GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: LEAKED! The First OFFICIAL Shot Of The All-New Audi R8 Is LIVE — Initial Impression?

While plenty of automakers are spilling the beans about their all-new wares pre show, Audi has been keeping the all-new R8 camouflaged. At least it was trying to.

Today the very first official image of the R8 appears to have leaked out. This marks the very first time we're seeing the real deal without any camo.

More importantly we're now seeing the new design direction and "face" of the brand. Expect this to reoccur throughout the rest of the Audi lineup as the R8 is the company's halo car. Remember the R8 was the first product in the four rings portfolio to bring about LEDs embedded in the headlights?

Some quick things I noticed:

1) The side blade is gone, but not entirely. Check out how there's a carbon fiber insert behind the front windows and the CF is continued in the air intake.

2) This MUST be the R8 V10 Plus model putting out over 600 horsepower — note the discreet fixed rear spoiler?

3) THIS R8 appears to be equipped with the laser light option that will NOT be coming to the States. Not yet, at least.

So, what are YOUR first impressions?



Read Article

runninglogan1 - 2/26/2015 12:09:34 AM

-1 Boost

Not sure how "official" this image is but it definitely matches up well with everything I've seen and read so far.

I've always liked the R8 so of course I like this. Maybe it's not as big a leap as I would have hoped but it's a sweet looking ride nonetheless.

No doubt it will be a fantastic driver as well.

Agent00R - 2/26/2015 12:24:38 AM

+1 Boost

First things first, if you click over to Autoblog Espanol — where this story is sourced — that's what they're reporting.

Second, I've been following the all-new R8 very closely. If you've been looking at all the development cars and the latest photos + videos, it's very clearly it. This is clearly a studio shot that was distributed to "trusted" sources and was leaked via one of those publications.

Lastly, so far the initial impressions seem super positive on the all-new gen car. We'll know soon enough...

Car4Life - 2/26/2015 11:38:55 AM

+1 Boost

Ummmm... no this R8 looks like a bloated TT that added too much Whey to its protein shakes...but aside from the A7 its the best looking Audi out...

Rather have the AMG GT, 911, and Vette out though

TheSteve - 2/26/2015 12:21:56 AM

+1 Boost

I've always loved the R8 spyder, but I prefer the look of the outgoing model compared to this.

Agent00R - 2/26/2015 12:28:49 AM

+1 Boost

I am with you on the Spyder, was much more tasteful over the coupe's design IMHO.

Will have to see 001's real-life shots before judging.

JDMUSMuscle - 2/26/2015 12:44:32 AM

+2 Boost

Ya, I can clearly see the guy who messed up the new Q7 messed up this one, too, and I guess Audi had no time to fix the design to make it look more like the A9 concept model which was done by the new designer. I mean, it doesn't even have the design language of the A9 concept here. Or was he in charge when the new R8 was being designed?

Honestly, what the hell is this thing anyway? I'd much rather take the NSX, thank you.

Agent00R - 2/26/2015 1:32:45 AM

+3 Boost

Personally I'd rather have this over the upcoming NSX. Interior is VERY underwhelming in the all-new Acura.

There's no question this will be better and I expect it to have better driving dynamics.

runninglogan1 - 2/26/2015 3:35:47 AM

-1 Boost

Right on 00R.

cidflekken - 2/26/2015 4:28:12 AM

-1 Boost

Of course, 00R. We would expect no other opinion from you and the other Agents.

cidflekken - 2/26/2015 1:17:00 AM

+1 Boost

The new design is similar to what happened to the A5/S5 for 2013 and the TT for 2016. The more angular front-end treatment doesn't harmonize with the rest of the curvaceous body. I do think it does give it a bit more of an aggressive appearance but nothing any other brand needs to worry about.

runninglogan1 - 2/26/2015 3:33:57 AM

-2 Boost

Nothing any other brand needs to worry about? Lol!

valhallakey - 2/26/2015 2:19:07 AM

-1 Boost

Overall a nice design update. I would have liked to have seen a more distinct crease on the fenders front and rear to go with the redesigned nose. Also I think the dropping line for the engine side intake is nice and should have been mirrored with a drop of the side window front to rear. Too bad about the blade as I thought that was a distinctive feature that could have been kind of a signature for the R8 series. I suppose it is really difficult to redesign a popular super car and this is a pretty good attempt, but … it should have been a bit more daring IMHO. I will take the Ford GT….

HoustonMidtown - 2/26/2015 7:38:37 AM

+1 Boost

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/02/2016-audi-r8-revealed.html

GermanNut - 2/26/2015 9:14:05 AM

-2 Boost

Awesome car inside and out. People are really underestimating the impact of Audi's new interiors and platforms. Everyone is complaining about the looks of the Q7 and the R8, but the real changes are on the inside and under the skin.

We've all read the reports of how the new TT is a hugely improved driver's car. The new Q7's updates speak for themselves with the new all-digital dashboard, cutting-edge technology and safety systems, beautiful and high-quality interior, weight loss of 700+ lbs. and improved driving dynamics.

The R8 is going to follow Audi's trend of significantly improved handling and driving dynamics, cutting-edge technology and beautifully designed interiors.

0-60 in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph is nothing to sneeze at either.

cidflekken - 2/26/2015 3:08:39 PM

+1 Boost

Audi had no choice but to get the TT and Q7's driving characteristics up to the level of their respective segments. So, it may sound like a mean feat, but it was a necessity since they were lacking so much.

The 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds matches the estimate of the NSX. BUT, Audi's estimate is for the V10 Plus model which is likely to start at about $200k US. The V10 (non-Plus...no pun intended) is est at 3.5 seconds and it's expected to start at about $185k US.

GermanNut - 2/26/2015 3:13:15 PM

0 Boost

Check the interior and technology available in the Audi versus the Acura and maybe you'll see why the price is so different.

cidflekken - 2/27/2015 2:40:17 AM

+1 Boost

I wasn't questioning the price difference. I was just stating it.