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NEWS
New production facility for next-gen Audi R8
German manufacturer setting up fresh infrastructure to produce its all-new mid-engined supercarAudi is currently honing its next-generation R8 supercar, given that the current model has now been around for almost seven years – notwithstanding a significant upgrade late last year.
According to reports, the second-gen model will be built at a brand-new German facility in Bollinger Hofe, with production set to start in mid-2014. The vehicle is expected on sale later that year, ushering in more power, less weight and a more futuristic design than the existing model.
Among the new design elements are believed to be a fresh interpretation of Audi’s single-frame grille, new matrix-beam LED lights with an updated daytime running light design, and a remodeled version of the R8’s trademark sideblade.
Sources suggest the car’s girth will be trimmed via extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), taking a cue from Audi’s R8 Le Mans Series racecar. Among the elements likely to be fabricated from the lightweight material will be the bonnet and roof panel.
The development work on the R8 e-tron is also expected to pay dividends, as the next-gen R8 will adopt its Multimaterial Spaceframe body to save around 25kg.
Reports suggest Audi is targeting a kerb weight under 1500kg for the new R8, while boosting power by around 20kW for both V8 and V10 models.
The existing R8 V8 ekes out 316 kW and 430Nm, enabling the car to dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300km/h. The 386kW/530Nm V10 model bolts to 100km/h in 3.6sec and has a top speed of 314 km/h.
Expect the new model to record improvements of at least three or four tenths in the 0-100km/h splits, with corresponding gains in handling/braking capabilities.
As for the new 23-hectare production facility, it’s reportedly an ultra-enviro-friendly plant, with rainwater being collected and reused and solar energy used to heat parts of the factory.
The plant will also reduce complexity, enabling all R8 manufacturing to be consolidated under one roof. According to the company, around 250 existing employees will relocate to take on new roles at Bollinger Hofe.
The new R8 will follow closely in the wheeltracks of Lamborghini’s Gallardo replacement, with which its shares much of its architecture.
The new Lambo is expected to debut at the Geneva motor show next March, equipped with a new carbonfibre/aluminium spaceframe and a seven-speed dual-clutch sequential gearbox (replacing the existing car’s somewhat clunky E-Gear unit).
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Written byGautam Sharma
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