Cricketing maestro Virat Kohli at the launch of Audi's most powerful car in India

German auto firm Audi has launched in India its most powerful car, Audi R8 V10 Plus. Built on aerodynamic concept of a race car, Audi R8 V10 Plus has a monoposto cockpit design blended with gloss carbon elements and has 13 percent improved fuel efficiency.

Audi India head Joe King (Left) with cricketer Virat Kohli during the launch of Audi R8 V10 Plus in Bengaluru. With its price starting from Rs 2.60 crore (Ex-showroom Karnataka), Audi R8 V10 Plus is powered by a 5.2 FSI quattro engine capable of producing 610 hp power at 6,500 Nm of torque to accelerate from 0-100 km per hour in 3.2 seconds.

The new generation car comes with seven speed S tronic transmission and newly developed quattro permanent all-wheel drive with electro-hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch and four standard modes of Audi drive select. With a fixed rear spoiler to enhance downforce, the mid-engine sports car has a cargo room of 226 litres behind the seats and another 112 litres luggage compartment at the front under the traditional bonnet which is bereft of an engine in this case.

Measuring 4.42 metres long and 1.94 metres wide, the new R8 is lighter, sharing 50 percent of its components with its racing twin Audi R8 LMS, including Audi Space Frame and the V10 engine. "The intelligent mix of aluminium and carbon makes it almost 50 kg lighter and 40 percent stiffer than the previous model," said an Audi statement.

Designed specifically for the Audi R8, The Bang & Olufsen Sound System provides a surround sound reproduction alongwith dynamic compensation for road noise. The system features a 16-channel amplifier with 13 high-performance loudspeakers including centre speaker, 2 bass speakers in the doors and subwoofer in the passenger footwell with a total output of 550 watts.

It has front bucket seats which are made of perforated Fine Nappa leather with a more contoured seat shape for an increased lateral support.

It has electrically adjustable exterior mirrors that can be automatically dimmed with integrated LED indicators. It includes an automatic kerb-side function that tilts the exterior mirror downwards when the reverse gear is selected, giving the driver a better view of the kerb.

LED lights are equipped with dipped beam, high beam, daytime-running lights, indicator and static turning light technology. It enables the provision of near daylight illumination of the road with minimal energy consumption and a long service life accompanied with better visibility.

Its additional Laser Light high-beam supplements the LED high-beam from a speed of 59.54 km/h, providing a light that is more intense in range and brightness.

Parking system indicates how far away the vehicle is from an object detected in the front or behind. Measurement by ultrasonic sensors is discreetly integrated in the bumpers as well as a camera. Displayed in the Audi Virtual Cockpit. Activated when reverse gear is selected or via the button on the centre console.

The R8 3-spoke, flat-bottomed, multi-functional, performance leather steering wheel sports 4 operating satellite buttons. It includes an R8 emblem and shift paddles. The four satellite buttons control Audi Drive Select, Engine Start/Stop, Performance Modes and Manual Exhaust Flap Operation.

The Audi Phone enables drivers to use their mobile phone in the car by placing it in the storage compartment provided in the front centre console to improve reception quality. The Audi Phone is operated via the MMI control panel. The R8 multi-function steering wheel or the voice control system. Audi Phone Box option also provides an additional Bluetooth interface for a second device meaning two mobile phones can be connected to the vehicle simultaneously.

The R8 V10 plus has a Sport suspension with stiffer spring and damper combination for more direct road contact and sportier handling.

The Sports Plus Pack consists of an Audi Magnetic Ride, a Dynamic steering and a Sport exhaust system. These three options help create the ultimate driving dynamics, handling, steering and sound for your R8.