Fast Cars In The World: Audi

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Audi Pioneers All LED headlamp with R8 model

Audi has been at the forefront of LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology since 2003 when they showed a slat-shaped LED fog light on the 2003 Pikes Peak Concept at Detroit and an all LED headlight on the Audi Nuvolari quattro at the Geneva Motor Show in that same year. In 2003 Audi also helped set up a working party to speed up EU approval for advanced and powerful lighting technology. Now, the EU has granted a special permit to Audi to start offering the all LED headlight on the R8 sports car.

Audi is quick to point out they are the first car manufacturer to develop this “revolutionary technology of the future”, however, they cannot take all of the credit. Also involved in the research and development were LED manufacturers Philips Lumileds Lighting of California and Automotive Lighting from Reutlingen Germany.

The all LED headlight is fully functional for daytime running lights (which is already available on the R8, A5/S5, S6 and since 2004 on the A8 W12 quattro), turn signals, dipped low beam and high beam lights. Each headlight unit uses 54 LED light sources and is especially remarkable for its low energy consumption (50 watts for the low beam headlights, 6 watts for the daytime running lights). The LEDs are arranged in clusters or “arrays” which function together as a single light source. In reference to the page photo above, the LED lamp assembly is separated into four areas:

LED low-beam headlight module: basic light distribution by an array of four LEDs for each of the upper and lower reflector shells, range and light/dark boundary via the plastic lens from three arrays of two LEDs.
LED high-beam headlight reflectors: one array of four LEDs per reflector shell.
LED turn signal: eight yellow high-performance LEDs.
LED daytime running light strips: 24 white Advanced Power TopLEDs with optical fibers for homogeneous illumination.

In addition to these four sections, there are also two cooling fans, one for each low and high beam. According to Audi, since the amount of heat generated by the LEDs is low, the fans serve to circulate heat forward to the plastic lens in order to melt ice or snow instead of acting as a cooling device for the high and low beams.

LEDs are a type of semiconductors (1 square millimeter) which are silicon based and convert electricity to light by electronic means. The light that is given off is known as electroluminescence which is 10 times faster than a conventional filament bulb which gives off incandescent light. Compared to the conventional halogen and xenon bulb, reflector/housing and lens assemblies, LED lighting technology has major advantages. Due to their smaller size, increased durability, increased lifespan and low energy consumption, LED lighting systems will undoubtedly take over as the primary lighting source in future vehicles.

However, despite revolutionary technology aspects, there are also major design implications. As a result, car designers now have increased flexibility to explore alternative headlamp shapes and configurations which beg the question: is the conventional headlamp a thing of the past? Andreu Sola Gomfaus, Head of Lighting Design at Audi, suggests, no. “Because the LED light no longer comes from a single light source, the LED arrays are very flat and compact and occupy much less space than conventional headlights, it will in future be possible to transform the face of a car much more easily. Several LEDs can moreover be combined in all manner of shapes, for a striking look.” However, Gomfaus goes on to explain that the headlamp shape is not going to disappear. Cars are still consumer products which are the slaves of human emotions and virtues. In addition to many other components, designers depend on headlamp design to give vehicles soul and identity. The challenge now is to find a balance between function and aesthetics which is nonetheless an exciting aspect of future car design.

Audi R8 in Depth

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Exterior Design
Page 3: Interior
Page 4: The Body
Page 5: Engine & Drivetrain
Page 6: Suspension
Page 7: Equipment
Page 8: The Market

Overview

Audi is entering the most discerning segment of the car market with its R8 mid-engine sports car – and immediately taking up a position among the leaders: equipped with the expertise that Audi has gathered from its involvement in motor sport and from building sporty premium-class cars, the R8 is the embodiment of superlative road behaviour, pioneering technology and fascinating design. The 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the aluminium space-frame body endow the R8 with outstanding qualities to challenge for leadership of this segment, as do its excellent everyday suitability and Audi's typical standards of perfection in quality and finish. The basic price is EUR 104,400, and deliveries will commence in the second quarter of 2007.

Following on from rally success with the revolutionary Audi quattro and the triumphs of its touring car, Audi has added another chapter to the history of motor sport with the R8 racing car: with five wins to its name in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the R8 is the most successful model ever to have competed on the legendary circuit at Le Mans. In a total of 79 starts at venues all over the world, this exceptional athlete has emerged victorious on a total of 62 occasions.

The genes of the winner

The repeat winner was thus the ideal role model for the new production sports car. The genes of the triumphant racing car were also passed on to the passenger car – which admittedly feels distinctly at home on the racetrack, too – in the model designation R8. The mid-engine concept is as integral to this genetic stock as the high-revving V8 engine with FSI petrol direct injection and the sequential gearbox with steering-wheel control. Whereas the use of quattro permanent four-wheel drive was prohibited on the racing version, the new R8 can of course now be equipped with it, for superior road behaviour and safety in all conditions.

There are even design parallels – not just in functional terms – in the way it cuts its way supremely through the air even at very high speeds. The same design team that had previously styled the racing car was given the task of styling the R8 roadgoing sports car. The striking wing structure of the Le Mans version did, however, have to be abandoned. After all, the roadgoing version was meant to express its sports qualities through a typically Audi quality of elegant styling.

With power and elegance

The wide, full shape of the R8 seems to hug the road. It demonstrates its potential through its imposing proportions, accentuated wheel arches and substantial air apertures. It is like no other Audi before it – with the unmistakable proportions of a mid-engine car. These proportions are dictated by the forward position of the cabin and the clearly separate engine compartment behind it. A characteristic feature of the side view of the R8 is the "sideblade", which visually accentuates the engine's position as well as acting as an air deflector.

And yet the R8 is undeniably first and foremost an Audi, not just because of the characteristic single-frame grille at its front end. For the first time, the four rings are positioned not over the grille, but on the lid above it. The sparing but always very precise use of lines is another typical Audi characteristic, as is the curved arc of the roof. And the continuous line running from the front apron across the wheel arches and flanks to the tail end, then back down the other side, is significant for the brand. This "loop" naturally encompasses the air apertures, the headlights and the rear lights.

Unmistakable face by day and night

The passion expressed through the elaborate design of the lights is another typical Audi trait. The R8 already acquires an unmistakable frontal aspect through the standard bi-xenon headlights and daytime running lights comprising twelve light-emitting diodes – day and night alike. Nor is anyone likely to overlook this Audi sports car from behind: for the very first time, LED tail lights with a three-dimensional effect have successfully been used.

But the absolute highlight will be the all-LED headlights, available for the Audi R8 as an option from the end of 2007, and making their first ever appearance worldwide on a production car. With their lenses and reflectors, these innovative light sources not only look progressive; they also have an enormous functional advantage: with its colour temperature of 6,000 Kelvin, LED light resembles daylight much more closely than xenon or even halogen light. Drivers will consequently suffer much less fatigue when driving at night.

The interior offers a luxurious standard of motor racing atmosphere. Its design is as sporty and exclusively as the exterior: the characteristic element here is the monoposto – an expansive arc running around the steering wheel and instruments, connecting the driver to the car. The interior consequently picks up on the dynamism of the R8 and gives it tactile expression in a form that is accessible the moment you climb in.

Exceptionally spacious

For a sports car, the exceptional everyday suitability of the R8 is highlighted by the large amount of space, due in no small measure to the generous wheelbase of 2.65 metres. Whatever the build of the driver and passenger, they will always be able to find their perfect seated position. The view is also very good for a mid-engine vehicle. Narrow A-posts optimise the field of view to the front and sides.

The luggage compartment is an important aspect of everyday suitability: 100 litres fit beneath the front lid, and there is room for bags with a total volume of a further 90 litres behind the seats. And even passionate golfers need not forgo their sport when driving the R8: two full-size golf bags can be stowed behind the seats.

The impression of quality in the interior is striking: even in the basic specification, the surfaces of the driving area and door trims are meticulously trimmed, with neatly finished decorative seams. And the scope for customisation is as diverse as the preferences of the R8's future owners could conceivably be: piano finish, carbon fibre and a wide variety of leathers are just some of the options.

Light but highly rigid body

The body of a sports car needs to be particularly light and rigid: low weight permits superior road performance, and rigidity is the crucial starting point for an agile driving feel allied to high precision. The Audi Space Frame body, made from aluminium, provides the ideal basis for this. Audi has more expertise than any other manufacturer worldwide in the designing and production of cars based on aluminium technology, and has channelled its accumulated know-how into the R8.

The entire bodyshell of the R8 weighs just 210 kilograms, the pinnacle of achievement among sports cars in terms of lightweight design quality. It comprises extruded sections, aluminium panels and highly complex cast nodes, joined together by 99 metres of weld seams, 782 punch rivets and 382 self-tapping screws.

Superlative precision in the production shop

This structure is created largely by hand at the R8 production shop in Neckarsulm, but with precision measuring and machining methods keeping a watchful eye over the whole business: a laser measuring system checks 220 points on each body to within one-tenth of a millimetre, and a special computer tomograph can investigate the absolute quality of every join with micron precision. A central processing plant cuts and drills all 52 connecting points on the running gear and steering in a single pass. This assures maximum precision in the axle geometry.

The aerodynamics experts at Audi have done their work so thoroughly on the R8 that, as an added benefit of its elegant shape, the body actually produces a downforce – unlike many other sports cars. This promotes directional stability at high speeds. It is achieved by means of the extending rear spoiler, but above all thanks to the fully clad diffuser underbody.

Enormous propulsive power across wide speed range

The heart of the sports car is of course the engine. As well as being exceptionally compact, the eight-cylinder power unit of the R8 runs lustily and effortlessly up to very high engine speeds, peaking at 8,250 rpm. The reward is 420 bhp and an even buildup of torque that produces enormous propulsion across a wide range of engine speeds. The engine's dry sump lubrication, typical of a race engine, permits a particularly low installed location and assures a constant oil supply in even the toughest of driving conditions – for instance on a racetrack. And the FSI direct injection underpins the very good full-load performance with a highly efficient combustion process.

The road performance is correspondingly impressive: the R8 dashes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, whether with manual gearbox or with R tronic sequential gearshifting. The needle hits 200 km/h after only 14.9 seconds, and the engine's propulsion is only finally held in check by rolling resistance and drag at 301 km/h.

However, the captivating character of the V8 stems not just from its effortless propulsion, but equally from its ample, versatile sound characteristics. Thanks to ingenious fine-tuning measures, Audi's engineers isolated disagreeable frequencies and then orchestrated an impressive opus from the intake and exhaust sound.

Lightning start thanks to Launch Control

The R8's transmission comes with six well-spaced ratios that can be operated either manually, in conjunction with the clutch, or automatically via the R tronic. The R tronic is an entirely new development that operates faster than even the most adept of drivers and offers racing-style thrills with the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The R tronic accomplishes lightning-fast starts worthy of the racetrack thanks to Launch Control.

The quattro permanent four-wheel drive provides that decisive extra dose of traction and driving safety. The system was adapted to the mid-engine concept, with its ideal axle load distribution of 44:56 percent, and directs between 10 and 35 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels as necessary.

Precision suspension provides safety boost

The precision suspension of the Audi R8 remains supremely in control of the sporty performance, but is equally capable of assuring relaxed driving pleasure over long distances. The sports car obeys steering movements with spontaneous agility, always demonstrating exceptionally good driving safety. The suspension, with double wishbones at both the front and rear, is optimised for a neutral self-steering response and maximum ease of control.

A particularly innovative damping technology is available for the R8 as an option: Audi magnetic ride adapts the suspension characteristic to the profile of the road and the driver's style within milliseconds. A generously-dimensioned brake system supplies the necessary braking force. It applies a total of 24 pistons to the four studded brake discs. This braking performance can only be topped by the optional ceramic discs. They are even capable of withstanding the rigours of racing-style use.

Exclusive standard equipment

The Audi R8 combines its superior performance with both a surprising measure of everyday suitability and an exclusive equipment specification. It comes ready-equipped for example with a 140 watt audio system, an alarm system, deluxe automatic air conditioning and the driver information system with integral stopwatch for taking lap times. The sports seats are trimmed in combined Alcantara/Leather and the 18-inch wheels are fitted on cast alloy wheels.

The list of optional extras nevertheless includes a couple more highlights: for example, the wide range of customisation options, the Audi parking system advanced with integral rearview camera, and the superb Bang & Olufsen sound system. Surround sound from twelve high-end speakers with a 465 watt music output delivers an exceptional music experience.

At a glance

Body:

Powerfully dynamic, elegant design
Lightweight aluminium body based on Audi Space Frame
Aerodynamic negative lift for high directional stability
Dimensions: L 4.43 m, W 1.90 m, H 1.25 m, wheelbase 2.65 m
Generous amount of space for a mid-engine sports car
Luggage compartment 100 l at front, a further 90 l behind the seats

Road performance:

Acceleration 4.6 seconds
Top speed 301 km/h

Engine:

High-revving V8 developing 309 kW (420 bhp), 430 Nm between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm
FSI petrol direct injection
Dry sump lubrication for a low centre of gravity and high loadability

Transmission and drivetrain:

Six-speed manual gearbox with short gearshift travel
R tronic sequential gearbox (optional)
quattro permanent four-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution 44 % to 56 %

Suspension:

Double wishbone axles at front and rear, safe self-steering properties
Innovative damping system Audi magnetic ride (optional)
18-inch or 19-inch wheels, high-performance brake system
Ceramic brake discs (optional, to follow)

Equipment:

Sophisticated interior character, wide range of customisation options
Extensive standard specification, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights
Bang & Olufsen sound system (optional)
First car in the world with all-LED headlights (optional, from end 2007)

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Audi R8 in Depth

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Exterior Design
Page 3: Interior
Page 4: The Body
Page 5: Engine & Drivetrain
Page 6: Suspension
Page 7: Equipment
Page 8: The Market

The exterior design

As the first mid-engine sports car of the Audi brand, the R8 not only exploits the entire technological expertise of the company. It also interprets Audi's widely acclaimed design in a new, extreme form: the R8 emerges as a formal statement of sheer dynamism.

"Our aim was to create a powerful sports car – but with an exceptional quality of elegance," remarked Walter de'Silva, Head of Design of the Audi brand group.

In the case of a sports car, the challenges facing the designers are more demanding than for other vehicle concepts. Here, the shape needs to be even more emotionally charged and captivating. On the other hand, the design here has to fall in line with functional requirements to an exceptional degree: a sports car in the 300 km/h league needs to have perfectly balanced aerodynamics.

Plenty of experience with top performance

The large air apertures at the front and rear of the R8, for instance, naturally serve as important design features. Their size was however initially determined by the considerable amount of cooling air required by the high-performance engine, and also of course by the brakes. But Audi's design people are amply experienced in creating high-performance and ultra-high-performance vehicles, over and above its S and RS models: the shape of the multiple Le Mans-winning R8 was created by the same design team that was behind the exterior design of the R8 road version of the sports car.

Admittedly, the issue of aerodynamics needs to be handled with greater subtlety on an elegant, roadgoing car that is intended for every use than on a competition car. Eye-catching spoilers on the body were for instance immediately ruled out, and directional stability is maintained by the complex diffuser underbody in conjunction with the visually restrained, automatically extended rear spoiler.

Technical elegance

The basic idea behind the vehicle body is based on the tension-filled contrast between the calm and flowing surfaces that give the Audi R8 its elegance. The technology is exhibited just as overtly: the car's sculpture is opened up at the decisive points, revealing its technology for all to see.

The surfaces are explicitly tactile. They are stretched between the lines and edges, and describe a muscular sculpture whose quality resides in the permanent interplay between concave and convex surfaces. The R8 adeptly plays with light. This enhances its corporeal qualities and introduces movement into the flow of lines and surfaces.

Every line neatly placed

Whatever else may be true, the R8 is instantly recognisable as an Audi. This fact is evident both from the single-frame grille and from the entire powerfully elegant formal idiom, with its neatly placed lines and minimal number of meticulously crafted details. Take for instance the line running around the entire vehicle known as the "loop": it starts at the front spoiler, swoops over the shoulder, encompasses the clearly structured tail end and then returns down the other side to the nose. It particularly accentuates the four wheel arches as symbols of quattro four-wheel drive.

The proportions are of course dictated by the mid-engine concept: the driver's seat is positioned well forward, with the V8 engine located behind it – as on the racing car that shares the same name. The sideblade is a characteristic feature of the side view: in addition to performing the function of directing induced and cooling air to the engine, it divides the vehicle body up into two sections: the occupant cell and the assemblies zone. The large arc of the roof line is another typical Audi feature.

The front end is dominated by the trapezoidal Audi single-frame grille, flanked on either side by large air inlets. For the first time, the four rings of the logo are positioned not over the grille, but on the lid above it. This makes the front end look even more poised and focused on the road.

Unmistakable character

The flat strips of the headlights lie flush with the upper edge of the air inlets. The headlight covers enclose a microcosm of intelligent technology and innovative design. The xenon plus headlights with their 70 millimetre diameter glass lenses lend the R8's face a clear, demanding gaze – framed by the unique daytime running lights comprising twelve light-emitting diodes that infuse the R8 with an added, unmistakable character. The small lens in front of the turn indicator lights exemplifies the designers' attention to detail: it sports a finely engraved R8 logo that is only perceptible upon closer inspection.

The optional LED headlights are the sheer epitome of innovation. That is because from the end of 2007, the Audi R8 will be the first vehicle in the world to be equipped with light-emitting diodes for all lighting functions – a fact that of course demands a correspondingly progressive design approach. Bionics, in other words design inspired by nature, has provided the key idea: the unit for the low-beam headlights is reminiscent of an opened pine cone. Reflector shells arranged in concentric circles surround the high-performance LED projection system. The internal reflectors for distributing the high-beam light, on the other hand, are architectural in inspiration, recalling the design of the Sydney Opera House.

Passion for lighting design

The tail end is defined by the horizontal spoiler edge. The area beneath it gives the R8 a wide, dominant effect. As at the front end, the tail is dominated by two large air apertures with their substantial transverse struts. And as at the front, the light units are embedded flush with the body panels at their upper edge. These light units are, in turn, shining examples of Ingolstadt's passion for lighting design. Because here for the first time, it has been possible to give all-LED rear lights a three-dimensional character with a pronounced three-dimensional effect irrespective of the angle from which they are viewed.

Elegant showcase for the sports car's beating heart

The roof is delimited by the third brake light, forming the upper edge of the transparent engine compartment lid. This is another visual highlight. The engine is exhibited as the beating heart of this sports car, like a work of art inside a voluminous showcase. The engine can even be seen after dark, when the two sets of three white light-emitting diodes linked to the coming home / leaving home function illuminate the engine compartment. This "showroom" can be fully lined in genuine carbon fibre as an option, for a particularly exclusive look.

Two large-format diffuser apertures in the rear bumper demonstrate the extent to which aerodynamics dictate the shape of the R8. The four round tailpipes of the exhaust system are located in pairs on the right and left above the diffuser apertures. The automatically extended rear spoiler also interacts with the air as it flows around the car. The added downforce it provides boosts the efficiency of the air intake that is generated by the aerodynamic design of the underbody and diffusers. At low speeds, the rear spoiler is retracted flush with the body again. Thanks to the car's aerodynamically effective basic shape and extensive fine-tuning, no demonstratively large spoilers are needed.

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Fast Cars In The World

Audi Pioneers All LED headlamp with R8 model

Audi R8 in Depth

Audi R8 in Depth

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