New Audi R8 priced from $354,900

Audi Australia has confirmed local pricing for its second-generation R8. And, just as it promised at the all-new super-coupe's global launch last July, the price has gone down!

Revealed last year at the Geneva motor show, the all-new mid-engined Audi supercar is due for release Down Under in May.

As in Europe, two versions will be offered locally – the V10 and V10 Plus – both of which are better equipped but cheaper than the cars they replace. Both variants are powered by a revised version of the Lamborghini-derived 5.2-litre V10 fitted to the original R8.

There is no longer a V8 version offered, leaving Audi without a replacement for the former entry-level R8 4.2 FSI, which previously opened the range at under $280,000.

However, Audi has confirmed there will be a cheaper, turbocharged version of the new R8, which should be powered either by a revised version of the RS 3's 270kW/465Nm 2.5-litre inline turbo five, or the next RS 4's new turbo V6.

The new base grade R8 V10 now pumps out 397kW and 540Nm and is priced at $354,900. This is a saving of $10,000 on the outgoing model ($364,900).

Standard equipment includes nappa leather upholstery and Magnetic Ride adaptive suspension. Conventional steel brake discs are gripped by eight-piston fixed callipers up front and, in the cabin, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit takes pride of place.

The top-spec 449kW/560Nm V10 Plus kicks off at $389,900 — $19,300 less than the outgoing flagship ($408,200).

Although laser lighting remains an option, much of the boy racer’s wish list is already ticked. Carbon-ceramic brakes (front discs are a whopping 380mm) and a dedicated Sport suspension system are standard.

In addition, the V10 Plus gets dedicated carbon-fibre spoilers front and rear. Other carbon-fibre details include R8’s signature side-blades and in-cabin pieces.

The all-new R8 shares styling cues with its predecessor but features an all-new platform which combines an aluminium space-frame and a central monocoque of carbon-fibre.

The ‘black’ core of the R8 comprises around 13 per cent of the total body-in-white. The complete structure weighs just 200kg and yet is claimed to be 40 per cent stronger.

The updated V10 remains dry-sumped. The last atmo engine in Audi’s range it spins to a giddy 8700rpm and now features dual-mode injection and cylinder deactivation. In certain high-gear, low-load conditions one bank of cylinders shuts down to decrease fuel consumption.

A new — and remarkably vocal — bi-model Audi- Sport exhaust system is standard on both models.

The seven-speed twin-clutch s-tronic gearbox is new. Quattro all-wheel drive allows the transfer of 100 per cent of available torque front or rear within a few milliseconds.

Audi has updated the Drive Select system and now includes a Performance mode in V10 Plus. Dry, wet and snow modes are new additions.

The new car looks longer thanks to styling changes (chiefly the split side-blade details) but major dimensions have barely changed. Car spotters will look for the new car’s more angular front-end and sharper guard lines.

Audi says the R8 and its R8 LMS GT3 racecar counterpart were developed side by side. Pricing has also been announced for the bona fide racer — $630,000 with spares and other essentials available at further cost.

Keep an eye out for motoring.com.au’s review of the new R8 V10 Plus later this week.