First-generation V8-powered Audi R8.
When it was initially launched, the Audi R8 came with a 4.2-litre V8 motor. This V8 had Audi’s FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) technology, which is basically Audi parlance for direct fuel-injection. Producing almost 420 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, this engine was widely touted to be “one of the best V8 engines in production.” And for all the ‘true drivers’ out there who like shifting gears on their own, the Audi R8 V8 came with a 6-speed manual gearbox with beautiful metallic shift gates. But times have changed since the first-gen R8. For the all-new 2016 R8, Audi has completely dropped the idea of a V8-powered R8 and a manual gearbox. You ask why? Well, it is quite simple. It’s all about demand versus supply.
The 2016 Audi R8 V10 was officially revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
For the latest iteration of the R8, Audi has chosen to go with just one engine – a 5.2-litre normally-aspirated V10 sourced from the Lamborghini Huracan. This engine is available in two states of tune. The base R8 offers a meaty 520 horsepower, while the top-end R8 V10 Plus, gets to play with 610 raging German horses. Also, the new R8 gets just one choice on transmission and that is a 7-speed dual-clutch, affair. This autobox is super fast and super efficient, but it isn’t the same as a manual stick shift. Therefore, those who want an R8 with less than 520 horsepower with a V8 engine, there won’t be any. Similar predicament if you want to shift gears manually, like in Fast & Furious or something. Sorry once again, but there is no such option on the 2016 Audi supercar. You either get an automatic dual-clutch tranny, or you get nothing.
Audi’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is simply, superb!
According to Audi’s Head of Quattro, Heinz Hollerweger, the reason behind the withdrawal of the V8 powerplant and the manual gearbox is simple. As far as Hollerweger is concerned, the demand for an Audi R8 with a V8 engine and manual gearbox was never appreciable. The Quattro chief also noted that the dual-clutch gearbox-equipped R8 is not only faster around a racetrack, but also more popular among buyers of the supercar. Though we see his point, it is hard to fathom that most supercar manufacturers, are opting automatic transmissions over a manual. Yes, these modern and advanced dual-clutch 7 or 8, sometimes even 9-speed systems are super quick to respond and offer a more relaxed driving environment. However, for true racing enthusiasts, are those reasons enough? When asked at the Geneva Motor Show, if Audi is planning on a new V8 engine for the R8, Hollerweger said, “We have no interest in a V8.” Nevertheless, we have no doubt on the success that this supercar will achieve and Audi will sell many of them in years to come.
Source – automobilemag