2016 Audi R8 V10 set for Geneva auto show debut

610-HP QUATTRO SUPERCAR GOES ON SALE THIS SUMMER

    The 2016 Audi R8 debuted on Thursday, packing up to 610 hp courtesy of a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 shared with the Lamborghini Huracán.

    That’s 60 more hp than the last R8, and this is only the first model on the horizon. An “E-tron” electrified version is coming for sure -- though perhaps not to the United States -- and racier versions are sure to follow. The R8 will make its first public appearance at the Geneva auto show next month.

    The 5.2-liter V10 will be offered in two outputs: 540 hp and 610 hp. That’s more powerful than the Huracán by a whopping 8 hp. Surprisingly, there was no mention of a V8. The 610-hp mill gets the car to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds with help from a seven-speed S tronic transmission -- no manual will be offered -- and a new quattro all-wheel drive system.

    That system can transfer 100 percent of the power either frontward or rearward; it also features a launch control system that will get most of that power to the ground. It takes 9.9 seconds to get to 124 mph and it tops out at 205 mph.

    The 540-hp version gets to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph.

PHOTO BY AUDI

    Fuel mileage, as if it matters, is 19.9 mpg in the U.S. for the less powerful engine, 19 mpg for the higher-powered one. Audi says that’s up 10 percent from the previous model. Some of that has to do with the new stop/start system.

   At the corners, the R8 has aluminum-hewn double wishbones, while Audi’ magnetic ride shocks are optional. Also optional is an adjustable steering system. The vehicle will come standard with 19-inch wheels, but 20s are available for the first time. Base cars get steel brake discs, upgraded ones get carbon ceramics.

    Like previous models, Audi’s multi-material “Space Frame” keeps the weight low and the chassis balanced with a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Dry weight is 3,205.5 pounds. The underbody integrates a long diffuser that also helps with downforce. Not that it could need too much; the R8 is basically shaped like an airfoil.

PHOTO BY AUDI

    The new front end gets a hexagonal grille as opposed to the trapezoidal one, vertical winglets in the intakes instead of horizontal bars and the sideblade becomes two pieces as opposed to one flowing panel. The LED headlights get a new shape as well. Out back, the pipes go from round to square, and the taillights get more angular. A small integrated spoiler looks to ducktail up from the rear hatch.

    Inside, the displays are all digital. Button clusters on the steering wheel control important functions, according to Audi, and multi-media interface navigation and a touch-sensitive control dial are standard.

   The R8 V10 and V10 plus go on sale this summer, for 165,000 Euros and 187,400 Euros, respectively. Audi says U.S. prices won't just be conversions when the car goes on sale here.