AUDI R8 V10 supercar test driven in the portugal algarve

AUDI R8 V10 supercar test driven in the portugal algarve
all images courtesy of AUDI AG

bursting on to the 2015 geneva motor show stage with 610 horsepower, the second generation AUDI ‘R8 V10’s autumn delivery date has been an eagerly awaited date for supercar enthusiasts. ahead of the wait, designboom was able to test drive the racing car along the coastal roads of portugal’s algarve region, and also put it through its paces at the autodromo internacional do algarve. with an obvious focus on the model’s performance, we also took a closer look at its comfort, technological additions, and its exterior and interior design.

db’s tech editor driving the ‘R8 V10’ on the race track

available in two engine versions, both the ‘R8 V10’, which boasts 540 hp, and the ‘R8 V10 plus’, which with 610 hp is the most powerful production AUDI ever, were ready waiting for our arrival. the top model supercar accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62.1mph) in 3.2 seconds, on wards to 200 km/h (124.3mph) in 9.9 seconds, and to a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205.1 mph). this is achieved by not only the 5.2 liter naturally-aspirated motor but by the combination of optimized mechanisms working together. for instance, the seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission provided super-fast shifts, enabling the car to reach high speeds in an instant. however, even with more power its fuel economy has been improved by 13%, when compared to the first generation model, thanks to the engine’s dual injection and optimized induct channel.

the standard model boasts 540 hp whereas the ‘V10 plus’ features 610 hp

another development is the new quattro drive, which distributes the 540 Nm of torque freely between the axles. this intelligently pushes more power to whichever wheel needs it and aids fast motion whilst cornering. furthermore, it incorporates the drive select dynamic handling system that provides four basic modes – comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. in the AUDI ‘R8 V10 plus’, it features the performance mode, which offers three additional types; dry, wet and snow. these make the handling even more precise and sharper, creating an even easier and exciting driving experience.

as well as the front LED headlights, it features rear dynamic turn signals

with a dry weight of 1,454 kg, the model benefits from a newly developed AUDI space frame (ASF). its made of aluminum and CFRP parts, which has helped reduce its weight by 15% when compared to the first generation. the multi-material construction is the brainchild of AUDI’s racing heritage and knowledge, and has helped the car increase stability by 40%. this huge improvement is truly felt when speeding through the country roads, as the bends are exhilarating yet fully comfortable.

with such high performance figures, it was vital that the exterior of the second generation ‘R8’ looked the part. as well, it was also key that it showed progression from the first gen, as a completely new model and not just a facelift. overall, the form has a much sharper appearance that reflects its heightened power. the expression of force and dynamism is most apparent when looking at the new sideblades – a feature which was the focal point of the first design. the once full features are now interrupted by a continuous shoulder line, which may upset a few ‘R8’ fans. however, the redesign adds extra tension and excitement to the supercar, by displaying a more continuous form with lines that extend fully to the rear.

with the interrupted sideblades, the car has a more continuous and dynamic form

looking in further detail at the exterior, the new design of the ‘R8 V10’ gets even better. for instance, the singleframe radiator grille has a wider and flatter appearance, which with its honeycomb shape, fits with AUDI’s styling. creating an even more distinguishable look, the cars feature AUDI’s standard front LED headlights, which were explored in depth during a night time test drive in norway. the lighting enhances a laser spot as the high beam headlight, which is active outside of urban areas at speeds of 60 km/h (37.3 mph). it works with an intelligent camera-based sensor system that detects other road users and adjusts to dim the light intensity independently.

the alignment of the racing steering wheel and the virtual cockpit keeps the driver’s eyes on the road

even though the super-fast automobile is easy to handle, being comfortable whilst in control is paramount. conceptualized like a race car, the ‘R8 V10’ focuses on the driver with a race-styled steering wheel that clusters all instruments so that they line up with the road. furthermore, enhancing the AUDI virtual cockpit, all key information is just at a glance, meaning that the driver never has to look away from what is in front. creating a relaxing environment, it has a defining arch-shaped monoposto that wraps around the cockpit. this is bolstered with high quality materials that make the supercar comfortable for everyday use.

developed for power, speed and performance, the AUDI ‘R8 V10’ and ‘V10 plus’ fits the bill. from our test drive, it showed a huge improvement from the very impressive first generation model. the supercar is the result of AUDI combining its leading racing knowledge, progressive design developments and technological innovations. from the small modifications of the engine to the complete reconstruction of the frame and chassis, every detail has been optimized to achieve maximum performance. although this has been such a focus for the vehicle, the handling is exceptional and makes the power so easy and comfortable to control. conceptualized as a race car, the ‘R8’ is as capable for the race track as it is for the road.