Audi’s US boss called the Chevrolet Volt a “car for idiots” stating that people shouldn’t buy a $40,000 vehicle when cheaper fuel-efficient vehicles (diesels and hybrids) are available in the market.

Well he should have been a bit more careful to what he says especially when his company’s teasing an electric vehicle as well. It might not be a pudgy car like the Volt but an electric version, even of their esteemed R8 supercar, is still bound to be an overpriced electric as well.

If you’re going to visit this microsite – ElectricityUntamed.com – you’re going to see a timer that counts down to the Frankfurt show and then a sequence of flashing text, “What’s happened to electricity? It got dumbed down and domesticated. On September 15 electricity, and all its force and power, will run free and completely untamed.”

It then displays quite a lot of trivia about energy and lightning. Once the sequence closes you’ll be redirected to a page with this grainy teaser image of what appears to be the R8’s fascia.

Source: Leftlane

More mule shots for us. Autocar reports on spy shots of the Sport version of the Audi R8. Apparently, Audi is working on lightweight, sharp, and track-focused sports version of the R8 pretty much like what they did to their popular coupe – the TT.

The Sport version is to be put on a diet. Upholstery pieces will be stripped down in favor of bucket seats and electronics like the stereo and air-conditioning will also be taken out. For good measure, the car will also feature motorsport-style quick-release buttons for the front cladding.

Exterior changes include aerodynamic bits like the fixed rear wing and small blades slapped on to the front bumper. These are design to keep the car planted to the ground. While these are surely to make the car zippier, the power bump will not be quite significant.

The R8 V10 will be tweaked to the tune of 518 bhp. Not really much given that most other well north of 550 bhp.

Audi is surely stepping on the gas chasing its fellow German automakers in whatever tech they’re coming up with. Mercedes-Benz came out with the news that their engineers are working on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG electric-drive that they intend to launch come 2015.

Audi won’t have any of those announcements and teasers though. They announced that they will be showcasing their ePerformance technology that will compete with Merc’s eDrive. The ePerformance tech will be slapped on the R8 which Audi will feature in the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. The car will basically be souped up with electric motors and rechargeable batteries.

We think placing all of those in a great car such as the R8 will require some proper engineering. Batteries add weight and the electric motor needs to complement the existing gas motor to retain the R8’s performance.

Audi hasn’t come up with concrete details about the tech but we can expect those to be made more clear as the show approaches.

Audi has confirmed that the upcoming R8 Spyder convertible is headed for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, while the denying any truth to the rumored electric R8.

A spokesman for the car manufacturer said that the Spyder has been delayed on purpose, as Audi waits for the sales of the recent hard-top 5.2-liter V10 R8 to fade. The Spyder will sport a full convertible top instead of the preferred targa setup. Additional air intakes at the back of the seats and safety rollover bars are in place for the convertible variant.

The Spyder should derive power from the same power plant as the base model—the 4.2-liter V8 that goes for 420 horsepower. However, there is some speculation that Audi could use the V10 in a higher trim level. The twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V10 from the RS6 could go to the R8 RS in turn.

The Audi R8 Spyder is one of the two upcoming versions of the highly-popular R8. The other one is the unnamed (yet) high-performance R8 RS variant. Audi will also be unveiling its new A5 Sportback model at the Frankfurt Show.

Petrolheads from the Church of Clarkson would swear that diesel is the fuel of Satan but with the economy that diesels are giving at gas-powered performance, you can’t blame people for wishing diesel versions of supercars. Too bad those wishing for a diesel Audi R8 would be disappointed. It’s a no go for the diesel.

While it would be a great technological achievement – creating a diesel that could go head-to-head with gasoline power – Audi says that they can’t justify the business case for producing a diesel version.

Audi already created two concepts of a diesel R8 – the V12 TDI and the V12 TDI Le Mans. Both featured the 6.0L V12 TDI that Audi tried slapping on several of their cars. That powerhouse was capable of 500 hp and max torque of 738 lb.-ft.

Too bad that the global economy can’t simply let automakers experiment that much when it comes to development and production. Audi’s suits have resorted to figures again to wash our dreams of a diesel R8 away.

Source: Auto Express

New York-based Ai Design has come up with a heavily-modified Audi R8 Blackbird, inspired by the legendry stealth reconnaissance aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin, and it is on sale at the New York Motor Club.

Designed for ultimate stealth, the car sports electronic equipment such as the Passport 9500ci—designed to absorb laser detectors and give back scrambled signals. Also among the car’s tech is a built-in iPhone, which can give the the driver access to speedtrap and red-light camera locations.

The first thing we’ve got to ask is, how legal is this thing? I mean, it’s got a laser scrambler, for crying out loud. There’s got to be a traffic law enforcement issue here somewhere. Aside from that, the Ai Design Audi R8 Blackbird definitely looks hot with its sleek all-black finish, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a custom computer-controlled exhaust system.

Ai Design was founded in 1992, and continues to produce models and components with a focus on performance, electronic entertainment, interior upgrades, and electronic security. It is based in Tuckahoe, New York.

Source: Motor Authority

ABT Sportsline, one of the oldest tuning firms, is releasing the 2009 Audi R8-R. It features sleek exterior modifications and considerable performance upgrades that would get any Audi enthusiast excited.

ABT bundled a supercharger with the standard 4.2-liter V8, giving the ABT Sportsline R8 an output of 530 horsepower at 7,200 rpm. It comes outfitted with 6-speed manual transmission and permanent Quattro all-wheel drive. ABT made use of new standard springs and dampers for the suspension, since it would be a Herculean effort to mess with the R8’s magnetic ride control suspension.

The exterior—including the front spoiler, side skirts, rear wing, and air intakes on the fenders—makes extensive use of carbon fiber, which when combined with the aerodynamically-designed panels gives the car its light weight (and its price tag). There’s also a pair of dual exhausts arranged in opposite sides at the back. Personally, they look pretty fine to me.

ABT has been doing customization jobs for over a hundred years now, and the Audi R8 ABT Sportsline is a worthy addition to all of the custom R8s that have been made.

Source: Inside Line

While not really a new release, the pumped up Audi R8 finally reached American shores debuting in the Detroit motor show. With the R8 lauded as one of the best cars ever two years back, the V10 R8 packs just more punch to keep performance figures junkies very happy indeed.

The V10 R8 carries the same 5.2L engine found in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 which generates 528 ponies. The V10 is mated to a choice between a proper 6-speed manual and an R-tronic semi-automatic gearbox. The R-tronic supposedly gives better fuel economy at 17mpg. But hey, this is a beefed up super car we’re talking about so MPGs really don’t matter.

The powertrain lineup enables the car to go from 0 to 60 in just 3.9 seconds and hit a not-too-shabby top speed of 196 mph – quicker than Porsche 911 (though we all know the Porsche can do 200 easy, I think this R8 can do so as well with a bit of wind and road in its favor).

And since you can’t just put more power to a car without changing the suspensions, the V10 R8 now features magnetic ride dampers, a new rear diffuser that pushes the car down better than the old, and 19-inch allow wheels as standard. For fade-free braking, ceramic brakes are an option.

The car ships at a measly package of 141,800 Euros (around US$180k). Yum! Now only if I can afford it.

Source: Audi

Time to pinch those pennies if you want a piece of the Audi R8 V10 set to be released in the UK in the Spring of 2009. In the meantime, here are some of the juicy details for this highly-anticipated product.

The V10 is also equipped with all-LED headlights. Some people didn’t take a liking to the LED in Audi’s previous headlights, but many loved them. High-intensity LEDs allow visible lighting in both low- and high-beam settings. Other external features include 19” 10-spoke alloy wheels, high-gloss finish for the front air intakes, rear air outlets, and the grille, wider cooling vents to the side, and a new rear diffuser.

The car makes use of the Audi Space Frame, which mates the aluminum space frame to a paneling made with lightweight aluminum. The double-wishbone frame comes with Audi’s proprietary magnetic ride adaptive damping system to ensure smooth sailing at all times.

High-quality interior furnishings, deceptive interior space, Fine Nappa leather seats, and a Bang & Ofulsen audio system round out the jam-packed features of this hot number. Buyers can also avail of additional packages, such as custom interior lighting and brake disc upgrades.

Source: Lethistorylive

There have been new details about the 2011 Audi R8 circulating in the grapevine, announcing the resumption of the hype machine for the highly-anticipated convertible edition of the R8.

Sources say that the 2011 R8 might carry the Spyder tag, as well, though this isn’t confirmed yet. The convertible likely features a canvass roof which can be automatically lowered. The interiors are expected to feature pretty much the same stuff that are in the coupe, but it will still be classy and functional all the same.

The 2011 R8 sports an engine that is shared with the TT coupe variant, which would allow buyers to choose from either the 5.2-liter V10, with 520 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque, or the 420-horsepower V8. Consumers are expected to favor the V10, thanks to its more distinct effect on the car’s styling and its more recognizable sound on the road.

The 2011 Audi R8 is expected to hit European dealerships in fall 2009, while it is not expected to reach US soil until sometime in 2010.

Source: 4wheelsnews

German tuner PPI will be launching the production model of its Razor R8 concept, dubbed the PPI Razor GTI, at the Essen Motor Show, which starts November 29. The limited-run model is based off the Audi R8 and features enhancements and tuning to improve performance, handling, and weight.

The Razor GTI is fitted with a custom supercharger to boost the stock Audi R8 4.2-liter V8. A high-spec stainless steel exhaust system and ram-charged air filters specifically complement the specially-engineered supercharger. The result: a whopping 580 horsepower at 7200 rpm. The body of the Razor GTI is lighter than the factory R8 by 250kg (551 pounds), allowing it to reach a top speed of 332kph. It reportedly goes from zero to a hundred kph in under 3.7 seconds.

The car also features a new coil over kit, enlarged brake calipers and brake discs, and a body kit that is designed to maximize aerodynamic balance and downforce. The front wheels are 19-inch alloys while the rear features 20-inch alloys, both fitted with Michelin Sport 2 rubber.

The interior features orange highlights on the Onyx-Nubuck leather, and the cabin makes extensive use of carbon fiber.

Source: 4wheelsnews

How many crashed R8s have we seen this year? I think filed under our WTF! Moment sections, we have two already. The one that crashed in the race track and the one that dove into a river. Now we have this footage of another Audi R8 whose driver lost control of it in a heavy Moscow downpour and ended up crashing into the freeway wall. The incident was caught on tape by a street camera.

What a waste.

It somehow bothers me how the Audi R8, after reaping a lot of rewards last year and showing itself as Iron Man’s car of choice in the movie early this year kind of lost its steam for the good part of 2008. And this news bit doesn’t seem to offer much pizazz to wake up the R8 fan in me.

Michael Dick, an Audi official for development in the US announced that the R8 will have a few more variants coming. Too bad for prospective buyers though, if you want to get one of the upcoming Audi R8 V10, you have to jostle for position as Audi will only make 27 units a day worldwide. The car is slated to be sold in the second half of 2009.

If you want your cars topless, the Audi R8 Spyder will also arrive in Europe around the same time as the V10. US buyers need to wait until 2010 though. Diesel haters rejoice as Audi will not be offering a V12 TDI version. Bummer though. Was wondering how the R8 would perform with that massive diesel under its hood.

Aren’t supercars already considered track-ready? Apparently not. The Audi R8 needed one. Well, at least according to Audi Sport. Never mind if the R8 gained so much acclaim last year. And because they thought the R8 needed one, say hello to the Audi R8 GT3.

The big cheese – the GT3 will get more power to the tune of 500 horses. How about that for packing more punch. That’s 80 more than the standard R8. All that power is forced into the rear wheels courtesy of a new 6-speed sequential sports gearbox.

The GT3 will also include some race-y body works most obvious with the large rear-wing and a slightly modified front. The car is now under production and will be seeing action for the 2009 GT3 season. Buyers will be able to take one home by fall of next year.

Source: Audi

Holy cow! And I thought a whanged up GT-R and a dented R8 courtesy of the Top Gear magazine team was a sacrilege of the highest proportions. At least dents can be repaired but submerging a car in ice-cold river water, that’s just plain wrong. And this Dutch guy did just that.

Reports say that the bloke just took out the Audi R8 for a test drive when he lost control and steered the car into a river. Well, as a consolation, no one got hurt save for the race. Official findings say that the guy was going at least 80 but witnesses say that he was doing at least 125 when he hit a bump then lost control.

I just hope he can pay for that or at least the dealership had the insurance to cover the damage. Makes you want to consider amateur eugenics whenever you get to hear these newsbits concerning people wrecking supercars.

Source: Autojunk.nl

Last year, everyone was raving about the Audi R8. Quite rightfully so. I believe that every praise it got was well-deserved. Though last year wasn’t really the year of automobiles. A lot of other great cars came out, but the R8 was really the highlight of last year.

One way to bank on the craze is to give it a twist. There was the Le Mans version powered by a V12 TDI. And then there’s the V10 version under development. But here’s a recent one – the Audi R8 Targa – an open top model. Yup, the R8 just went topless.

Well, unlike the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (the R8 uses the Gallardo’s platform), the R8 will feature a removable targa top. It’s because Audi didn’t want to trim off any of the R8’s handling capabilities. Aside from going topless, the R8 Targa will still have the same good stuff from the regular R8.

There are just so many ways not to drive a car, especially an Audi R8. While giving it the beans around the track is pretty acceptable, crashing it is definitely not one of the things you’d want to do with it. And this driver also feels likewise. Unfortunately for him though, he can’t quite keep it on the track. Good thing no one got hurt here, save perhaps the driver’s pride and a whanged up Audi R8. Shame, still.

Source: Luxvelocity/YouTube

With the Lexus LS-F and the Volkswagen Scirocco seeing action and in the 24-hour later this month, I am quite excited about how these cars will fare. The ‘Ring itself has been a proving ground for many newly-released and to-be-released cars and subjecting them (even with race modifications) in a grueling 24-hour race will surely separate the mean machines from the toys.

But wait, dubbed as the car of the year by many bodies, the Audi R8 will also be seeing action in the 24-hour Nurburgring race later this month. However, it would just be the stock R8 that rolls out from factory doors. Audi has swapped the 4.2L V8 with a rebuilt 4L V8 that produces 530 hp.

Lightweightedness and aerodynamic kits have also been installed with the front and rear bodyworks swapped with carbon fiber and Kevlar pieces. The front intakes are also supersized for performance. Oh yes, and they’ve slapped on a wing for flight purposes.

Ah, the Audi R8. Honestly, one of the reason why I enjoyed watching Iron Man was because I got to glimpse at the R8 in various parts of the movie. The digital surround does give justice to its lovely roar. But who knew that given a new twist, the R8 can even make a lovelier noise with a new V10 under its hood. Will it be dubbed as the R10? Maybe. But at least we get a great car made even better.

Source: Audi World

It seems like Audi is too proud of its V12 TDI engine that they decided to fit the massive engine to a lot of concept cars. We’ve seen the Q7 before – a real hulk of an SUV that drinks its fuel with sips. If you think Audi is gone bonkers with that move, well here’s what they did to the already great Audi R8 – fit the V12 TDI in it and restyle it. We’ve already seen the V12 TDI R8 in Detroit last January. But this one has got Le Mans written all over it and that’s where we get this Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans edition.

The huge 6.0L generates 500 horses and 738 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, and you get all of that with a diesel engine. And if you think that it’ll be a sluggish car, well naught to 62 in 4.2 seconds isn’t at all too shabby. It can rack up the numbers up to 187 mph.

Well, if you’re still not too drawn by the numbers, then you might want to take a look at the styling. I still believe that the draw of supercars is that factor that turns us all back to being 10 year-old kids who dream of slapping on rockets to cars. So how about the Brilliant Red bodywork that they did with the R8.

Now isn’t that a cool car? No word whether this will hit production though. Aaw.

Source: Audi

So I guess the Audi R8 has well-deserved its position as 2007’s car of the year. This here’s the R8 tuned by edo performance which brings up all of the R8’s numbers to impressive levels. The 4.2L V8 dishes out 442hp at 7,800rpm with a peak torque of 332 ft-lb at 4,500-6,000 rpm. Naught to sixty? 4.5 seconds. Top speed? 193 mph.

Source: Top Speed

With the Audi R8 getting acclaim from motoring enthusiasts and critics all over, it’s quite interesting what kick-ass vehicle would Audi bring to Detroit. They’ve actually announced that they would be showcasing a debut and a concept car but details weren’t too clear as to hat exactly those would be.

Since the show is just around the corner, we finally get a few more details about it. Audi will be bring a V12 TDI turbo-diesel version of the R8. That’s right. A diesel. Seems like the Germans are really beefing up on their diesel options.

Don’t be dismayed though. Take note that it’s a V12 and by what we’ve seen so far with the Q7 SUV, it’s capable of dishing out 500 horses and 738 lb-ft of torque.

Source: LeftLane News

I might just have to agree with everyone else that the Audi R8 is the car of the year. If you’ve seen all the reviews, test drives and other takes, it sums up to be a hands-down favorite of journalists, experts, and enthusiasts and all with good reason. Audi just came up with an engineering marvel with this one.

So how about this, the Creventic CR-8. It is a souped up version of the already awesome R8. This racing version is even tame compared to what Roush does to the Mustang. Only 13bhp added taking the R8 to 427bhp and the stock low-gear limiter has been removed. As preparation to the Dubai 24-hour, this car has still yet to include a 90L fuel tank, extra carbon fibre, and a race-spec sequential gearbox.

The car will be available early next year.

Source: Top Gear News

The Audi R8 – a mid-engined sports car that boosts Audi to another level. It’s got a 4.2L V8 capable of 414 bhp. With all the specs and performance reviews, I’d have to say that it can simply replace Lamborghini Gallardo for a budget sports car with which the R8 shares the transmission and the chassis.

And Hef’s boys love it. They love it more than all those nude bodies they feature that they named it “Playboy’s Car of the Year” for 2008. Uhm, okay. So to be fair to Hef, their ratings are said to be done by a pool of automotive experts who have scoured the earth for great mechanical playmates.

And they’re not the only ones too with AutoBild dubbing it their “SportsCar 2007,” one of the most sought-after citations in the German auto industry.