Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXI

2 6 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I the earlier version was its limited headroom and now, thankfully, the newR8 doesn’t feel anywhere near as claustrophobic inside. So, what was my only gripe back in 2008 has been dispersed. Tick one. Visually the new R8 is all blades and edges compared to the previous model, and it has split the massive vertical side blade into two panels while the grille takes in the new corporate look that we’ve seen more recently on the new Q7 SUV. Of course the original R8 did eventually come with the V10, so it’s not completely unchartered waters and there are already many years of on-road feedback from customers that went into the development of this Phase 2 version. The other key point with the old R8 was its aluminium construction. Given it’s an Audi USP right across the range, it’s no surprise to find it has been continued on this car with a similar monocoque, although by using carbon fibre- reinforced plastics in key places it’s also increased its overall rigidity by a noticeable 40 percent and reduced weight by 15 percent. The weight saving and chassis stiffening extends to offering new aluminium suspension pick up points and a carbon fibre firewall that also acts as a rear roof support which is stronger than any other material of its thickness and size. The regular V10 develops 532bhp but the car we hid the keys from other eager hands at the launch was the V10 Plus with its 601bhp, 328kmh top end and 3.2 second claim from zero to 100kmh. It sounds better, and with its wisps of carbon fibre trimover the normal V10 it looks a bit meaner too, so apologies for not being able to tell you what the cooking version of the new R8 was like. Because this one is better. Again, being an Audi, it’s all-wheel drive so the power goes through a seven-speed dual clutch box with no manual option and on to the quattro system that no longer has a viscous coupling to divert power but instead uses a multi-plate clutch which can divert all power to either end if needed.