Audi launches revised R8

Audi has revealed the revised R8 which gets a host of improvements plus the addition of a new top of the range model - the 550PS V10 plus. The other big news is the introduction of an S tronic gearbox to replace the often maligned R tronic. Prices start at £91,575 and it's available to order from August with the first cars arriving in early 2013.

Changes on the outside of the revised model are minimal but it gets all-LED headlights as standard along with a new strip-shaped daytime running light design. Static cornering lights are also integrated into the headlights. At the back there are new LED light clusters which include indicators which appear to 'sweep' from the inside outward. Elsewhere there's a new badge, redesigned bumpers and a repositioned rear diffuser.

There are also changed under the skin including the new S tronic gearbox. Available as an option on both V8 and V10 models, the new seven-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox delivers shifts that occur within hundredths of a second and improves both fuel economy and acceleration. Steering wheel paddle shifts are standard plus there's a launch control function which manages engine speed and traction to give the quickest possible acceleration.

Inside, the instrument cluster has been redesigned while the gear shift paddles have been further improved. The centre console, the surround for the radio/navigation system and the handbrake lever are now wrapped with stitched leather. Standard equipment levels have been improved with V8 models getting all-LED headlights, new design 19-inch alloy wheels. the Audi Music Interface (iPod connection), satellite navigation, Bluetooth and heated seats.

At the top of the new R8 range is the new V10 plus which produces 550PS with maximum torque of 540Nm and has a 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds along with a top speed of 197mph when fitted with the new S tronic transmission. Fuel economy is 21.9mpg. The manual version is slightly slower at 3.8 seconds to 62mph and returns an average of 19mpg.

The V10 plus gets a host of motorsport-inspired features such as carbon fibre ceramic brake discs along with an electronic stabilisation control system with a sports mode that can also be fully deactivated. There is also a weight-saving carbon fibre front splitter and carbon fibre side blades. The engine, still visible through the rear window, is trimmed in carbon fibre and and illuminated by LEDs –  a feature also available at extra cost for all other models.

Under the skin it gets double aluminium wishbones while the springs, shock absorbers and front suspension geometry have been specially tuned. Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping, which has a normal and sports mode - is standard for the R8 V10 and optional for the V8 variants.

The new R8 comes in two solid colours - Ibis White and Brilliant Red - with four metallic and five pearl effect options. An additional matt effect colour is available exclusively for the R8 V10 plus. The side blades on the Coupe are offered in a choice of eight colours, while the Spyder’s soft top can be finished in either black, red or brown.