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Audi R8 is face lifted and faster for MY13

Audi R8 MY13 germany1
Facelifted and focused: Changes to R8 include new bodywork and sportier V10

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30 July 2012

 

Facelifted and focused: Changes to R8 include new bodywork and sportier V10

Author:

 ROBIN ROBERTS

Some thought it couldn’t happen, but improved versions of the Audi R8 have been unveiled ahead of their formal launch at the Paris motor show end of September.

 

The models have been titivated inside and out, while a more significant change is the fitting of a new seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch box and a sharper V10 Plus.

There are new bumpers and LED lights front and back, with just two exhausts in each corner as visual cues to the newcomers.

In their hands, the fortunate R8 driver gets a seven-speed autobox instead of the former six-speed version and Audi say the new gearbox decreases CO2 emissions by 22g/km, while cutting 0-62mph sprint times by 0.3sec; the 424bhp 4.2-litre V8 now does 0-62mph in 4.3sec with the V10 version hitting it in 3.6sec.

Alongside them is a more focused V10 Plus, which will be offered in coupé guise only for now

With 24bhp more, so the enhanced 542bhp engine reduces the 0-62mph time to 3.5sec and lifts top speed to 197mph. It gets lightweight alloy wheels, reduced insulation and carbonfibre touches to the exterior to trim weight and handling is tauter with tuned springs and shock absorbers.

Styling differences between the Plus and standard V10 include a carbonfibre front splitter, the mirror housings and air vents. Lightweight bucket seats also feature in the R8 Plus model’s interior.

Audi UK say prices start at £91,575 for the 4.2 R8, with the V10 beginning at £1112,675 and the V10 Plus from £124,675, while automatics are about £2,900 more in each case.

 

Business car lease rates will be fixed shortly and you can see how the range compares in our company car comparisons .

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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