Audi has launched the new R8 in India and has issued the following press release on the same occasion.

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced the launch of the new Audi R8 - the sporty spearhead of the Audi model lineup.

This high performance super sports car which is equipped with a newly developed seven-speed S-tronic is priced from INR 13,455,000 (US$ 251,700) (ex-showroom Delhi) for the V8 Coupé, INR 15,788,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the V10 Coupé and INR 17,355,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the V10 Spyder.

The new Audi R8 was launched by Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.

"Our outstanding performance in 2012 established Audi as the fastest growing luxury car brand in India and this successful run will continue this year too. 2013 is a critical year for Audi in India and we will see the announcement of several initiatives on the product and network front. First month of 2013 already saw the launch of new Audi Q5 and I am confident that with the launch of this new Audi R8 we will further consolidate our leadership position in the super sports car segment in India", said Michael Perschke, head, Audi India.

"We are presently the growth drivers of the luxury car market in India and I am confident that 2013 will be more rewarding than 2012, despite the price hike. Audi R8 is the top of the line product of quattro GmbH and embodies cutting-edge technology of a performance car. Many of its features can also be found in the Audi RS5, Audi S4, Audi TT and the soon to be launched, Audi S6", he added.

Audi is the market leader in the sports car segment with Audi R8, Audi R8 Spyder, Audi RS5, Audi S4 and the Audi TT Coupe. Audi continues to be the market leader in the luxury SUV segment in India with Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 and with the introduction of Audi Q3 it has consolidated this leadership position.

The Power Packed Performer
The Audi R8 V8 delivers 316 kW (430 hp) and 430 Nm of torque between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, it accelerates the R8 Coupé from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h. The Audi R8 V10 Coupé with the S tronic completes the standard sprint in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 314 km/h and delivers 386 kW (525 hp). The new Audi R8 V10 Spyder sprints in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 311 km/h.

"Immense power, spontaneous response, extraordinarily free-revving and a rousing sound - the new Audi R8 with its skin-tingling sports car experience epitomizes the Audi customer today. Equipped with a powerful V8 and V10 engine, a single-frame grille with tapered corners, round tailpipes, cornering lights and a whole series of performance characteristics, this high performance sports car has some of the most eye-catching new features," Mr. Perschke added.

A perfect combination of sporty design and luxurious style
The exterior design has been honed ever further. The restructured all-LED headlights and rear lights are standard with all models. The Singleframe grille with tapered corners at the top, the redesigned diffuser and the large, round tailpipes are the most eye-catching new features. The rear lights of all models include dynamic turn signals, a worldwide first from Audi. Produced by LEDs, the turn signal runs from the inside out in the direction in which the driver wants to turn.

Dynamic sportiness: the interior
The interior of all versions of this high-performance sports car is now even more refined. With the optional honeycomb-quilted Fine Nappa full-leather package, the seat covers and inserts in the door liners are quilted. This quilting is also available as an option for the Alcantara headlining.

Ultra lightweight construction
The Audi engineers have reduced the weight of the top model by roughly 50 kilograms. The R8 V8 with the seven-speed S tronic gearbox (without a driver) tips the scales at just 1,660 kilograms. An aluminum Audi Space Frame weighs just 210 kilograms, roughly 40% less than a comparable steel structure. The body of the R8 Spyder with its electrohydraulically actuated cloth top weighs 216 kilograms. The ASF body lays the foundation for the dynamic, precise and safe handling and high passive safety.

At a glance: New Audi R8
Body and design
- Lightweight, yet extremely stiff aluminum ASF body weighing just 210 kilograms in the Coupé and 216 kilograms (476.20 lb) in the Spyder, curb weight (R8 V8 with seven-speed S tronic) of just 1,660 kilograms
- R8 Spyder with lightweight, electrohydraulically activated cloth top
- Exterior design with new elements
- New all-LED headlights and dynamic turn signals in the rear standard with all models

Engine
- 4.2-liter V8 and 5.2-liter V10 with dry sump lubrication
- 316 kW (430 hp) and 386 kW (525 hp), respectively
- Better acceleration and fuel economy than predecessor model

Drivetrain
- New seven-speed S tronic
- S tronic with larger shift paddles on steering wheel
- quattro permanent all-wheel drive with a rear-biased power distribution

Chassis
- Aluminum double wishbone suspension
- Lightweight wave design brake discs; ceramic brakes optional
- 18 or 19-inch wheels, new rim designs
- Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system (optional)

Equipment
- Comprehensive standard equipment, including all-LED headlights

The German luxury car manufacturer has recorded an impressive 63% growth in India in the calendar year 2012, exceeding its annual sales targets, yet again (Jan-Dec 2011: 5511 units). Audi registered a total sale of 931 units in December 2012 in India, a strong growth of 136% over the same period last year (Dec 2011: 394 units).

In 2012, Audi India opened new showrooms in Raipur, Kanpur, Goa, Navi Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi West, Nagpur and Bhopal and New Audi Terminal in Ahmedabad.

The Audi model range in India includes the new Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A7 Sportback, Audi A8L, Audi Q3, new Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi S4, Audi RS5 Coupé, Audi TT Coupé, the super sports car new Audi R8 and the new Audi R8 Spyder available across the country: in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi South, Delhi West, Goa, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai South, Mumbai West, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Raipur and Surat.