Audi R8

Audi R8 Coupe

Audi says its sensational R8 will win the war with Porsche's legendary 911!

Auto Express Car Reviews

New R8 is a direct rival to Porsche legend

By Dan Strong

04th October 2006

Sharing some of its engineering with Lamborghini's Gallardo supercar, Auto Express has the first official pictures of the newcomer, which is due to hit British roads next summer.


	The aluminium, magnesium and carbon fibre-bodied machine represents the very pinnacle of the German firm's sports car know-how

The aluminium, magnesium and carbon fibre-bodied machine represents the very pinnacle of the German firm's sports car know-how.

Named after the Audi R8 racer and inspired by the Le Mans concept of 2003, the four-wheel-drive two seater is the company's first mid-engined road car, and is powered by a 420bhp FSI equipped V8 engine. Measuring 1.90 metres wide, 4.43m long and 1.25m tall, the compact R8 is also the first production car with LED-based driving lights at the front and rear.

The design is further enhanced with Audi's trademark front radiator grille and large air intakes mounted on the flanks. Called sideblades by the firm's engineers, these huge deflectors are available in eight different finishes, including magnesium, carbon fibre and a range of contrasting colours.

At the rear, there's a huge glass screen which allows you to look directly into the engine bay to see the potent V8 powerplant. Dressed with more carbon fibre, the gleaming unit looks absolutely sensational. Inside, buyers can expect plenty of luxury. Sports seats are mounted low to the ground, while the snug cabin feels like it is wrapped around the driver.

Initially, two versions of the new car will be offered - a six-speed manual and a new automatic which Audi is calling the R-Tronic. With prices for the former starting at around £76,500 and climbing to £81,000 for the latter, the new R8 certainly won't be cheap. However, there's more to come. Future versions of the newcomer are likely to be even more powerful, with plans rumoured to include V10 engines, ultra-efficient ceramic brakes and even a roadster.