My-Dream-Cars reviews : Audi R8 2009
There are no compromises when it comes to the finest sports car engineering. Technical precision and performance must be pushed to the limits – and beyond. From the days of Auto Union to the present, Audi engineers have continued to push back the boundaries in motorsport. The result is a sports car with an unmistakable design and a champion’s DNA. With the new Audi R8, our developers and designers have built a car that epitomises Audi’s quest for perfection.

The Audi R8 is a synonym for fascinating design, outstanding performance and ground-breaking technology such as the mid-mounted engine and the Audi Space Frame. A fascinating for sports cars and the wealth of experience gathered in motosport are expressed in the Audi R8 and ensure unlimited driving pleasure.

The 2009 R8 is a 2-door, 2-passenger sports coupe, available in two trims, the Coupe quattro and the Coupe quattro with Auto R tronic. Upon introduction, the Coupe quattro is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 420-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. The Coupe quattro with Auto R tronic is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 420-horsepower engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

PERFORMANCE

4.2 420HP FSI-V8 Engine

The mid-mounted V8 engine with 4.2 liter displacement and DOHC FSI technology produces 420HP and accelerates the Audi R8 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The maximum torque of 317 lb-ft delivers breathtaking thrust. The top speed is 187 mph. But ultimately these numbers merely prepare the ground for something that is impossible to express in numbers : the supreme driving experience. V8 spark-ignition engine with FSI direct injection, DOHC technology, two light-alloy cylinder heads both with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), two inlet valves, two sodium-cooled exhaust valves, intake manifold with integrated charge movement and naturally-aspirated high-revving setup to 8250 rpm.

Audi Magnetic Ride
Adaptive suspension that varies damping automatically and continuously in response to the driving situation. Custom chassis settings: Sport or Standard.

Audi Space Frame – ASF
Audi was the first brand to use aluminum to manufcture production car bodies. This is a new-generation, high-strength Audi space frame ASF made from aluminum and magnesium which offers extreme rigidity and minimal weight and has been develop specially for the R8.

Disc brakes
Eight-piston brake calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.

Dry-sump lubrication
Dry-sump lubrication is the quintessence of racing technology. It keeps the crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods lubricated without interruption even under very high longitudinal and lateral forces of acceleration. Because when a collecting tray is used, the oil is forced up against the sides of the tray by the lateral forces that occur when cornering. The consequence is that the pressure pump is undersupplied and there is a risk of the oil lubricating film losing its intactness. By contrast, with dry-sump lubrication the absence of the collecting reservoir means that the pressure pump is always very well supplied with oil, even at high cornering speeds.

Four-link suspension
The four-link independent suspension at both sets of wheels allows for the functional seperation of the cushioning of longitudinal and transverse forces. Not only is comfort enhanced, but directional stability and a sporty road behavior are fully maintained.

Manual six-speed transmission
The gearing of the mecanical 6-speed manual gearbox with a dry double plate clutch is matched exactly to the engine and driving performance of the Audi R8. This allows for the engine’s torque to be transmitted to the wheels over almost the entire range of gear ratios and engine speeds.

Audi’s legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive has had over 25-years of long tradition. The idea is simple enough: Transfer power from front to back and side to side as needed. After all, a wheel spinning is wasted motion. Along with better performance, quattro provides high levels of active safety and improved traction on virtually all surfaces. Rear-wheel drive oriented driving feeling, excellent acceleration, superb stability without sacrificing one bit of the high level of active safety with witch quattro has become synonymous.

R tronic transmission
An automated 6-speed manual gearbox combines the sportiness of a manual gearbox with the advantages of an automatic. Shfting is performed with the joystick gear lever or with manual shft paddles mounted on the steering wheel. A sport mode shift program further accentuated this motorsport oriented gear-shifting.

Servotronic Steering
Servotronic is speed-dependent power steering in which the amount of servo assist provided is dictated by road speed. It is direct, precise and responsive, designed to satisfy the active driver’s needs at all speeds.

DIMENSIONS

EXTERIOR

BI-XENON Headlights : These headlights use gas-discharge lamps that are electrically controlled. The result is a bright arc that serves as an excellent light source to illuminate the road.

carbon sigma engine compatrment cover : Engulfs the visible, mid-mounted engine compartment in the aggressive look of carbon sigma.

Carbon sigma sideblade : The aggressive look of carbon sigma on the signature sideblades gives the Audi R8 an individualistic appearance.

Contrast color sideblade : the distinct sideblades on the R8 give the exterior a unique and sporty look.

LED daytime running lights : Various studies and the NHTSA recommend the use of daytime running lights, to improve driver visibility to oncoming traffic during the day. When the low-beam headlights are switched on by the light sensor or rain sensor, the daytime driving lights remain on but are dimmed to the brightness of side lights.

LED lighting : Light-emitteing diodes (LEDs) have a whole series of technical advantages over conventional bulbs, the most important being their activation speed and their long service life. The R8 features LED lighting within the daytime running lights, engine compartment, brake lights, side turn indicatiors in exterior mirrors and third brake light.

Oxygent Silver sideblade : A distinctive sideblade option that creates a unique optic.

Power adjustable and heated exterior mirrors : The heated mirrors provide extra comfort and safety to the exterior of the R8.

Reinforced bumpers : Special reinforced bumpers are dynamically designed for optimum appearance and added safety.

Retractable rear spoiler : The retractable rear spoiler automatically extends at 65 mph and retracts at 20 mph. This sporty and aerodynamics-enhancing feature of the R8 can also be operated manually.

Single frame grille in high-gloss black : The high-gloss black grille adds to the dynamic design and impressive stance of the R8.

Twin tailpipes : The four-branch exhaust system with twin tailpipes on the left and right are standard exterior features of the R8, demonstrating the vehicle’s power.

Wheels: 19″ five-double-spoke cast alloy, this progressivelly-designed wheel is the perfect complement to the sporty and powerful Audi R8. The light weight alloy helps to improve driving dynamics.

Wheels: 19″ five-double-spoke polished alloy, this progressively-designed wheel is the perfect complement to the sporty and powerful Audi R8. The light weight alloy helps to improve driving dynamics. The optional polished alloy finish is new for 2009.

INTERIOR

Alcantara headliner in black : Alcantara is a revolutionary suede-like fabric that is soft to the touch, colorful, comfortable, durable, easy to maintain, versatile, and unique.

Aluminum-optic applications :  The quality of materials and craftsmanship of the R8 interior are highlighted by the elegant and sporty aluminum-optic applications throughout the vehicle including the gear knob and shift gate.

Auto-dimming, anti-glare interior mirror compass with light/rain sensor : The rear view mirror with automatic dimming recognizes glaringly bright beams behind the car and darkens the mirror glass automatically. An electronic control unit varies the darkening effect quickly and continuously according to actual ambient light conditions. Vehicle direction is conveniently displayed in the corner of the mirror.

Automatic Climate Control :
-CFC-free
-Ambient light-sensor that will adjust the systems temperature to the sun’s intensity.
-Electronic air temperature
-Volume and distribution control
-Recirculated air operating mode
-Active charcoal filter.

Carbon sigma trim : Aggressive carbon sigma trim across the doors and dash.

Heated and 10-way power driver and front passenger seats : The multi-level seat heating system is designed to heat the entire surface of the seat, warming can be initiated with a convenient switch. Includes heated side sections.

Multi-fuction three-spoke flat-bottom leather-wrapped sport steering wheel : The multi-fuction steering wheel provides easy access to audio volume, radio stations, CD tracks, navigation voice prompts, telephone dialing and the voice control system. Includes shift paddles with R tronic.

The sports seats offer greater lateral support thanks to more prominent side sections. The seat functions include an electric lumber support, and belt height adjustment and are accented by leather/Alcantara surfaces.

SAFETY

Advanced anti-theft vehicle alarm system : Includes theft deterrent light in driver’s door; an immobilizer that prevents engine start when key with automatically changing electronic code feature is not used; and backup horn.

Airbags : Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all accident circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.
-Full-size dual threshold airbags for driver and front passenger
-Driver and front passenger seat-mounted chest side airbags
-Driver and front passenger knee airbags

Audi backguard system : If the car is struck from rear, the seat is shaped to restrain the occupant’s upper body and support the head at an early stage.

Central Locking System : A radio remote control is the most convenient way to lock and unlock the car. The central locking (with safety code) system (doors and luggage compartment lid) can be operated a considerable distance from the car. The features integrated into the ignition key are a practical helper, particulary at night (interior lights come on automatically when doors are unlocked), or in bad weather.

Crash sensor : If crash sensor is activated, the following will happend automatically:
-Central locking automatically unlocks doors
-Interior lightning is switched on
-Fuel pump and engine are switched off
-Hazard warning lights are switched on

ESP : The Electrical Stabilization Program (ESP) allows your Audi to maximize control in adverse conditions, or where it may be at its handling limit. By employing a number of safety systems, including ABS (Anti-Locked Braking), EBD (Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution), EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) and ASR (Traction Control) in a fraction of a second, your R8 helps you avoid many dangerous driving scenarios.

Extremely rigid bodyshell : The Audi R8 body is built with a highly rigid occupant cell.

Safety belts : Three-point inertia-reel seat-belts with belt-tensioners and force limiters for all occupants.

Side impact protection : Reinforced high strength steel/aluminum crossmembers, reinforced bumpers, and rigid occupant cell.

Tool kit : The tool kit lets the driver perform simple servicing tasks such as changing tires. It contains all the necessary items including the jack, screwdriver and wrenches as well as wheel mounting aid and tow-rope eye.

My-Dream-Cars reviews : Audi R8 2009