Audi Unveils More Powerful Piston, Electric Power for R8 Sports Cars

Volkswagen AG's Audi unit is introducing even more powerful piston- and electric-powered versions of its R8 supercar.

The conventionally powered version now comes equipped with a retuned naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 engine rated at 540 hp or 610 hp. The latter is Audi's most powerful production Audi ever. Both engines deliver power through a 7-speed S tronic transmission linked to a revised all-wheel-drive system that can deliver as much as 100% of available torque to the front or rear wheels.

Audi's second-generation R8 supercar

The second-generation R8, which is as much as 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, can reach 100 kph in 3.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 330 kph (205 mph).

European prices for the piston-powered R8 will range from €165,000 ($185,000) to €187,400 ($210,000) when the car goes on sale there this summer.

The new R8 e-tron electric variant can cover 450 km (280 miles) per charge, more than double the previous range. Power and torque have doubled to 170 kW and 339 lb-ft, respectively. Audi says the updated car can now zip from zero to 100 kph in 3.9 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph.

The electric R8 now comes with an onboard charging system that can handle alternating and direct current. The latter option can recharge the car's 92-kW battery in less than two hours.

Audi also has unveiled a rear-drive R8 LMC race car based on the new architecture. The car's V-10 is virtually identical to the production engine but makes about 585 hp. The racer's body is carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, helping cut vehicle weight to 1,225 kg (2,700 lbs) from 1,555 kg (3,428 lbs) for the production model.