New Audi R8 announced for Geneva

The V10-powered Audi R8, this time built upon a new multi-material Audi Space Frame, will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show, March 5-15.

Its frame is to be constructed using high proportions of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), leading the luxury car marque to claim a dry weight of 1,454 kg (3,205.5 lb) for its top model.

Other performance specs taken from the top line version include a 5.2 FSI engine capable of generating 449 kw (610 hp), a 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) time of 3.2 seconds, and a top speed of 330 km/h (205.1 mph).

Design cues are being taken from the world of motorsports, with the retouched R8 intended to convey 'more of a race car character,' and carry over design ideas from the previous model in a 'more pronounced' way.

Sport seats have been redesigned, cockpit instruments are oriented and rearranged to benefit the driver's perspective, and optional R8 bucket seats are also being made available, as part of an effort to make drivers feel more as if they are in a race car -- or at least driving something with a pronounced racing heritage.

The vehicle is to go on sale in summer 2015, starting at €165,000 for the R8 V10. Audi's fully kitted out version, the R8 V10 plus, is priced up at €187,400.