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From YourSITE.com Audi News Audi pulled the wraps off of their much-anticipated R8 this evening at a cermoney held at the Esplanade Charles De Gaulle in the heart of Paris’ Quartier La Defense. One of the most closely-guarded reveals in the company’s history, the full production versions of the R8 stayed basically unseen save for numerous test mule sightings up until tonight’s big show.
Under a large makeshift production building, Audi hosted journalists from around the world. Onlookers watched as Tom Kristensen first drove the Le Mans-conquering R10 down through the Esplanade, then followed by two examples of the R8.
In person, the car is simply breathtaking. The nighttime reveal of the car was perfect to set off the R8's front and rear lighting, some of the most dynamic elements of the its design.
Pop the rear engine cover, and another work of art greets your eyes. Audi's 4.2-liter V8 never looked so good, nestled in optional carbon fiber and capped off with one of the best-looking engine covers in the business. Fired up, this engine might not have ever sounded as good either.
Two examples were shown. Both featured the planned optional 19-inch split-spoke wheels and optional full LED headlights. Both also had Audi’s optional R-tronic transmission that, we’re told, is an improved evolution of Lamborghini’s single-clutch e-Gear setup and not yet a dual-clutch Borg Warner supplied S-tronic or DSG setup as has been seen in models such as the A3 and TT.
A light blue example, with contrasting aluminum side segment, tan leather and piano black interior trim looked quite close in appearance to the original Le Mans quattro Concept that Audi revealed at the Frankfurt IAA three years ago and onwhich the production R8 is based.
The second example was silver with contrasting carbon fiber side segment, black leather and carbon fiber trim. While carbon fiber trim is very functional, it can also look tacky if not done correctly. No worries there, as this particular car was definitely the more handsome and aggressive of the two. Six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx was on hand to help present the car, and demonstrated just how many bags can be fit in both the front and rear of the car.
In addition to Ickx and Kristensen, numerous other Audi V.I.P.s littered the crowd on hand in Paris this evening. Dr. Martin Winterkorn and the rest of the Audi board were most proudly attending, as was Audi Sport boss Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich, Audi design boss Walter de’ Silva and Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piech and his family. Audi’s full press release has been printed on these pages, and further photography and information around the car will be reported upon and shared following tomorrow’s first media day of the Paris Auto Show. For now, over 200 photos of the R8's reveal ceremony can be found at the gallery link below.
More Information: Paris Auto Show Coverage Main Page
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