Audi R8: Preview

The guys from Fourtitude have put together a nice preview of the Audi R8, also revealing some new "facts" or are they rumors? A must see! Go and read.

As the autumn air grows more crisp, the tension around the launch of Audi’s Project AU714, also known as “R8”, is building to a virtual crescendo. The car’s debut is now only a matter of days, rather than weeks, away. Though more and more development mules continue to appear, two just last week in Arizona alone and spotted multiple times, Audi has kept production photos and detailed information regarding the car’s release quite close to the vest… to the chagrin of enthusiasts and automotive journalists alike.

Word from inside is that this has been the most closely and successfully held new model launches by Audi ever – a considerable feat considering all the hype that has surrounded it. No doubt, it has certainly been the most extensive, with spy photos and executive hints trickling out regularly – no doubt part of an extensive P.R. blitz that will peak in one week.

Rumors about the car continue to run rampant… some more easily believed than others. In a previous report, this publication amassed and commented upon the theories that bore some weight. More recent contact with sources has netted a clarification and several new pieces of information.

Up until last week, the assumption was that Audi would reveal the car at a 4 PM during the Thursday September 28 press conference listed on the Paris Auto Show – the first day of the Paris Auto Show’s Media Days. More recently, it has been reveealed that the car will now be shown during an evening function in Paris on September 27. This publication plans on attending and covering the event, with a report to be filed straight away.

A credible source tells us that actual series production for AU714 is set to begin at the end of the month. Why such a quick turnaround? Answer: Audi is proud of their history.

The R8 is set to be built, like its aluminum brethren, in Audi’s Neckarsulm facility. This same facility began production with the 10 horsepower “Neckarsulmer Motorwagen” in September, 1906. So the story goes, Audi intends to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the NSU plant in Neckarsulm with the first R8 to roll off the line before month’s end.

A second body style R8, probably a convertible, is also expected. Some sources hint that the car could appear sooner rather than later. How soon? Sources are coy, but we’ve heard everything from “Paris”, to “Los Angeles”, to “no comment”. With Audi’s rapidfire new model introduction schedule, none of these suggestions seems unbelievable.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi R8

Source: Fourtitude

Audi R8: Preview

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