New Audi R8 to be cheaper

Audi has staged the global launch of its second-generation R8 supercar in Spain, where its Australian subsidiary confirmed a local release early in the second quarter of next year.

While that's still many months off, the good news for potential Aussie customers is that the new R8 Coupe will be cheaper than before in Australia – despite the fact it's priced higher in Germany and the UK.

Audi Australia says it's too early to talk about specific pricing Down Under, where more than 400 R8s have been sold since October 2007, but a spokesman confirmed the new model's pricing "will be a little sharper here".

The MkII R8 Coupe arrives here in flagship V10 Plus form, replacing a model that currently costs $408,200, so expect a pricetag under $400,000.

So far there is no sign of a replacement for the 4.2 FSI quattro, which opens the outgoing R8 range at $279,500, or the existing R8 Spyder, which ranges between $308,400 and $395,800.

From launch, the R8 V10 Plus Coupe arrives with a naturally-aspirated mid-mounted 5.2-litre V10 delivering 449kW of power at 8250rpm (the engine revs to 8700rpm) and 560Nm of torque at 6500rpm.

It comes standard with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, mechanical differential lock and a new electrohydraulically activated multi-plate clutch controlled all-wheel drive system.

Audi says the 1454kg (dry) coupe accelerates to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds, to 200km/h in just 9.9 seconds and to a top speed of 330km/h, making it both the most powerful and fastest production Audi ever built.

Meantime, combined NEDC fuel consumption is reduced by up to 13 per cent, to 12.3L/100km, thanks in part to a "newly conceptualised" aluminium and carbonfibre-reinforced plastic Audi Space Frame (ASF) that weighs just 200kg.

A smooth and flat underbody features a large rear diffused that's said to deliver up to 40kg of downforce at the front and 100kg at the rear, while body rigidity is said to be up by 45 per cent.

Other highlights include a four-mode Audi Drive Select system, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, Bang & Olufsen surround sound, laser high-beam headlights and Audi's configurable digital Virtual Cockpit, which shows 3D graphics for items such as the including speedo, tacho and tyre temperature.

The new R8 is hand-built at a new plant near Neckarsulm in Germany.