The second-generation Audi R8 caused quite a stir among driving enthusiasts when it was revealed without a base V8 engine or a manual transmission option. Instead, the supercar is offered only with a 5.2 litre V10 motor with either 540 hp or 610 hp (V10 plus), paired exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox.
So why the sudden change? Because customers hardly bought or even expressed interest in the V8 and manual versions of the original R8, that’s why. Heinz Hollerweger, head of Audi’s quattro GmbH told Automobilemag the dire truth at the 2015 Geneva motor show. “The take up rate was almost nil,” he said.
Apparently, the V10 variant of the first-gen R8 outsold the V8 model by such a large margin – exceeding Audi’s own initial expectations – to a point where they now “have no interest in a V8.” As for the dual-clutch-only decision, Hollerweger told reporters to “look at lap times,” where steering paddles would clearly be superior to a three-pedal setup.
It all makes sense, once you really think about it. But, that still doesn’t mean that we have to agree with this direction. What do you think of this matter?
Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 and V10 plus
Audi R8 e-tron
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Girlish design…doesnt look fast. Sounds like audi sedan with tuned exhaust. It is like another normal audi coupe and sedan. Supercar wannabe. Should have scrapped the entire model. Drivers who know scrap about what supercars are all about will buy R8.
Wonder how many ppl here proclaims to be “expert” without ever driving a super car once, much less actually owning one.
And of coz, 3.2sec to 100km/hr is slow. Nowadays, we live in a world no <3sec no talk.
yeah, well.. and this coming from someone who drives an iriz that looks even more girlish.. good choice for ya me thinks, NOT..
You do realize this audi has more in common to the huracan than any other audi eh. It made perfect sense if you are bashing the huracan though.
no money no talk, those that talk loudest cannot afford, that;s why v8 dead
Kalau tak untung apahal mau jual?truth hurts.accept it and move on
Auto makers are business entities. They’ll have to make business decisions that make sense to the livelihood of the company. This decision is understandable. Car makers do not exist to address every whim and fancy of every driver that’s interested in their cars.
whatever…a bmw i8 or honda nsx is so much more cooler these days…
If I can afford R8, I also look at the top of the line lor
If I cannot afford, 4 cylinder 1,300 cc also no money to pay lor
That is what I think.
The ditching of manual transmission is something comprehensible, since the trend in the supercar is moving towards automated transmission, as effortless gear changing experience is becoming more popular these days. What is quite strange though is the very poor reception for the V8-engined Audi R8. Because this is not the case for the Porsche 911 range (The RWD Porsche 911 Carrera is still regarded as a high seller as well as the 4WD Porsche 911 Turbo). Maybe if the Audi R8 V8 is offered in RWD guise, the result could be different.
V8 vs V10, expected. who doesn’t want to listen to the sound of V10 engine, and get the performance out of that V10 engine?
the auto gear….well, since even porsche ditched manual gear box for its 911 GT3, it’s not that much of a surprise to me already.
how many of you here love manual transmission hit like, dislike if don’t.
Oh no, dat grille, reminds me to Hyundai. Yes btw, it has so many common parts from Huracan, like the door trim, etc. Even the V10 Plus is actually using the Huracan engine.
This may be the last NA version of R8. Now alot of supercars already moved to forced induction.