What it is: Featuring a choice of two V-10 engines, the redesigned 2017 R8 may look a lot like the old one, but underneath is an all-new chassis that’s more than 100 pounds lighter than the outgoing model; it makes extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber. New for 2017 The R8 has been redesigned for the 2017 model year. Exterior The styling is definitely an evolution of the original R8. Dimensions are similar, but the 2017 R8’s track is 1.6 inches wider, which should result in some even more stable handling (not that the old R8 needed any help in that department). Full LED headlights are available. The rest of the car looks remarkably similar to the old one, right down to the contrast color “side blades” that carry over as well. Interior Some much-needed attention was given to the R8’s interior, and more than a few pages were taken out of the TT’s design book. Gone is the central display screen present in just about every other car on the road (except the TT); it’s relocated to a large gauge cluster screen behind the steering wheel.
It is a reconfigurable driver-centric system Audi calls a virtual cockpit. The 12.3-inch display is controlled by the driver using steering-wheel buttons or duplicated controls on the center console. The Audi MMI monitor in the dashboard is no longer available, with climate control now controlled by three dedicated knobs. Given that oftentimes passengers are called upon to operate items like navigation or audio systems, we’re not entirely sure this new configuration is a step in the right direction. Under the Hood While more powertrains are expected to arrive, such as a V-8 engine for lesser trim levels, at launch Audi has chosen to show the top-spec R8 V10 models. The standard V-10-equipped model features a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 engine mounted behind the passengers making 540 horsepower and good for a 3.5-second zero-to-60-mph time, according to Audi. Step up to the R8 V10 Plus model and power gets bumped up to 610 hp while that zero-to-60 time drops to just 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph, making it the fastest production Audi ever made.
Both cars deliver power through a permanent all-wheel-drive system, which is able to send 100 percent of available torque to either the front or rear axle as needed. A seven-speed S-tronic automatic transmission with selectable drive modes is standard.
