Audi R8 V10 Plus Brings Brand's Halo Car to New Heights

Heralding the latest in a line of respected and revered supercars, Audi announced the R8 V10 Plus today to mark the newest pinnacle in its history of halo cars.

Straight to the point: the latest news from Ingolstadt tells of both mechanical and cosmetic changes to the R8 line. Most notably, the brand will introduce its new seven-speed S tronic transmission to the R8 at all levels. The S Tronic dual clutch transmission replaces the R Tronic single clutch unit previously offered, helping improve both acceleration and emissions in its highest performing range.

Equipped with the seven-speed and 5.2-liter V10, the R8 Plus sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and to the same speed in 4.3 with the less powerful 4.2-liter V8. R8 V10 Plus models, available only as a coupe, will hit 62 mph in 3.5 seconds.

Audi will also equip the latest cars with updated LED headlights, optional LED illumination in the engine compartment, though that feature is standard on the V10 model. Also packaged with the larger engine, customers will find new carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the side scoops and louvers — this will also be included with the V8, though in a smaller size.

Just like the engine compartment, the CFRP pieces will also be illuminated with special LEDs on the faster model. The same CFRP also finds its way into the Spyder model’s soft top compartment lid, further helping the car to shed weight.

All that carbon fiber does wonders for the car’s weight, which in the range-topping V10 comes in at 3461 lbs, which is a 353-lb loss.

Although the pricing Audi released was in Euros and likely to change for the U.S. market, the V8 starts at $136,915 and the V10 Plus at $208,931 converted by today’s rates.