[Scorcher]

2013 Audi R8 faceleft has been leaked. Audi seems to be ditching the curvy pearl string design for chiseled cuts in the new-Gen Audis.

As you can see, the mock up has larger air intakes, futuristic LED headlights and a revised grille which echoes the 2012 A5 and A6. According to previous reports, the facelifted model will be launched next year with a 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) 4.2-liter V8 and a 540 PS (397 kW / 533 hp) 5.2-liter V10. Additionally, a seven-speed S-tronic transmission could replace the current R-tronic gearbox.

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[Scorcher]

More details emerge on the new Audi R8,
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We've already reported on the Audi R8 facelift, but new details are starting to emerge about the redesigned model that is due in 2014.
According to Car, the next-generation R8 will have an evolutionary design that eschews the iconic sideblades. This is a bold move, but we can also expect a number of weight saving measures which could enable the vehicle to be 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter than its predecessor.

Engine options remain unconfirmed, but the magazine says there will be a naturally-aspirated V8 with 450 hp (336 kW / 456 PS) as well as a V10 with 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS). Eventually, the V10 could be replaced by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS).

Sadly, the manual transmission will reportedly be dropped.

[theragingbull]

It's sad to see that manual transmission options are being dropped from supercars. First Ferrari did it, then Lamborghini and now the 'budget supercar' maker Audi! I don't understand why manufacturers are now aiming for speed and more horsepower rather than making a car more involving. I'm sure many will agree that the 90s Ferraris and lamborghinis were a lot harder to drive and it was quite a challenge to drive them. These days supercars are so much controlled by hundreds of microprocessors that the 'fun factor' is lost.
Like Richard Hammond said, the LP640 scares you everytime you drive it! But the Aventador OTOH is so easy to drive that it loses out on some fun.
I'd anytime pick up a M/T supercar even though it loses on practicality within the city. I hope M/T cars exist by the time I am capable enough to buy a sports car

[suhaas307]

Originally Posted by theragingbull

It's sad to see that manual transmission options are being dropped from supercars...

...I hope M/T cars exist by the time I am capable enough to buy a sports car

And that's why, Porsches are the best! I know for a fact that Porsche will never ditch the manual-tranny option. They don't make cars with this insatiable quest for high speeds or fastest 0-100 times. They make cars that are as involving to drive as possible. Look at the RS series of 911s. Both the GT2 and GT3 911s don't have the PDK even as an option. It's straight-forward no-nonsense manual transmissions. And no blender-dials that change suspension settings and so on..

Getting back to the topic. This R8 should be quite promising. I like the way the front looks. The grille is reminiscent of the older R8 V10 TDI concept car, if I'm not wrong. I'm really starting to like Audis. They have matured as a manufacturer, and have taken the fight to Mercedes and BMW, in a big way!

[theragingbull]

I agree with you there completely Suhaas. I'm sure the Italians are gonna make the M/T R.I.P few years down the line but Porsche is one manufacturer that will never do this. The 997 GT3 is my favorite Porsche because of pure awesomeness

I wish Audi still gives a M/T option in the R8 but the new model isn't gonna come anytime before 2013 Geneva I guess.

[PlatzdaTurbo]

Originally Posted by theragingbull

I hope M/T cars exist by the time I am capable enough to buy a sports car

M/T or no M/T i hope Audi gets that scintillating TDI from Le Mans into the next R8. Diesel will be the way to go in the future and with cars like the 550d M , its pretty clear manufacturers know where this is heading eventually.
Get that V10 TDI into the R8 and dam, i dont see where it could possibly lack compared to the Gallardo derived R8 v10.
Oh & zohaib ..by the time you & me can afford supercars the tranny would hardly be a problem. Finding space on the streets to drive them would be the REAL issue.

[Scorcher]

Autocar's Facebook page sheds some light on the all new R8.

Next Audi R8 - Superlight, 580bhp; they're going after the Ferrari 458.

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[PlatzdaTurbo]

580bhp & lighter. Serious power there.
Might be able to keep its nose ahead of the 458 in a straight line but it would be completely obliterated on twisties. Am an Audi fan still i feel the R8 would hardly stand a chance where handling is concerned. Might be very good in its own right but not epic like the 458.
I will be very very surprised if i am proved wrong & Audi for heaven's sake please do something about that horrible tranny on the current R8.

[Scorcher]

R8 Facelift caught completely undisguised!

IMO, the current all-LED setup and the projector with pearl-strings setup looks way better. This is way too boxy for the R8's fluid design.

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The Audi R8 is set to get a mid-cycle facelift and our spies have managed to catch a prototype while testing the updates.
As you can see in these pictures, changes will be minor with the only visible modifications being the full LED headlights, a slightly revised front grille as well as remodeled taillights

Power will once again be generated by the existing V8 and V10 units, however, we expect to see a few extra ponies generated from the base unit. Reports have indicated the 4.2-liter V8 engine will produce 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) whilst the 5.2-liter V10 will pump out 540 PS (397 kW / 533 hp). The R-Tronic transmission system is also expected to be replaced by a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox.

The new Audi R8 facelift is scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September.

[suhaas307]

How does one differentiate the new face-lifted R8 V8 from the R8 V10? Earlier, the V8 had quad-pipes, while the V10 had a slightly different grille (front/back) and dual-exhaust pipes.

[AyAn!]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

How does one differentiate the new face-lifted R8 V8 from the R8 V10? Earlier, the V8 had quad-pipes, while the V10 had a slightly different grille (front/back) and dual-exhaust pipes.

I think you're a bit too early with that question.

Though I'm guessing the visual differences between the V8 and the V10 shall continue to be the same considering the "blink it and you miss it" face-lift. This one looks like a V10 Spyder going by the current lineage.

[Abhinav667]

Originally Posted by Scorcher

R8 Facelift caught completely undisguised!

IMO, the current all-LED setup and the projector with pearl-strings setup looks way better. This is way too boxy for the R8's fluid design.

Source

It is here!

SOURCE: Audi Reveals 2013 R8 Facelift, Debuts New 7-Speed S Tronic and 542HP V10 Plus Edition [w/Videos] - Carscoop

After more than a year's worth of prototypes testing around Europe, Audi lifted the covers off the 2013 model year R8 facelift in advance of its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September.
So what's new about the 2013 R8 Coupe and Roadster models?

Well, if you want the short story, the R8 benefits from some minor cosmetic tweaks both inside and out, the addition of a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission that replaces the 6-speed automated manual R tronic, and a new range-topping and lighter V10 Plus model with 542-horses, which is available solely in Coupe guise.

In more detail, the 2013 model features a revamped fascia with new LED headlamps (standard on all versions), a six-point single-frame grille with horizontal chrome inserts adorning the struts on the V10 variant, and a redesigned bumper with the air inlets bearing three crossbars each.

At the back, the R8 sports a new set of LED taillights, a different 'R8' logo, a restyled diffuser, air outlets with three slats on each corner and two new round tailpipes on all engine versions.

The interior changes are limited to some minor modifications to the trim, the needles in the instrument cluster and the shift paddles. Available options include a diamond-stitched, Fine Nappa full-leather treatment for the seats, door panels and the headlining.

While both the base 4.2-liter V8 with 424hp (430PS) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft), and the 5.2-liter V10 rated at 518hp (525PS) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) remained unchanged, Audi has replaced the outgoing model's 6-speed automated manual R tronic with a new 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission.

Audi says the 7-Speed S tronic has reduced CO2 emissions by up to 22 grams/km (35.41 g/mile) and decreased the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) by three-tenths of a second. A six-speed manual gearbox is also offered.

The R8 V8 Coupe with S tronic accelerates from rest to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.3 seconds and tops out at 300km/h (186mph), while the R8 V10 with S tronic completes the sprint in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 314 km/h (195mph).

For 2013, there's also a new "Wave" design for the brake disks that lowers the weight overall by about two kilograms (4.41 lb) compared with round disks of the same dimensions.

The overhauled R8 rolls on larger wheels size 18-inch with tires sizes 235/40 front and 285/35 rear for the V8, and 19-inch rims shod in tires 235/35 and 295/30 for the V10 models.

The new addition to the range is the V10 Plus, which is essentially a replacement to the 560hp GT models, the production of which was limited to 333 examples for each body style. The V10 Plus edition, however, will be offered only as a coupe.

The flagship model of the R8 series is powered by a tweaked 5.2-liter V10 engine churning out 542-horsepower (550PS) and a peak torque of 540Nm (398 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm.

With S tronic, the all-wheel drive R8 V10 Plus goes from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 3.5 seconds and tops out at 317 km/h (197 mph). It has an average fuel consumption of 12.9lt/100km (18.2 US mpg).

The key data for the 6-speed manual transmission model are 3.8 seconds, 319 km/h (198 mph) and 14.9 liters (15.79 US mpg) respectively.

Thanks to the bucket seats with glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) chassis, reduced use of insulating materials, special light alloy wheels and chassis components, including the standard ceramic brakes, as well the CFRP add-on parts on the body, the V10 Plus tips the scales at 1,570 kg (3461 lbs) or just 10kg (22 pounds) more than the V8 Coupe with a manual gearbox.

The V10 Plus model also gets specially tuned springs and shock absorbers, different camber values on the front axle, and standard magnetic ride adaptive damping.

You can distinguish the V10 Plus from its lesser coupe siblings by the carbon fiber package that adds a front splitter, mirror housings, wider side blades and air vents. In addition, the vent louvers next to the rear window, the 19-inch alloy wheels, the larger rear diffuser and the twin exhaust pipes are finished in black.

Other features include the CFRP lining and LED lighting for the engine compartment, and bucket seats with prominent side sections for better lateral support.

Was never really an R8 fan, but this one looks quite bad-@ss.

[Ford5]

Still looks like porky pig. The Ferrari 458 and the Mc mp4 are'nt porky pigs to look at.

[Scorcher]

Some more pics of the new R8.

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[extreme_torque]

Have never really liked R8's styling and dont like this one either.