2012 Audi R8

The Audi R8 is an all-wheel-drive, mid-engined sports car that shares a platform and other mechanical components with the Lamborghini Gallardo supercar. Despite its high performance capabilities, the R8's user-friendly nature and comfortable actually make it suitable as a daily driver. First introduced in 2008, the R8 now features Spyder (convertible) and V10 variants.

The heart of the R8 is a high-revving 4.2-liter engine that delivers 430 horsepower at 7,900 rpm. Peak torque is 316 lb-ft from 4, 500 to 6,000 rpm, with no less than 90 per cent of this output maintained from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. The claimed zero-to-62 mph time is 4.6 seconds, though that number is likely conservative.

Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift automatic gearbox, a slightly jerky single clutch unit. A full automatic mode is included for convenience's sake, while Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun.

The car is fitted with permanent quattro four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch.

The chassis

The chassis features forged aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This setup has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility and maximum steering precision.

Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.

The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a high level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.

Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used -- in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.

Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation. A computer determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. Drivers can choose from two driving programs depending on whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style -- with the magnetorheological fluid adjusted to a low viscosity -- or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.

The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The 235/40 size tires at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide the necessary road-holding. The mid-engined sports car's long wheelbase and extremely low center of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability.

Interior

The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high center console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.

With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customization options for the interior.

Equipment and trim

Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.

The range of optional extras includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.

The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to maneuver into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format color monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.

A total of eight exterior colors are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.

Craftsmanship

The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. The entire production process -- from the bodyshell construction to final assembly -- is organized in the same way as a craft workshop. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, ensuring that every one of the maximum of 15 cars per day built is up to quality standards.

Key Competitors

Those in the market for an exotic performance car like the R8 should also consider the tastefully-styled Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the potent Porsche 911 Turbo as well as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which can't match the interior refinement of the Audi but serves up prodigious amounts of horsepower.

source:leftlanenews