Some six years after Audi wowed the world with its R8 supercar in 2006, Ingolstadt is getting ready to spruce up its flagship model with very mild styling updates on the outside but important changes under the skin.
Our spies sent us two sets of photos today, both of the R8 V10 model, with and without the swirly camouflage.
On the styling front, Audi's designers made a few tweaks here and there such as the new LED headlamp and tail light fixtures, the reshaped, six-point front grille with horizontal chrome slats and the circular instead of oval-shaped twin tail pipes on the V10 model.
Some may also notice that instead of two plastic slats on the front and rear side vents, the updated V10 model gets three plastic slats on both ends and corners.
Minor updates are also expected in the 2013MY R8's interior.
What's more important about the facelifted R8 is the introduction of the limited run e-Tron variant powered by four electric motors, two each at the front and rear axles, with a combined output of around 230kW or 308hp (313PS).
The big news for the regular R8 models is the replacement of the automated six-speed manual R-Tronic with the more modern and much faster seven-speed double-clutch transmission.
It is believed that Audi engineers may also tweak the R8's existing engine lineup lifting output of the 4.2-liter V8 from 430-horses to around 450hp and the 5.2-liter V10 from 525hp to about 550hp.
Look for the 2013MY R8 range to appear at the Paris Motor Show this September.
Photo Credits: CarPix fro Carscoop
6 Comments:
I'm not sure of the validity of the camouflaged version R8. Nothing changed body wise, only the fine details. Had this car driven down the road with out the camouflage, no one would have paid attention enough to take photographs. Guess Audi was just trying to drum up some free press, and bingo.
Oh no, R8 was such a classic design and they are going to ruin it with that gaping round exhaust...
Looks mostly the same, maybe a little sleeker, and I suspect (would hope) more aerodynamic.
Glad to see it finally has a proper dual clutch, should have had that option long ago.
i agree, i thought audi were the ones who are actually good at designing now, their just fiddling with it..i know its just a facelift but this is just too similar to the old one..
I will buy the V10
Never could have been a realistic option before since all Audi wanted was the cheapest way to re-dress a Gallardo.
This R8 gearbox cheapness all the more ironic since the VW Group have DCTs all over their ranges. The gearbox supplier to Lamborghini must have sown up an iron cast deal to still be supplying this decade old tech.
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