Leaner, Meaner Gen 2 Audi R8 Debuts in Geneva

The Audi R8 is, I have to say, one of my favorite supercars. It’s got the perfect size (lots of supercars, even the ones I like a lot, are far too big), handsome styling, and a V10 that at full howl reminds me a lot of Formula 1’s glorious “V10 era.” The fact that it has Lamborghini design DNA (it’s virtually a mechanical twin to the now-discontinued Gallardo) only makes it more desirable.

Well, Audi has introduced the second-generation R8, and it’s leaner and meaner than the first one.

The new R8 is lighter than the outgoing car, which outweighs it by somewhere north of 100 lbs. Audi achieved the weight savings by redesigning the aluminum space frame; the new chassis boasts carbon fiber B-pillars, central tunnel, and rear firewall.

The second-generation Audi’s looks are obviously updated as well, but its visual impact is slightly different compared to its older brother. Lower, wider, yet shorter front-to-back than the first R8, the new car is also more chiseled and angular than even the original. This is clearest in the rear of the car. This thing’s got a harder-toned backside than the original R8. Another clear departure from the first R8’s aesthetics is the treatment of the vents under the both the headlights and the taillights: the new car has these openings covered up with a mesh grille, while the older version had horizontal slats. The visual effect is less graceful, perhaps, but it’s also definitely more aggressive.

The new car’s V10 remains at 5.2 liters displacement, but it produces more power (540 bhp for the standard V10 model, a whopping 620 bhp for the V10 Plus version) and torque (398 lb/ft for the V10, 413 lb/ft for the V10 Plus) than the outgoing model. As ever, this new super Audi will have all-wheel drive; the AWD system can dynamically allocate torque to any of its four wheels depending on conditions.

While old-school drivers may lament the loss of the first R8’s fully-manual stick shift transmission option, the new car does boast a dual-clutch seven-speed auto ‘box. This gearbox unit will be the only transmission option fitted to all versions of the R8.

The new R8 still does have some Lamborghini DNA in it; it is a close mechanical cousin to the Huracan, which we’ve mentioned here at Techgage previously. But Audi’s newest does have some unique features as well. Specifically, its front differential is water-cooled. The Huracan’s is not.

The Gen 2 Audi R8 makes its public debut at the Geneva Auto Show this week. And, like the original, I’m in love with it as well.