The R8 is certainly one of the brand's defining vehicles and the first of the new units will be landing in South Africa soon. The first iteration of the R8 first made its debut during 2006 and received its name from the 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning R8 Le Mans Prototype. In 2012 the R8 received a facelift, three years later the first-generation or Type 42 ended production to be succeeded by a new model.
Related: Audi R8 V10 plus – First drive impression
In 2015, Audi announced a brand new R8, model name Type 4S. This second-generation R8 was based on a new modular chassis developed by the Volkswagen Automotive Group and saw a host of engine and transmission upgrades applied. The model also incorporated more edgy styling cues with sharper headlamps/tail lamps and grille designs as well as other elements around the vehicle.
Fast forward to 2020 and Audi revealed a facelifted variant of the second-gen R8 and is called the Audi R8 V10 performance quattro. Let us take a closer look at what the new version offers.
1. Wheels
One of the first items you will notice walking around the new iteration is the factory-fitted wheels. As standard customers can expect 20-inch Audi Sport V-spoke Evo design wheels in each corner. The wheels can be specified in one of two colour finishes namely titanium which is the standard or matte bronze.
Customers can also option 20-inch, 5-double spoke dynamic style alloy wheels which comes finished in anthracite black to contrast the vibrant body colours available in the range.
2. Exterior styling
The new R8 still very much resemble the outgoing model, however, Audi has made dramatic changes all around. The upfront the grille is thinner and wider and is complemented by new headlamps. Situated above the grille are three air intake ducts which hark back to early quattro models.
The rear has also been revised to incorporate a 3D mesh pattern which now extends the width of the vehicle in place of the units in the two individual corners on the earlier model. The tailpipes return to a circular design as found on the first generation vehicle, however, is surrounded by large finishers. These flank a redesigned rear diffuser.
The sides remain somewhat similar to a used Audi R8 except for the wheels as noted earlier and new sculpted side skirting that has been applied.
3. Interior
Just like the engine in the new R8 V10 performance offers the same power ratings as the previous generation R8 V10 Plus model, the interior of the new model remains mainly the same except for a few new additions. Customers gain access to newly designed Audi Sports seats finished in Nappa leather and diamond stitching as standard.
Another update in the new R8 is with the MMI infotainment system. The new system only allows the driver to access items and does so in a manner which doesn't require the driver to take their hands off the multifunction steering wheel for most of the functions. All the information is now directed to the updated 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument screen and by pressing the View button on the steering wheel, the driver can switch between information screens.
Another new addition is the Audi phone box and Smartphone Interface. These items simplify smartphone connectivity and enhance the driver's experience. The Audi phone box and Smartphone Interface feature as standard equipment on the new R8 V10 performance.
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