2017 R8 revealed stunning photos

The R8 is about to begin shipping to customers in Europe, though it won’t make its way to the U.S. until 2016 as a 2017 model year vehicle.

Although the styling is evolutionary, a lot has changed about the car under the skin. A lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber structure helped the R8 lose about 110 lbs compared to its predecessor. At launch, two different 5.2-liter V10 engines will be available, the first with 540 hp and the more powerful option sporting 610 hp. Audi claims that the 0 to 62 mph sprint will happen in just 3.2 seconds in the 610-hp car.

All-wheel drive and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission are also found in the new car which Audi says is about 10 percent more fuel efficient than today’s R8 thanks to revised direct injection and cylinder-on-demand technology.

Inside, the R8 gets a full digital gauge setup, heavily bolstered leather seats, a steering wheel fitted with many of the car’s primary controls and a more driver focused layout.

Along with the gasoline powertrains, Audi also plans to offer a significantly revised e-tron electric version. The new electric R8 will have a much larger 92-kWh battery pack that Audi says will allow it to drive up to 280 miles instead of the previous model that could drive up to roughly 140 miles.

Source: Autoguide