Stunning Audi R8 V10 Plus hits the Indian roads

Ever since Audi India had announced that it was soon be going to launch a new variant in its R8 model line-up, supercar enthusiasts have been in an intense nail-biting phase of waiting.

And now, the great wait is over. Audi India is proud to have just launched the Audi R8 V10 Plus variant - the best of the R8 line. No wonder, the new Audi R8 V10 Plus variant makes sure that the Audi flag keeps flapping vigorously in the supercar sector in India.

Claimed to be the most powerful trim of the R8 model, the new variant was granted the famous Buddh International Circuit in Noida as its venue for launch - a grand podium commensurate with the variant's grandeur.

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The very first glance at the car that has just broken its cover would tell you that it was not just about the style in look, rather, it had something more in store in the interior. So far as the price of this gorgeous as well as extremely powerful four-wheeler is concerned, Rs 2.05 crore (Rs 20.5 million) is the figure (Ex-showroom, New Delhi).

The three 2013 Audi R8 variants that were introduced to the Indian automobile market in January this year were R8 V8 Coupe, R8 V10 Coupe and R8 V10 Spyder. These variants were available at prices of Rs 1.34 crore (Rs 13.4 million), Rs 1.57 crore (Rs 15.7 million) and Rs 1.73 crore (Rs17.3 million), respectively (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new member of the Audi R8 family not only is the most powerful, but also strikes the most engaging and stylish look that can hardly be bettered, thus, is the most highly priced.

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However, it is necessary to mention in this regard that the price of R8 V10 Coupe has been increased to Rs 1.81 crore, while the amount was Rs 1.57 crore (Rs 15.7 million) at the time of its launch.

There has been a hike in import duties in the 2013 Union Budget, and this contributes to the price hike of the Audi models. Since Audi India planned the price of the new R8 V10 Plus after the Union budget, it could mention a fixed price, requiring no revision.

The hike in import duties according to the Union budget justifies R8 V10 Plus' price of Rs. 2.05 crore (Rs 20.5 million) which may have seemed to be a little too high.

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Let's now have a quick look at the technical specifications so that we manage to figure out what differentiates this variant from its forerunners. So far as the engine of the Audi R8 V10 plus is concerned, it is a Lamborghini sourced 5.2-litre, V10 engine - the same as is present in the R8 Spyder and the R8 V10 Coupe variants.

However, Audi has infused more power in this last variant. With a peak power output of 550bhp and a maximum torque of 540Nm, it is now more powerful than the R8 Spyder and V10 Coupe, both of which featured a power rendering capability of 525bhp along with a peak torque of 530Nm.

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While it has become more powerful, stunning to look at, as it has always been, Audi has also made sure that it features a better ride quality, so that the launch of yet another variant make sense. The V10 Plus variant has been mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox. It takes just 3.5 seconds to reach the speed of 100kmph from a standstill, which is pretty impressive in the case of a supercar.

As for the top speed mark, the Audi R8 V10 Plus model strikes a maximum speed of 317kmph. There is simply no scope for any doubt that this last Audi R8 variant is an absolute delight for the thrill loving supercar enthusiasts.

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Audi has always tried to incorporate a comfy interior, rich with infotainment features to gift the occupants with an enchanting, thrilling and spellbinding experience, and it has been successful in its attempts. In fact, you cannot expect anything better, when it comes to interior facilities and safety features in a supercar.

Audi has not made any change in matters of interior accessories and safety features. It has kept intact its adjustable bucket seats, glass fibre reinforced plastic chassis and standard ceramic brakes. The exterior retains its aesthetic tweak along with the matte black vent louvers next to the rear window.

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The Indian automobile market has been suffering a crash in sales figures in last five months, the first time in last 10 years. Though not all, most automobile giants have ended up with a fall in number of sales.

High interest rates and slowing economy have been held responsible for the crash. Launching a new variant, and that too, at a cost of Rs 2.05 crore (Rs 20.5 million), may put a question mark about the sales figures it is going to achieve.

However, the fact remains that what is applicable for the general brands does not fit an esteemed name like Audi. Who cares about the price, when it is a pulsating Audi R8 V10 plus waiting to be taken to the roads.