2013 Audi R8 V10

 

                        2013 Audi R8 V10

 

The fact that theR8 V10 is the fastest accelerating car in Audi’s history is reason enough to buy it. Aimed at the hard core enthusiast, the Audi R8 proved to be every bit as sophisticated as it was expected to. The R8 was first shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and sales started from 2006 and the supercar was first launched in India in 2008 and later on Audi launched it with a 5.2-litre V10 engine. Earlier this year Audi launched the R8 with a facelift and gave it an increase in power and also added a new gearbox. The 2013 Audi R8 V10 hasn’t yet been launched in India but the manufacturer is expected to be launching their supercar sometime next year.

Design

The styling has been tweaked a bit and changes to the R8 include redesigned front and rear bumpers and restyled LED head lights which are now standard. The front grille is new as well while the wing mirrors, front splitter and rear diffuser are now made of carbon fibre. The front bumper gets chrome inserts and the rear too gets LED tail lamps. There are 2 additional colours - Ibis White and Brilliant Red. The soft top on the convertible variant is made up of aluminium and magnesium which opens and closes in 19 seconds at up to 50kmph. The changes to the exteriors make it look sportier than before. The rest of the styling remains the same and the R8 remains one of the most distinctive looking cars around.

Interiors

There are changes made to the cabin too with addition of chrome and the dashboard also gets new leather trim. The cabin has both space and functionality and the dash retains its curve and has a smart multi-function steering wheel. You can get theR8 with Alcantara/leather and Fine Nappa and you can also opt for the optional bucket seats. There is a built in hard drive and most of the switchgear is borrowed from other cars in the Volkswagen line up. Finish and build quality is fantastic and the cabin looks both trendy and sophisticated.
The Bang & Olufsen Sound System comes as standard and depending on how deep your pockets are you can add features like a high-beam assistant, a cell phone preparation with seatbelt microphone and there is also a reversing camera.

Engine and Performance

The naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 model now produces 25PS more which increases the power rating to 550PS. This increases the acceleration to 100kmph by .3 of a second and the R8 V10 sprints to the ton make in 3.5seconds which is comparable to the Ferrari 458 Italia. The top speed is limited to 350kmph and the biggest addition to the R8 the heavily improved single-clutch robotised manual R tronic gearbox which now is smoother. The seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox comes with launch control and the manual gearbox in comparison is two-tenths of a second slower to 100kmph. The S tronic dual-clutch transmission is now available across the R8 range.

Ride

TheR8 rides on double wishbone front suspension made from aluminium and on the V10 variant the magnetic ride adaptive damping is standard. The R8 with the use of carbon fibre is 50kg lighter and also added to the 2013 model are the additional aero aids and custom wheels. The fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes are standard and though the ride quality is understandably compromised for the sake of handling, the customers won’t mind that because the R8 handles like a dream. The 4WD Quattro system is rear wheel biased and the normal and sports mode dramatically alter the dynamic characteristics of the car.

Competition

The R8 V10 competes with the Porsche 911 Carerra S, the Aston Martin Vantage and the Jaguar XKR-S.

Verdict

Audi as a manufacturer in the last decade has improved in leaps and bound and the R8 is a testimonial to that. Since its launch the sportscar has received great reviews from all auto journalists across the globe for being a track friendly car which could also be used on a daily basis. Improving on that was going to be a big challenge and earlier this year the manufacturer launched a facelift version of the R8 V10 which is a definite improvement on what is already an awesome car. The reworked LED head and tail lamps look sharper and there are some alterations to the interiors too. Power has improved which makes it accelerate faster and the V10 is the fastest accelerating car in its segment. The big change though is to the gearbox and the R8 is now lighter which should improve the handling. Though this car hasn’t yet been launched in India the manufacturer would definitely be considering to do that in the next year.
Quotes from other reviews:
Autoexpress UK: ‘The Audi R8 has aged well and a raft of minor cosmetic changes inside and out keeps it looking fresh. The range has also been boosted by the introduction of a slick seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox and a more powerful and lighter V10 Plus model, which trades a minor reduction in comfort for a slightly more focused driving experience. For most of the people most of the time, the V10 Spyder is our choice though, thanks to its better all-round ability.
Audi has revised its R8 supercar and added a new flagship model to the range. The V10 Plus has 25bhp more than the standard V10, taking total power from its 5.2-litre engine to 543bhp. Plus, thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre, the newcomer is a useful 50kg lighter than the standard R8.’

 

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2011 Audi A8

 

                            2011 Audi A8

It’s incredible what only a couple of years can do to an automobile manufacturer. Around the same month as now in 2010, the brand awareness for Audi was low amongst Indians. Even though Audi sales were growing consistently, the manufacturer was still playing third best to BMW and Mercedes as its German rivals took the lions share in the luxury car segment. However, in all of its press conferences Audi spokesmen in India sounded confident that the manufacturer in the years to come will be able to turn it around and one day become the largest selling luxury car manufacturer in India. While today Audi is still not the bestselling of the German marques, it is well on its way to realize its goal. Prices for the A8L start from Rs77,85,268 to Rs1,26,00,000 ex showroom New Delhi.
Audi would hope that the A8 will be able to capture the imagination of the super-rich in India and in order to defeat its German competitors, Audi will be investing 30 million Euro by 2015 in India.

Design

Typical of a sedan in this segment, the A8 has solid and strong lines and the limousine looks absolutely stunning. The extended wheelbase gives it elegance and so does the shoulder line. In flesh the new A8 looks sharp and crisp as any Audi and giving it additional presence is the big chrome grille and the LED headlamps but this also makes it looks too generic. The A8’s profile is dominated by the long bonnet and slab-sided flanks and the block-like rear of the car. In India the A8 is offered only in an extended wheelbase variant and there is also the W12. To differentiate the W12, Audi has added to it a flashier front grille with 8 horizontal chrome slats, twin trapezoidal tailpipes, 19 inch wheels and W12 badges on the grille and boot.

Interiors

Owning an A8 would mean that you will travel in first class every day. The layout of the cabin would remind you of a luxury yacht with its polished wood and brushed aluminium inserts. The white lighting, chrome and leather give it a sense of occasion which you would expect from a car costing as much. Making the cabin special is the merger of technology and tradition and there is immaculate precision to the finish.
The gear selector is now in the form of an electronic shifter and Audi claims that it has shaped it to resemble the thrust lever on a powerboat. The MMI system has been moved from the centre console to the fascia, and now features a touchpad panel, which allows you to write letters or numbers on the screen to enter phone numbers or navigation destinations. The MMI screen comes out from the central console and controls many functions including entertainment, information and communication and even the seats can be adjusted from the MMI. You can also alter settings for the engine, gearbox, suspension, steering and even the seatbelts. Overall the cabin set a new benchmark in this segment with a top design and brilliant use of materials.
The front and rear seats have tons of space and for the rear passengers there is also a fridge. Depending on the variant you buy, the seats can be cooled or heated, they massage you and passengers have their own DVD screen.
Audi allows you to really fill your A8 with features which include a night vision camera, massaging seats and an optional Rs 6.5lakh Bang & Olufsen stereo. There is also an optional Rear Executive seating package (costs nearly 4.5lakhs) which while does limit seating at the rear to two, provides first class comfort.

Engine and performance

The 2011 Audi A8 is now available with a 4.2-litre FSi motor, a 3-litre and a 4.2-litre TDI and Audi has also added the mad 6.3-litre W12 engine that produces 500PS. The W12 engine is basically the old 6-litre engine but Audi has added an additional 301cc which increases the power to now 500PS. The engine produces 625Nm@2500rpm and this naturally aspirated engine scores over its turbo charged competitors with its linear and responsive feel. The layout of the W12 architecture allows designers to keep the engine bay compact and reduce the engine weight. On a gentle tap of the throttle there is an explosive amount of power which is released and propels the W12 to hit 100kmph in 4.7seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph. The acceleration timing is only a tenth of a second slower than the RS5 sports car and the engine is matched to an 8-speed gearbox.
Another engine option is the 4.2-litre direct injection V8 motor which produces 372PS@6800rpm and 445Nm of torque @3500rpm. The engine revs all the way to 7000rpm redline and uses an eight-speed gearbox which only adds to the performance. Throttle response is excellent and 100kmph is reached in 5.8seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph. The engine is silky smooth and refined at the same time.
The base diesel engine is the V6, 3-litre TDI which produces 550Nm of torque. 100kmph is reached in 6.2seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph. There is also a bigger and more powerful V8, 4.2-litre TDI engine which produces a mammoth 800Nm of torque between 1750 to 2750rpm. This variant reaches 100kmph in 5.6seconds. Both the diesel engines use the same 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Ride

The A8 is constructed around a light aluminium space frame and comes with Audi’s all wheel drive (Quattro) and air suspension. According to Audi the space frame construction allows the A8 to be around 90kg lighter than an equivalent steel monocoque car. For Indian conditions Audi has increased ride height and added higher profile tyres. Though the suspension is on the stiff side, ride quality especially at the low speed is excellent and the air suspension glides over everything without bothering the passengers. While the ride quality is good, it isn’t the best in the class and there is also a fair amount of body movement. The A8’s aluminium suspension arms and variable dampers have multiple suspension settings which dramatically change the dynamics of the sedan. In Comfort mode, the car absorbs most of the bumps and in Sport mode, the A8 feels firmer but the ride too stiffens up. Overall the handling feels stable and predictable.

Verdict

The A8 is a remarkable car in a lot of ways. It has presence with sharp and crisp lines and Audi has tried to differentiate the W12 by adding a flashier front grille with 8 horizontal chrome slats and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. The cabin is luxurious and quality of materials is immaculate. Depending on how deep your pockets are, you can really fill your A8 up with features which rival first class experience. Interior space is good as well and the engines are refined and performance is excellent. The 6.3-litre W12 engine which produces 500PS is absolutely nuts and delivers almost sportscar rivaling performance. The ride and handling settings can be altered according to your needs and the A8 sets a benchmark in almost all segments.
Quotes from other reviews:
Autocar India: ‘The new A8 is a huge step ahead of the previous model. Equipped with a fantastic V8 motor, a cabin that is supremely comfortable and levels of equipment you can only dream of, the new A8 is poised to be the new benchmark in the luxury car segment. While it does most things brilliantly, it does have its shortcomings. A fair amount of road noise filters in at high speed, ride is not as settled as it could have been, and the gear lever has the potential to irritate. However, all this can be overlooked when you consider what a brilliant all-rounder this car is.

 

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2011 Audi R8 V10

 

                 2011 Audi R8 V10

 

Manufacturers today are trying to make sensible supercars which appeal to the hard core enthusiast while trying not to alienate any one. The Audi R8 is a perfect example of that, a car which is sophisticated, quick as the wind, comfortable, while not comprising with quality. The R8 shares a thing or two with its cousin the Lamborghini Gallardo which has the same engine and they share a lot of the chassis underpinnings. There are similarities as well between theAudi R8 and the Le Mans quattro concept shown at the 2003 Frankfurt show like the use of magneto-rheological damping and the all-LED lighting systems. When R8 international sales began in 2006, it came with a dry-sump version of the RS4’s V8 engine. The supercar was launched in India in 2008 and in 2011 the manufacturer launched the R8 with a 5.2-litre V10 engine. While the earlier V8 engine wasn’t sluggish by any stretch of imagination, the V10 is a glorious engine in a glorious car. The R8 V10 is priced at Rs 1.40crore for the coupe while the Spyder is priced at Rs 1.50crore.

Design

The Audi R8 is a head turner like any supercar is ought to be. At the front is the distinctive chrome grille with the Quattro V10 badge. At the rear is a pop-up spoiler and the design is of both function and desire. On the sides are the cooling vents which are made to look attractive. The cooling vents are masked by giant cooling ducts and are painted a contrasting colour in carbon fibre. The V10 get oval exhaust ports, fancier alloys compared to the V8 and subtle badging. There are all-LED headlights with Audi’s distinctive LED daytime running light. The quality or finish engineering is exceptional and 92 percent of the car’s body and chassis is formed from the lightweight material.

Interiors

If there is a chink in the armor of the R8 then it is with the interiors. Most of the switchgear is carried over from cheaper models including the navigation controls. The sat-nav looks old compared to what is offered by the competition. There isn’t a sense of occasion to the cabin which is what one would expect when spending well over a crore. The cabin nevertheless is finely stitched in leather.
The doors open wide enough to allow entry and the driving position is beyond criticism. There is plenty of room for the driver and passenger and headroom despite the sloping roof is more than adequate. The pedals are made of alloy and there is decent amount of space in the front boot. View from behind the steering is perfect and you get a real widescreen experience. The instrument panel is reasonably trendy and the R8 has a premium music system with stereo effect and 12 loudspeakers. As you’d expect from an Audi, the R8 has a clearly and logically laid-out cabin and our favorite bits are the flat bottom steering and the gear leaver.

Engine and performance

This version of the R8 uses a 5.2-litre, V10 FSI engine. The engine produces 520PS and 530Nm of torque and delivers outstanding responsiveness and impressive power. There is a throaty roar to it as 100kmph is reached in only 4.1seconds which is faster than the Porsche Carerra 911 S. 200kmph is reached in 12.4 seconds with a top speed of 313kmph. This engine is high revving extremely agile and revs up to 8700rpm. There is torque across the rev band and thanks to the FSI technology, the R8 squeezes more power out of every drop of petrol. The lightweight aluminium construction along with the dry-sump lubrication gives the car a low centre of gravity and the Quattro system along with the Launch Control provides it with furious acceleration. The engine performance of the V10 puts the R8 in a sheer class of its own and the motor remains smooth at low revs which means you can use it for daily commute. Matched to the engine is a 6-speed manual gearbox with shift by wire technology and sport mode. You can operate it from the joystick in the centre console or shift paddles on the steering. The manual transmission is better than the optional automatic.

Ride

The R8 is suspended by double unequal-length wishbones at each corner made from aluminium. It uses an aluminium space frame (ASF) which weighs less than the engine. On the road the R8 is quite unflinching and is hardly troubled by undulations. Ride quality with the brilliant magnetic dampers is excellent and around corners this Audi is in its element. It has an ideal 50-50 weight balance on the straights and Audi have engineered the R8 more rear-wheel driven than front. 85 percent of the torque can be sent to the rear wheels if needed allowing you to do power oversteer. Grip generated by the tyres is excellent and the steering has perfect feedback. The V10 however isn’t as sweat handling as the V8 because of the extra weight but it nevertheless delivers outstanding body control, massive grip and agility.

Competition

The Porsche Carerra 911 S is cheaper but has crashy ride quality. The interiors too aren’t as luxurious as you would want but the handling is phenomenal. The direct injection engine delivers mind blowing performance, the new PDK gearbox is excellent and the 911 remains as wonderful and distinctive as ever. The Aston Martin Vantage is fast but not earth-shattering. Styling is just brilliant and the Vantage is a thoroughly competent car both on the track and off it. The V8 is great fun to drive aroundbut it lacks the dynamics of a Porsche 911 and even the Jaguar XKR-S. The Jaguar XKR-S delivers explosive performance and there is a sense of occasion about the car. The cabin emits a sense of luxury and the handling is poised. Ride quality too is good and there is snob value associated to it.

Verdict

The Audi R8 is a master piece. Expect for the average cabin styling and layout there is no fault to be found in it. The styling is eye catching, space inside the cabin is good and the performance is exceptional. There is loads of torque available, throttle response is sharp and acceleration to 100kmph is faster than the Carerra 911 S. The ride quality with the magnetic dampers is exceptional and the handling is mind blowing. The steering has good feedback and on the track it is a delight to drive. This sportscar can be driven on an everyday basis as well and there is no denying that the R8 V10 is in a league of its own.
Quotes from other reviews:
Autocar UK: ’ We’d plump for the seemless power and spine-tingling noise of the V10 over the slightly sweeter chassis balance of the V8. Coupé or Spyder? We’ll leave that one up to you, although the temptation to choose the Spyder and enjoy the V10’s soundtrack is one you might not be able to avoid. No R8 is perfect. It’s not a beautiful car and we can’t hide our disappointment that the cabin is less appealing than an Audi A7’s at half the price. Like all Audi’s though, the cabin is nicely made and will probably last longer than those from some more established supercar makers. What the R8 V10 does show is that Audi can build a proper, balls-out supercar capable of challenging its more expensive, less usable rivals. It may not have their posh badges, but when it comes to what really matters, the R8 V10 has what it takes to hold its head high among them.’

 

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2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK

 

                2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK

 

The Mercedes SLK’s name is derived from the company’s vision to create a roadster that was at the same time is sporty, light and short (in German: Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz ). The 2011 SLK is the third generation of the German roadster with the first being manufactured in 1996. All generations of the SLK had a retractable hard top and the latest variant is no different. The front engine front wheel drive roadster competes again the likes of the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Nissan 370 Z and Audi TT Quatro all of which have received rave reviews from the motoring journalists.

Design

The SLK is an eye catcher and the new look is more dramatic with a robust shape that replaces the old fluid round lines of the previous model. It’s pretty obvious that Mercedes engineers decided to reinvent the SLK to take on the BMW Z4 and the Nissan 370 Z on the styling front. In doing so Mercedes has given a more robust and serious look to the roadster and at the front the car gets a SLS-style front radiator grille which is eye catching. The wide radiator grille bears the Mercedes-Benz logo at the centre and the front air intakes are wider and situated under the headlights. Unfortunately the new headlights of the car look just as boring as the old ones. The long bonnet makes the Mercedes roadster look similar in shape to the BMW Z4 and behind the long hood is a compact passenger compartment with a short rear overhang. The ventilation grilles on the front fenders have a chrome finish which gives the car a touch of classic style.

Interior

The new Mercedes SLK has the most compact dimensions in its class. The design of the dashboard looks better than the Audi TT and we liked the air con vents and the special big star design on the flat bottomed steering wheel. Materials use is top notch but if you look around carefully there are some cheap bits used. The leather seats offer good support and despite the SLK being smaller in size compared to the the cockpit of the Mercedes offers adequate space for the passengers. All the controls of the SLK come easily into hand and with a 225litre boot which can be extended to 335 litres, the SLK is a practical option for everyday use.

Engine and performance

The SLK uses the same 3.5-litre engine from the S350 but in a different state of tune. The engine produces 305PS @6500rpm and torque rating of 370Nm @3500rpm. The engine is sporty in character and even with the slightest of touch on the throttle you get a surge of power. On the Mercedes SLK power delivery feels more usable than t Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4.
100kmph is reached in 5.6 seconds which is faster than the Audi TT (5.7 seconds) but slower than the BMW Z4 (5.2 seconds) and the Porsche Boxster (5.3 seconds). The top speed is limited to 155 mph and is the competition. The engine revs smoothly until the redline delivering good power and performance. The SLK engine feels sportier than the Boxster and offers more linear performance. The roadster is at its best in the middle range and the exhaust note is to savour. The gearbox however is not as quick and intuitive as the Dual Clutch transmission on the BMW, Audi and Porsche.

Ride

The SLK uses the independent multi-link suspension from the C-class and the telemetry electronics from the E-class. The sports suspension with firmer springs and dampers translate into a more sporty driving experience but that compromises ride quality and you feel almost every bump of the road. The Direct-Steer system offers flawless handling and the SLK is now more agility but still lacks in offering as good road feel and the precision as a Porsche or Nissan.
During dynamic driving the Torque Vectoring Brakes produce a defined rotational movement of the vertical axis of the vehicle in fraction of a second through selective brake actuation at the rear inside wheel. This results in the SLK stabilizing without any compromises and it steers into a bend precisely and under full control. Unlike the Audi TT, Mercedes has managed to keep in check both the body roll and the under steer.

Competition

The dual clutch gearbox o the BMW Z4 is faster than the SLK’s and the Ingolstadt roadster has also a better throttle. The Porsche Boxster has the best build quality and handling in the segment and the Nissan 370 Z like the Audi TT is available only as a coupe in India. The 370Z offers more features and power at a lower price and the TT is equipped with a 4 wheel drive system. The cabin from the Audi TT is also better build.

Verdict

At Rs62,59,500 the SLK is really expensive. It has poorer finish than the Audi and is the least enjoyable car to drive. The engine of this roadster is fun to use and in its latest tune it sounds sweater, is also more economical and quicker.

Quotes

Top Gear: “Has the same excellent handling as before but the steering is new and that’s clever. Merc has altered the gearing on the rack bit of rack and pinion, which means you get more steering lock for less twirling on the wheel It’s a cleverly simple idea because it avoids any electronic trickery and will therefore be a cheap option but we’re not convinced. The steering is slightly sharper, but it’s still no Porsche Boxster in terms of feedback, and in all honesty we’re not sure many SLK owners will really know the difference.”
Autocar: “Underneath the body of the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive SLK, the suspension is multi-link all round. And this two-seater is quite stiffly sprung too, thanks to which the new SLK has plenty of grip in corners. Body roll is well contained, the car feels comfortable when cornered hard, and understeer doesn’t raise its ugly head either. Still, there’s something essential missing here. The car doesn’t encourage you to drive hard, the steering lacks precision, and the wheel is so well insulated from the road that there’s precious little feel. And this is disappointing, especially since this car seems to have every other essential ingredient by the bucketful.”

 

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