunts the German mainstream manufacturer's 'gentlemen's agreement' by smashing through 260km/h reaching a top speed of 301km/h.
Which begs one question -- just how fast will the V10 version go when it eventually breaks cover?
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
