Car Talk Archives - Page 5 of 149

5 Differences Between the 2015 & 2017 Audi R8

Nov 20 2015

The 2017 is slightly wider and longer and weighs 50 kg less, but that’s tough to see.

Here’s a quick guide to the main differences between the 2015 and 2017 Audi R8.

1 – Exhaust

Round is so 2015.

2 – All-new Steering Wheel

Modelled after a racecar, all main functions can be controlled using your thumbs.

3 – Interior

It’s all-new, and much less cluttered. The addition of the electronic parking brake helped.

And see what’s missing? The dash screen has been deleted.

4 – Instrument Cluster

Gone are the dials and dash screen, and in its place is one 12.3″ screen in the instrument cluster than can be configured in multiple ways.

It’s called Audi virtual cockpit, learn more in here.

5 – Engine has an X

Probably the easiest way to tell – there’s now an X-shaped-bracket atop the engine.

Also, its token note is now fuller, and fuel economy is improved by 13%.

Bonus – Canadian Lasers

If it has laser headlights, it’s a Canadian 2017, because we’re the only country to get this tech.

More about the lasers here.

Either model year is fine with me.

I tracked both, that story here.

Blog tag = 2017 Audi R8

About Audi’s All-new sportscar experience

Nov 20 2015

I arrive to massive white tent, RS 7s and R8s lining the walk up.

Our group of 20 is paired off, then is further divided into 4 groups, with both types of vehicles in each group’s fleet.

The morning is spent cycling through 4 exercises, like slalom and braking. And quickly, too; it’s the most efficient drive event I’ve attended.

That’s why these photos are good not great -there is very little downtime between sessions, as in, there’s a LOT of seat time.

Plus you’ll drive backwards around Mosport, come ON.

The afternoon is all track.

You’ll have access to some of Canada’s most decorated racers, the Audi instructors are all very experienced.

They drive around the track with you, watching in the mirrors and coaching over the radio.

Later in the day it hits me, and when we pit I approach Jeff Boyce (above left):

“I’m laser-beam focused to keep up to you, while you’re operating the radio AND coaching me?!” He smiles, “actually there’s two radios Keri, one is back to base.” Cartoon eyes.

At about 1.5% of the car’s total cost, it’s wise money spent. Because ever seen someone mess up while driving an exotic?

Last summer I was walking through downtown Toronto, oooh that’s a _nice_ car. So I’m watching, the guy stumbles when the light turns green and I burst out laughing. Along with the rest of his audience.

If you’re lucky, a friend will photograph you from the sidelines, so you too can pose at 180 km/h.

Vision. Vision. Vision.

It’s easily the most repeated lesson of the day. Look further down the road, turn your head more, racing comes down to vision more than anything else.

Holy woah to turn 5.

“Just look for the cone Keri,” ok, but WHERE IS THE CONE :O

Having an engine this large behind me?

Ohhh, I liked that.

The event concludes with you in the passenger seat for a hotlap with an instructor.

Richard Spénard took me around, and yup, I didn’t come close to reaching this car’s capabilities.

For the price tag of about $2,000 – you’re on the track 9am – 4pm, with a small group, testing vehicles in an environment they were designed for, while the instructors encourage you to push it. Plus 3 homemade meals.

Just the cost of brakes and tires would come close.

Because do what I did, and keep handing back the car reeking of both every. single. time.

Audi is expanding their sportscar experience next year, find details on their site – Audi sportscar experience.

For a detailed account of my experience, read my story at The Co here.

Audi’s All-new Virtual Cockpit

Nov 20 2015

Audi virtual cockpit is a 12.3″ high-res digital instrument cluster that completely replaces the dash screen.

It debuted on the 2016 Audi TT, and is coming next to the 2017 Q7, A4 and R8.

Doesn’t an interior look so much better without a black hole in the dash?

The system is controlled using either the steering wheel controls, or the completely redesigned MMI interface selector wheel.

Instead of 4 function buttons there’s now 2, and the rotary dial acts like a joystick – nudge left, right, like that.

Plus its top is touch-enabled. Use your finger to zoom in or out, or if scrolling a list, write a “K” to narrow in on all results that start with K.

I’ve tested Audi’s virtual cockpit twice.

First was on the active display at the Canadian International Auto Show back in February 2015. I was filming a segment for MotoringTV.

I arrived 10 minutes early before the crew, and in that time, learned the entire system.

That’s not to say I’m a wizard with electronic interfaces, but that the system is intuitive.

It encompasses my favourite type of design – functional and fashionable.

Because dipping your eyes from the road, to the instrument cluster, is a much shorter distance than to a dash screen.

How good does navigation look eh.

The second test was while driving the all-new 2017 Audi R8 at Mosport.

It wasn’t the best test though.

My saucer-eyes were glued to the track, can only confirm the speedometer is bright and visible.

I predict this setup will be copied by other automakers.

It’s logical, safer, and makes for a more aesthetically-pleasing interior. Plus there’s probably production cost savings by installing just one screen instead of two.