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Spy shots: Audi testing special R8 GT 
Our spy photographers have just sent us the most interesting spy shots. We say interesting because they reveal a strangely looking Audi R8 GT. Why strange you will ask? Well, the answer is quite simple: because at a first look it looks like a normal GT, but at a second look you will notice some special features. These special features include an air outlet on the hood similar to the one on the GT3 racecar, the winglets on the front spoiler are bigger when compared to the GT and the rear wing is also clearly bigger. So, what are we looking at: an updated version of the R8 GT or just another special edition? It could be an update considering the entire R8 line-up has been recently updated, but we can not say that for sure. So, until Audi decides to offer us some more clues we will just have to wait. Stay tuned!
2012 Audi R8 by Autodynamica
For 30 years now, Autodynamica has been taking some of the hottest supercars on the market and turning them into some of the most awesome cars on the road. The latest monster to come rumbling out of Autodynamica’s shop is an impressively modified Audi R8. Now, the R8 4.2 is already a wonderful piece of German engineering, so not much can be done to make it even better. Straight from the factory, it features a 4.2-liter V-8 engine that punches out 420 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. With all of that power and torque, Audi’s famed Quattro system, and a 3,605 curb weight, the R8 can not 60 mph in an impressive 4.5 seconds. So how exactly does Autodynamica plan on making this awesome coupe better than it already is? Click past the jump to read our full review and find out if and how Autodynamica made this already sweet machine a little sweeter. Full story 2013 Audi R8 "PD GT850" by Prior Design
This isn’t Prior Design’s first go-around with the Audi R8, but their tuning packages for the beautiful sports car just keep getting better and better. Their latest package can be applied to both V8 and V10 versions and adds a noticeable look and spectacular driving performance to the already stunning sports car. The PD-GT850 tuning kit transforms the standard R8 into a brutal racing style car with an entirely revised front end. There’s a new front apron and an integrated carbon spoiler, as well as two air inlet covers with two carbon struts each and an integrated air outlet with four plates for better engine cooling. The most noticeable thing about the PD-GT850 kit is that it transforms the R8 into a much wider car with the use of new front mudguards and wide, carbon fiber alternative side covers. The side of the car has also received aerodynamically formed side sills with four LED lamps. The package ends with a massive rear spoiler and a new rear apron with an integrated carbon diffuser and lateral air inlets. These changes will set customers back a total of 24,900 euro, or about $32,200 at the current exchange rates. For an additional 9,900 euro (about $12,800 at the current rates), the tuner will also add a new set of 3-part, 20" ADV1 Concave-wheels with Continental tires (265/30R20 for the front and 325/25R20 for the rear). Engine modifications can also be had with the PD GT850 program, including a special sports exhaust system with flap control for an extra 2,699 euro (about $3,500 at current rates) and an increased power output to 475 HP from 420 HP for 5,900 euro (about $7,600 at current rates). Customers can get more power by opting for the compressor conversion which will net them an even more impressive 565 HP. Pricing for that conversion has not been released. As Expected, Audi Planning to Use Digital Rear-View Mirrors in Production Models
Back in May, we announced that Audi was eliminating the traditional rearview mirror from its R18 Le Mans cars, due to its lack of rearward-facing glass. We also made it clear that a lot of additions to new cars come from successful experiences in the racing world. Well, the R18s ended up garnering a 1-2-3 finish in that race. As expected, with success comes commercialization, and Audi has announced that its upcoming R8 e-tron will boast this digital mirror technology. This system will consist of a 7.7-inch AMOLED screen mounted in the traditional mirror’s spot. The “mirror” uses a rear-mounted camera to send a video feed, giving the driver a slightly wider field of vision than the average rearview mirror. Here’s the issue though, the NHTSA’s law book still requires a mirror made from reflective glass to be mounted to all passenger cars. The law specifically states “Each passenger car shall have an inside rearview mirror of unit magnification” and it defines a “unit magnification” as “a plane or flat mirror with a reflective surface through which the angular height and width of the image of an object is equal to the angular height and width of the object when viewed directly at the same distance except for flaws that do not exceed normal manufacturing tolerances. For the purposes of this regulation a prismatic day-night adjustment rearview mirror one of whose positions provides unit magnification is considered a unit magnification mirror. ” The issue is in the verbiage is that the phrase “ a plane or flat mirror with a reflective surface...” eliminates an LED screen, as it is not a reflective surface. Now, the law becomes nullified is the car comes with side-view mirrors that have 49 square-inches of reflective surface and offer a complete view of the rear end of the vehicle. Those mirrors would be huge for this supercar, so we doubt that exemption will be valid. We’ll have to see exactly how Audi plans to get around this, or if the NHTSA makes adjustments to its laws. Click past the jump to read Audi’s press release. 2012 Audi R8 Exclusive Selection Edition
Audi has already launched the 2013 R8 line-up, but these models won’t arrive on the US market until the end of 2012. Until that happens, American customers will have to make due with a series of Exclusive Selection Editions created exclusively for the U.S. market. These editions will be based on both the V8 and V10 models and will be limited to just twenty units for the V8 and thirty for the V10. No changes were made in terms of power, but the new Exclusive Selection Edition will be distinguished by a choice of new exterior colors and stunning exclusive interior finishes. For the V8 version, Audi will debut a special Daytona Gray matte paint combined with a carbon fiber exterior splitter and diffuser, 19" titanium five-arm double spoke wheels, a black grille surround, black exhaust finishers, R8 GT tail lamps, and red brake calipers. For the interior, there will be an exclusive leather package with Crimson Red elements and contrast stitching, exclusive leather Navigation surround, and a thicker contoured leather multifunctional steering wheel for a sportier grip. The V10 version will be offered in either Ibis White or Brilliant Black finishes, combined with R8 GT tail lamps and 19" bi-color e-tron wheels. For the interior, the Exclusive R8 will get a carbon fiber monoposto driver’s cockpit, an exclusive leather Navigation surround, and a contoured steering wheel. Prices for the new Audi R8 Exclusive Selection Edition will depend on the engine and transmission chosen. For the V8 models, it will be $137,700 for the R8 V8 with a manual transmission and $146,800 for the R8 V8 with an R tronic transmission. The V10 model follows along the same trend with a $161,500 price tag for the R8 V10 with a manual transmission and $170,600 for the R8 V10 equipped with the R tronic transmission . 2013 Audi R8 E-TronAfter the E-tron concept and the E-tron Detroit Show car, Audi has brought us the e-tron technology platform based on the R8 from the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This has turned out to be more than just a publicity stunt or science experiment. Audi is serious about bringing this car to market and has taken the time to develop a completely new ideology behind this electric R8 and the normal gasoline version. Having the exterior design of the car already completed and in supercar form it was an easier job for the Audi engineers to develop an electric version than if they would have had to start from scratch. The mid-engine design of the R8 provides the perfect location to store heavy batteries without distorting the weight balance that Audi wanted to achieve. In essence, this electric version should be able to compete on the same levels as its V8 and V10 brothers, but will it be as exhilarating? That all depends on what the driver sees as excitement – The V10 version will provide an unbridled amount of power and harmonious soundtrack to go along with it, but the electric version will incorporate some of the most innovative technology available today. Being able to reach high top speeds in the least amount of time is the most important thing that a sports car can deliver, if it can do it by using batteries than we don’t really see a problem. If Audi can truly create an exciting Quattro experience with its new E-Tron R8 than they will have accomplished something truly special in this emerging market. UPDATE 06/29/2012: Even though the Audi R8 e-tron hasn’t officially been launched yet, it is already a world record breaker. With a lap time of 8:09.099 minutes, the R8 e-tron has just become the fastest production vehicle with an electric drive system around the Nurburgring. The car was driven to success by racing driver Markus Winkelhock. "The R8 e-tron has given a magnificent demonstration of its potential on the toughest race track in the world," said Michael Dick, Audi AG Board Member for Technical Development. Dick, who completed a fast lap himself in the R8 e-tron, added: "The record-setting drive confirmed that we are on the right track. To us, electric mobility has never been about sacrifice, but rather is about emotion, sportiness and driving pleasure." UPDATE 08/07/2012: It’s been a little over a month since the Audi R8 e-Tron lapped the Nurburgring in record time (see previous update), but Audi has just released the video of the epic achievement. Check out Markus Winkelhock and the Audi R8 e-Tron as the record is created by clicking on the image above. Hit the jump for more details on the Audi R8 E-Tron. Full story 2013 Audi R8 V10
Audi has finally let us in on its big secret regarding the upcoming 2013 R8. Audi had to tread very carefully with the redesign of the R8, as to not disturb the water too much and scare away the easily spooked sports car lovers. Many auto manufacturers have made the mistake of fully revamping a lineup, only to have traditionalists hate it (see: Toyota MR2 Spyder, Mazda RX-8, and Ford Mustang II). Audi’s approach in this changeover seems more like a refresh than a complete redesign, as all of the changes to the R8 V10 coupe are minor nips and tucks here and there. Then again, we all know that a nip here and a tuck there can eventually turn into on gigantic facelift nightmare, so we need to really pull apart this refreshed R8 and see what’s doing and whether it can still hang with the likes of Porsche or if it will go the route of the Ford Mustang Pinto and be forever loathed, except by a few enthusiasts. Updated 08/30/2012: Audi has unveiled today a new set of images for the facelift version of the R8 V10 sports car. Check the picture gallery to see them! Click past the jump to have a look at the new Audi R8 V10 and see if it still stacks up to the competition. Full story 2013 Audi R8 V10 Spyder
In a span of 24 hours, Audi has dropped not one, not two, not three, not four, but five new variants of their mighty supercar, the R8. So even if the new lot of R8 models have descended upon us in record-breaking fashion, you won’t find any complaints from us. As a matter of fact, we love it! For this particular space, the onus is on the R8 V10 Spyder, considered the sexiest of them all thanks to its rich looks, throaty power, and yes, that fold-able top. Unlike the coupe versions of the R8, the R8 Spyder can dress up in more ways than one. And trust us, that’s a very good thing. In any case, the new R8 family does have plenty of surprises, including new aesthetic features, a plushier interior, and engine upgrades that will literally give you that proverbial "I-want-me-some-of-that" itch. Don’t’ feel too bad though because we’ve been scratching for quite some time now so you’re certainly not alone. Updated 08/30/2012: Today we have added a new set of images for the facelift version of the Audi R8 V10 Spyder. Check the picture gallery to see them all. Find out more about the Audi R8 V10 Spyder after the jump. Full story 2013 Audi R8 SpyderAudi recently released a ton of information on its upcoming 2013 lineup, but left off the R8, which led us to think that something big was coming up. With just a few days past, we have just learned exactly what big things Audi has in store for the 2013 R8. The R8 has always been a rather stunning-looking car, so our hopes were that Audi did not completely scrap the design and start all over again. Fortunately, our wishes were granted, as the initial images we have received show a car that is only slightly different than the one we see now. The changes were very mild and in places that the current-gen R8 was lacking a little. The ultimate test is to dissect the images and information that we have available and see if these subtle changes were for the better or worse. Hit the jump for the full review. Full story
2014 Audi R8 V8 CoupeThe Audi R8 was first launched back in 2007 and even though it has remained successful throughout its many years on the market, Audi has just released an update for the entire R8 line-up before its new generation is debuted in 2015. The new R8 went on sale in Europe at the end of 2012, while American customers had to wait a little bit longer. The biggest change for the new Audi R8 V8 has been made under the hood where the V8 engine has been tricked to deliver an extra 10 horsepower over the previous version. There is also a new 7-speed S tronic gearbox. Exterior updates are minimal and include a new front bumper and single-frame grille. UPDATE 04/11/2013: Audi USA announced today prices for the revised R8 set to go on sale today, April 11th, 2013. Prices for the base R8 version start at $114,900 and go up to $179,645 for the R8 V10 Plus equipped with the S-tronic gearbox. Full prices after the jump. UPDATE 05/10/2013: Audi has unveiled a new video revealing how the facelifted R8 is being "handcrafted" at the company’s factory in Neckarsulm. Enjoy! Full story | Audi R8 latest reviews:
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