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(Fri 29 Sep 06) Audi's phenomenal R8 supercar makes its world debut in production form at the Paris Show, and will be available to order in the UK later this year. Looking like the angriest Audi TT in the world, the R8 in fact bears very little mechanical resemblance to the recently relaunched coupé, not least because its 414bhp naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 engine (also used in the RS 4) is mounted centrally, right behind the passenger compartment.
The R8 is slightly quicker than the RS 4, with a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds and an all-time high Audi top speed of 187mph. The power goes through all four wheels, but there's a choice of how it gets there; you can opt for either a six-speed manual gearbox or, if you're willing to pay an extra £5000 for it, an R Tronic sequential-shift semi-automatic transmission. You can choose your suspension systems too. Conventional springs and dampers are one option. The other is the magnetic ride system, in which the shock absorber fluid can be stiffened automatically by using electromagnets to excite the tiny metal particles that it contains.
The R8 is also the first sports car ever to be fitted with a Bang & Olufsen audio system. "Today you can buy very exclusive sports cars with sound systems that don't reflect the same values," says Bang & Olufsen Automotive's Managing Director Jens Peter Zinck. "We believe those interested in high-end sports cars deserve a great sound system for their cars. With this new sound system we are demonstrating our ability to tailor-make Bang & Olufsen systems for different types of cars."
UK Audi dealers will start taking orders towards the end of this year. Prices are not yet confirmed but are expected to start at around £77,000. More Audi R8 Photos Previous: Massively Muscular Mercedes Next: Chevrolet Race Concept |
