Some six years after Audi wowed the world with its R8 supercar in 2006, Ingolstadt is getting ready to spruce up its flagship model with very mild styling updates on the outside but important changes under the skin.
Our spies sent us two sets of photos today, both of the R8 V10 model, with and without the swirly camouflage.
On the styling front, Audi’s designers made a few tweaks here and there such as the new LED headlamp and tail light fixtures, the reshaped, six-point front grille with horizontal chrome slats and the circular instead of oval-shaped twin tail pipes on the V10 model.
Some may also notice that instead of two plastic slats on the front and rear side vents, the updated V10 model gets three plastic slats on both ends and corners.
Minor updates are also expected in the 2013MY R8’s interior.
What’s more important about the facelifted R8 is the introduction of the limited run e-Tron variant powered by four electric motors, two each at the front and rear axles, with a combined output of around 230kW or 308hp (313PS).
The big news for the regular R8 models is the replacement of the automated six-speed manual R-Tronic with the more modern and much faster seven-speed double-clutch transmission.
It is believed that Audi engineers may also tweak the R8’s existing engine lineup lifting output of the 4.2-liter V8 from 430-horses to around 450hp and the 5.2-liter V10 from 525hp to about 550hp.
Look for the 2013MY R8 range to appear at the Paris Motor Show this September.
Photo Credits: CarPix fro Carscoop
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