Audi has finally lifted the covers off the second-generation R8 supercar scheduled to publicly premiere next week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Engine specifications

The new Audi R8 comes complete with an updated 5.2-litre FSI V10 engine with two output options. The base model delivers 397 kW and 540 Nm, while the V10 Plus model produces 449 kW and 560 Nm.

Audi says the R8 will need just 3.5 seconds to complete the 0-100 kph sprint before topping a speed of 320 kph, while the V10 Plus model will only need 3.2 seconds to reach a top speed of 330 kph.

Both variants are connected to a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission which is combined with a newly developed Quattro system. The system can distribute the torque according to the respective driving conditions, sending up to 100% of the torque to the front wheels, while the rear end hosts a mechanical differential lock which provides optimal traction on any road conditions.

There’s also an Audi e-tron R8 coming. With two electric motors, power is rated at 340kW and 920Nm, and performance is expected to be quite fast considering its an all-electric supercar. How does a 0-100kph time of 3.9 seconds grab you? Top speed is an electronically-limited 250 kph.

All-new Audi R8 Styling

The high-performance Audi R8 sports car has been enhanced with a singleframe radiator grille with a honeycomb design flanked by standard flat LED headlights or optional laser lighting clusters which double the range of the high beam to 600 meters.

At the rear, the sports car features a flat configuration with a curvy, prominent shoulder line and a retractable spoiler, as well as standard dynamic turn signals.

The base model is fitted with rides on 19-inch wheels with 245/35 front & 295/35 rear tyres while 20-inch alloys with 245/30 & 305/30 tyres are available as an option. The car also comes standard with steel brake discs on and carbon fibre ceramic discs on the R8 V10 Plus.

Inside, the supercar borrows the new Virtual Cockpit which was first seen on the new TT last year. It features driver oriented functions which allow for easy operation, newly developed R8 bucket seats, and a range of Nappa leather upholsteries and carbon fibre inserts. At an extra cost customers can get a 500-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system which can be added along with an Audi phone box.

The all-new Audi R8 will make its official debut in a few of days, during the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and Audi South Africa confirmed it will make landfall in SA in 2016.