Next-Gen Audi R8 to Shed 130 Lbs.
After rolling out continued improvements to its R8 sports car, Audi will aim to give its next-gen model a big performance boost thanks to a significant diet.
Even though the current R8’s frame is constructed from lightweight aluminum, the next-generation model will still see an impressive weight savings of 110 to 130 lbs thanks to carbon fiber used for the floorboard and center tunnel. The news comes from Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi’s head of technical development.
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The 2014 Audi R8 recently got an update in the powertrain department tossing out its old R-tronic single-clutch automatic transmission for an S-tronic dual-clutch box. Hackenburg was asked if the manual transmission will continue to live on with the next-generation R8 but managed to dodge the question by speaking on the benefits of the dual-clutch transmission. It’s likely that the next-generation R8 will still have V8 and V10 powertrain options, though we expect an upgrade in the performance department.
The Lamborghini Cabrera, which will share its frame with the next-generation R8 is due to arrive late next year. So expect more information on the second-generation R8 around the same time.
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[Source: Motor Trend]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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