Geneva 2015: 2017 Audi R8 Debuts

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Christian Grey will have to move to Europe if he wants the new Audi R8 sooner than 2016. Otherwise, he’ll have to settle for seeing its debut in Geneva.

While U.S. showrooms will be waiting until the 2017 model year for the R8 to arrive, those across the Atlantic can get theirs this summer for the equivalent of $184,000 to $209,000, depending on features selected.

When it does arrive, however, V10 power will be the rule with two options: 540 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, or 610 horses and 413 lb-ft of torque. Either way, the power will be funnelled through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto to an all-new Quattro system that can make the R8 either all FWD or all RWD depending on where demand is greatest.

Meanwhile, those who want more green power can opt for the e-tron version, whose 92-kWh battery pack gives the all-electric model a range 280 miles per charge, double that of the previous e-tron’s 140 miles. Speed will be limited to between 130.5 mph and 153.3 mph, and pricing is not yet known.

Other options include adaptive suspension, variable steering, 19- and 20-inch wheel choices, steel or carbon ceramic brakes, and a driver-focused interior.





Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • V-Strom rider V-Strom rider on Mar 02, 2015

    "Speed will be limited to between 130.5 mph and 153.3 mph". WOW - a minimum speed of 130.5 mph! I want one!

  • AnotherMillenial AnotherMillenial on Mar 02, 2015

    The R8 E-Tron mostly makes up for the lackluster redesign of this car. The standard R8 and R8 V10 don't look as fresh. Audi did the utmost to make it look similar to the current gen, but the first gen just has this classic, timeless look that this car just doesn't replicate. It just looks new, not better, new. So there's that I guess. However, the "cockpit" interior is awesome. I appreciate Audi's push to move all relevant info in front of the driver and simplify interior design. I wish designers took a revolutionary rather than evolutionary approach, but in fairness almost all Audi redesigns are reserved. If it ain't broke blah blah blah.

  • CanadaCraig You can just imagine how quickly the tires are going to wear out on a 5,800 lbs AWD 2024 Dodge Charger.
  • Luke42 I tried FSD for a month in December 2022 on my Model Y and wasn’t impressed.The building-blocks were amazing but sum of the all of those amazing parts was about as useful as Honda Sensing in terms of reducing the driver’s workload.I have a list of fixes I need to see in Autopilot before I blow another $200 renting FSD. But I will try it for free for a month.I would love it if FSD v12 lived up to the hype and my mind were changed. But I have no reason to believe I might be wrong at this point, based on the reviews I’ve read so far. [shrug]. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about it once I get to test it.
  • FormerFF We bought three new and one used car last year, so we won't be visiting any showrooms this year unless a meteor hits one of them. Sorry to hear that Mini has terminated the manual transmission, a Mini could be a fun car to drive with a stick.It appears that 2025 is going to see a significant decrease in the number of models that can be had with a stick. The used car we bought is a Mk 7 GTI with a six speed manual, and my younger daughter and I are enjoying it quite a lot. We'll be hanging on to it for many years.
  • Oberkanone Where is the value here? Magna is assembling the vehicles. The IP is not novel. Just buy the IP at bankruptcy stage for next to nothing.
  • Jalop1991 what, no Turbo trim?
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