2016 Audi R8 to launch in India in early-2016 - Report

Based on a new Space Frame construction, and lighter by 50 kg.

According to a report on Autocar India, the 2016 Audi R8, which made its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, will go on sale in India in the early part of 2016.

The second generation of Audi's 'everyday supercar' is offered only with the 5.2-liter V10 engine, which is also seen powering the Lamborghini Huracan; the 4.2-liter V8 is essentially discontinued though Audi has announced an e-tron variant of the new R8 with 455 hp. However, its unlikely for the e-tron to be sold in India.

Instead, the 5.2-liter V10 will be sold in two power states: 540 hp and 610 hp. The latter, more powerful R8 Plus does 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and hits a top-speed of 330 km/h. It is also 10 percent more efficient than the current R8 thanks to an all-new Space Frame which has reduced its weight by 50 kg. With increased use of aluminium and carbon fiber reinforced plastics, not only does the new R8 weigh less, but it is also 40 percent more torsionally rigid.

Standard features on the new R8 include LED headlights (Laser headlights are an optional fitment), dynamic turn indicators, a virtual cockpit system and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Also read: 2016 Audi A3 (facelift) rendered

The second gen R8 will be produced for the globe at a new site in Heilbronn, Germany. It will be imported to India through the CBU route.

Rivals: Mercedes-AMG GT, Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911
Expected Price: INR 1.8-2 crores, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Early-2016 in India

[Source - Autocar India]