Audi R8 being overdue for an update. The car looks as stunning today as when it was introduced as the Le Mans Quattro Concept during the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show. Then again, that concept rolled onstage nearly a decade ago, and the production model has been on sale for approximately six years now. While we love the shape of this mid-engine 2-passenger speed machine, there is definitely some room for improvement. One thing Audi isn’t messing with is the overall design; the R8 test mule caught by our spy photographers sports a new front and rear fascia. The shape of the headlights and taillights has been revised, though this prototype looks remarkably similar to the outgoing model.
Audi is almost guaranteed to dump the dim-witted R-tronic sequential gearbox for its much more refined S-tronic dual clutch transmission. The optional R-tronic has routinely been criticized for being balky and slow to shift. An improved automatic transmission should improve performance and even eke out a few more miles per gallon – not that you buy an R8 for its fuel savings. A 6-speed manual will also be available. The 430-bhp 4.2-liter V-8, along with the optional 525-bhp 5.2-liter V-10, should be mostly carryover, though both motors are likely to have a bit more power than before.
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