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AUDI R8 |
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When it comes to race inspired luxury vehicles,
there are few more revered than those that are
from the ensemble of Audi. The latest from
Audi is the R8, a mid engine sports car, that takes the
Audi idea of innovation, design, performance and technology
to a yet new level where it is easy to visualize a
James Bond speeding down the road raking up a cloud
of dust in his wake. “The name is Bond, James Bond,”
are the words that echo in your mind every time you set
your eyes on the R8. Using a mid-engine Lamborghini
Gallardo platform, the R8 can manage 0 to 62 mph in
just 4.6 seconds. A choice of LED or Xenon headlamps
surrounded by LED running lights and indicators make
the car impressive to view, even at night. |
With its all-wheel-drive and a 420 horsepower highrevving
V8 engine, the car is as versatile and powerful, as
it is good looking and luxurious. The car’s dry sump
lubrication – another technology originating directly from
motor racing – provides the ideal basis for maximum longitudinal
and lateral acceleration. It allows the V8 to be
installed lower, thereby lowering the centre of gravity and
further enhancing driving dynamics. You have the choice
of two transmissions: a manual 6-speed gearbox or the
Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox, with a joystick
gearshift on the centre console and, most especially, the
paddles mounted on the steering wheel.
A 'Shift by Wire' technology provides for very fast gear
shifting and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allied to
compact gearbox dimensions. If you choose the Sport
mode, with its fast shifting, then you have the absolute
maximum in terms of driving fun. You also have the option
to go in for an automatic mode. The car’s chassis has
forged aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear.
At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear, the top
one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated
wishbone with a track rod. Such intricately designed chassis
provides not just for optimum wheel control, but is also
ideal in delivering agility, and steering precision. |
You can be assured of a comfortable ride, even if the
roads are as potholed as those in India. The shock
absorbers in R8 employ an innovative technology.
Instead of the conventional damper, a magnetorheological
fluid, whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic
field, is used. This effect enables the damping
characteristic to be influenced electronically at will
and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.
The R8 comes equipped with a computer
with sensor technology that determines the prevailing
driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. After that
the correct damping forces in every driving situation are
automatically released, thus optimizing ride comfort
and driving dynamics.
The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera
help the driver to maneuver into even the tightest of
spaces. When it comes to the car’s sporty interior, it is
dominated by a totally driver-oriented cockpit architecture,
integrating the driver between the dashboard and
a high centre console. The instrument panel above the
console is angled slightly towards the driver. The R8
also features the typical Audi style flat-bottomed steering
wheel, which allows comfortable sports car entry
and exit. The plush leather seats are comfortable
enough to turn the R8 into any passenger’s dream car.
You also have the choice to get your R8 fitted with bucket
seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH.
When traveling in this super sleek vehicle you can
leave your iPod at home. A Bang & Olufsen sound system,
featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially
designed speakers, delivers surround sound of impeccable
standards.
Price - Starting at $109,000 |
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