Summarize

Audi has revealed its nipped and tucked R8 that also benefits a kick in the butt thanks to retuned engines, chassis ands electronics, while the cars’ naming convention has changed in line with Ingolstadt’s latest trends. The ‘entry level’ normally aspirated 5.2-liter V10-powered A8 570 quattro gains 30kW to deliver 425kW along with 550Nm torque to return a 3.4 second 0-100km/h dash and 324km/h top speed. The flagship R8 V10 620 performance quattro now churns out a pretty handy 465kW and 580Nm and is good for 3.1 seconds to 100km/h and a 331km/h top end. Availabale in both roadster and coupe as always and depending on the model is between 15 and 20 kilos heavier than its predecessor thanks to several new features including improved electromechanical steering for better response and feedback across the speed range, while a finer-tuned electronic stability control sees braking shortened by 1.5 meters from 100km/h. Our 2017 Performance car of the year also gets new wheels and tyres and a more clearly defined drive select choice between comfort, auto, dynamic and individual, while the performance model adds dry, wet and snow modes.