Refreshed Audi R8 priced for Mzansi market

The local arm of German carmaker Audi is presenting its refreshed R8 Coupe and Spyder models that are earmarked to officially go on sale from the 1st of April 2021. 

However, some VIP customers have started receiving their products as part of the brand’s strategy. 

Numbers first. The refreshed Audi R8 performance is still powered by that glorious, naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine with 449 kW and 560 Nm of torque. This is enough hurl the Coupé to 100 km/h from rest in 3.2 seconds, while the Spyder tackles the same task a tenth later in 3.3 seconds. 

The self-shifting transmission comes courtesy of a 7-speed, dual clutch gearbox that sends power to all four corners via Audi’s quattro system. It come equipped with three program modes; dry, wet and snow. 

It runs on factory-fitted 20-inch Audi Sport wheels V-spoke Evo design wheels finished in two colour options – titanium (standard) or matte bronze. Buyers can opt for the 20-inch 5-double spoke dynamic style alloy wheel in anthracite black. 

Stopping prowess comes from standard Ceramic brakes with red callipers. Audi offers a front axle stabilizer as an option, which is hewned from carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer and aluminium, and cuts weight at the front axle by around 2 kgs.

The exterior is fitted with a single frame radiator grille that has been made wider and flatter giving the R8 a sharper stance. The new front splitter is also wider than the outgoing model. At the rear, new oval exhaust tailpipes sprout from the bumper. 

There is a standard high-gloss black styling package that adds a black front splitter, sill trims and diffuser and if you like, you can opt to upgrade the exterior look to the gloss carbon RS exterior parts. The Audi rings, as well as badges, are finished in high-gloss black while the mirror housings and side blades get standard carbon treatment. 

New metallic colours; Kemora grey and Ascari blue have been added to the colour palette. The Audi exclusive program, meanwhile, allows customers to have any paint colours blended according to their heart's content. There are LED lights both front and rear, replete with the now Audi signature dynamic turn signals, while Audi laser lights can be optionally specified. 

Inside, the refreshed Audi R8 gets new options such as sports seat with fine Nappa leather and diamond stitching as standard. Customers are able to select between the upholstery colours of red, white or black. A virtual cockpit plus a 12.3-inch display are also standard fare. Other key standard equipment includes a rearview camera, electric and folding exterior mirrors, comfort key access, parking aid plus, R8 sports seats, seat heaters, tyre mobility kit with a pressure monitoring system.

The updated Audi R8 range is priced at R3 336 000 for the Coupé and R3 592 500 for the Spyder variant.