Now the mid-engined supercar has been face-lifted for the first time, and a new top model—the R8 Plus—is scheduled to come to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2013. The lineup now consists of the 4.2 FSI with a 430-hp V-8, the 5.2 FSI powered by a 525-hp V-10, and the R8 5.2 FSI Plus sporting a 550-hp V-10. Compared with the regular V-10, the Plus version gets extra power and torque—it makes 398 lb-ft instead of 391—thanks to modified engine management. No hardware is changed. The additional power helps to make the R8 a bit quicker.
More important than the power boost, however, is the weight saving in the Plus model. Compared with the regular V-10, almost 35 pounds of sound insulation are expunged. Racing-style seats mean 45 fewer pounds, ceramic brakes—optional in the lesser versions—shed another 25 pounds, and switching from magnetic ride to conventional suspension damping tosses about 15 additional pounds. What’s more, the R8 Plus is loud; the combination of intake and exhaust sound will send shivers of joy down your spine. Aurally, this is pure Lamborghini territory, which isn’t much of a surprise, since the R8 shares not only its structural components but also its V-10 engine with the Gallardo. With the manual box, 0 to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.5 seconds, and top speed is an ungoverned 198 mph. Audi means business with the R8 Plus, and the fact that you can’t presently get its goods fitted to the 200-pound-heavier R8 Spyder proves it.
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More big news comes in the form of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, internally called the DL800. This box—marketing calls it the S tronic—weighs about 45 more pounds than the manual transmission but provides lightning-quick shifts. It blips the throttle artfully, rarely finds itself out of step, and is objectively fast. In the R8 Plus, it trims the quoted 0-to-60-mph time from 3.6 to 3.3 seconds. Top speed is lower by a fairly insignificant 1 mph.
The DL800 entirely replaces the previously offered SL600 (R tronic in Audi-speak), a six-speed automated manual that weighed a mere 10 more pounds than the ML600 but was known for its jerky shifts. Interestingly, Lamborghini keeps the SL600 in its face-lifted Gallardo
If
you are interested in purchasing a 2012, you may already have several
choices in mind; however, prior to making your final decision, you need
to ensure that you have had a proper look at all the options available.
This 2012 Infiniti FX review will give you an idea of what this 2012 vehicle has to offer.
This 2012 Buick Verano review
will provide you with some of the features and specifications of this
new car, in order to help you decide if this is the 2012 car that you
should invest in.
This is a 2012 Kia Optima review. The 2012 Kia Optima is a medium-sized sedan that is accessible in 5 different levels of trim inclusive of the EX, the LX, the LX Turbo, the Hybrid as well as the SX.
In the year 2012, the new Panamera Turbo S model,
recently introduced, has caused a stir in the area of performance. This
new model produces a remarkable 550 horsepower – and this is in
comparison to the Turbo 500 hp which is anything but standard. Also on
the market is the recent Panamera Hybrid which guarantees performance of
V8 status with V6 economy fuel.
Jaguar
is a self defined brand which is a synonym for perfection, opulence and
grandness. The 2012 Jaguar XK review will give you an insight over the
changes of the latest version of the car. Once you take a look, this
automobile is pretty big, sharp and has well defined curves which can
even put human body to fall in shame. A 5.0L AJ-V8 engine complements
its racy look and well to do interiors.
The Elantra
was completely redesigned last year, getting rid of its unattractive,
non-descript style, and now looks so much more attractive with its
coupe-like roof line and its fluid curves. It now really looks good;
like a car you would be very proud to own.
The 2012 Toyota Corolla
compact-sedan is the perfect car for the conservative driver. This
vehicle comes with the recent navigation system and other modern
features such the Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connection and a USB
iPod interface.
A vehicle that places the priority on comfort, safety and passenger space over off-road capabilities is the luxury crossover, the 2012 Volvo XC90.
The vehicle is packed with features and it can accommodate as much as
seven; however, it has an interior look that is quite dated as well as
lackluster fuel economy, these drawbacks cause is not to be leading in
its class in every respect.
With this 2012 Infiniti G-Sedan review, you will get
an insight to what some of the features of this amazing vehicle are.
The 2012 Infiniti G-Sedan is a type of luxury sedan (midsized), which is
available in the G37 Sport, G37 Journey, G25 Journey and the G25. Both
the G37x and the G25x are Journey trims that feature all-wheel drive (AWD).
In comparison to older sport utility vehicles, as well as to small SUVS that have been manufactured in more recent times, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen is proving to be very practical and not having many disadvantages. Its advantages include it having great fuel efficiency
The 2012 Mazda 5
is truly a delight for car lovers. The Mazda engineers have added some
new technologies that have improved the overall look and appearance of
the vehicle. There have been changes in the base technologies which are
clearly reflected in a lighter and fuel efficient 2012 Mazda 6. The
vehicle is available in both petrol as well as diesel form. The latest
technologies boast of new transmissions, metallurgies, aerodynamics etc.
