Audi reveals refreshed 2013 R8 lineup [w/video]

     

It's hard to believe that Audi launched the R8 a full seven years ago. Since that time, the automaker has kept the two-seat sports car fresh with several changes including the addition of the roofless Spyder, an optional V10 and the sportier GT model, but now Audi has determined that it's finally time for the model's first full-on refresh. Today, Audi revealed the revamped 2013 R8 lineup, highlighted by subtle styling changes, a seven-speed S-tronic transmission (no more dreadful R-tronic!) and a new flagship V10 Plus model.


It takes a keen eye to pick out the design changes to the new R8, the most prominent being the redesigned LED headlights and taillights that come standard on all models. Audi has also revised the front bumper and grille, and out back, there's a larger diffuser and new circular tailpipes.


Perhaps the biggest change to the R8 for 2013 is the addition of the new seven-speed S-tronic transmission that utilizes two mult-plate clutches. Each clutch engages with two independent sub-transmissions and alternately select gears, resulting in smoother shifts that take mere hundredths of as second. Thankfully, a six-speed manual is still offered, although Audi claims that the car equipped with the S-tronic is actually faster to 60 miles per hour by three-tenths of a second in all models.

A new R8 V10 Plus arrives at the flagship model, featuring the same carbon fiber reinforced plastic used on the R8 GT. The front splitter, mirrors, side blades, rear diffuser and lining for the engine compartment are all constructed of the lightweight material. The 5.2-liter V10 has also been slightly improved compared to the standard V10 model, producing 550 horsepower and 398 pound-feet torque.


European models will start rolling off the line at the end of this year, and while Audi has not mentioned U.S. availability or pricing, we expect our version of the R8 to follow very shortly thereafter

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Audi adds 420-HP 4.0T V8 to A8, upgraded 3.0L TDI to Q7 for 2013

     

The Audi A8 will be ditching its tried-and-true naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine for the 2013 model year. Instead, the automaker is fitting its flagship sedan with the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that's also being used in the S6 and S7, good for 420 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque – increases of 48 hp and 78 lb-ft versus the 4.2-liter model.


Audi will continue to offer the 6.3-liter W12 in the A8, as well as the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that was also added for the 2013 model year. All of the A8's engines are mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions, and Quattro all-wheel drive is standard across the board. The A8 4.0T will start at $80,900, excluding $895 for destination.


Elsewhere in the Audi range, the large Q7 crossover is set to get an upgraded version of the 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine. This massaged mill – which is 55 pounds lighter than before – now produces 240 horsepower (an increase of 15) and 406 pound-feet of torque (same as the 2012 model), and offers improved overall efficiency. The 2013 Q7 TDI is rated at 19/28 miles per gallon (city/highway) – improvements of 2 and 3 mpg, respectively.


The upgraded 3.0-liter TDI now matches the units offered in the Q7's siblings, the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne.


Both the 2013 A8 and Q7 will go on sale later this year.

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