Audi R8 V10+ Armytrix
In early summer 2015, the ShifTech Lyon team was entrusted with the superb Audi R8 V10+ ShifTech's mission was twofold: firstly, the chiptuning of the 10-cylinder V engine and secondly, the fitting of a complete Armytrix exhaust system.
Since 2007, the R8 has been the only supercar in the Audi catalogue the 'plus' version is powered by the same engine as the classic R8 V10, but with slightly more power than the original. the 'plus' version develops 550hp, compared with 525hp for the classic version.
In addition to the extra power, the V10+ is also lighter. several parts have been made from carbon fibre: side panels, diffuser, front blade, decorative inserts in the engine compartment, mirror caps and seat structure. the replacement of the original exhaust system with a titanium Armytrix exhaust system has resulted in a further reduction of 20kg.
The unique sound of the V10!
The sound of the V10, enhanced by the Armytrix exhaust system, is nothing short of incredible. just take a look at the video below to see for yourself.
Another piece of good news is that this 'plus' version comes with the S-Tronic 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and ceramic brakes as standard.
As with all ShifTech Engineering preparations, the electronic management has been developed entirely on a power bench.
The first run on the dyno showed us that the original measured power was 537hp. from experience, we know that many German naturally-aspirated engines do not deliver the claimed power.
Following the engine chiptuning, the results were as follows: 588hp and 541Nm.
Having tested the vehicle on the road before and after preparation, we can confirm that the gain in driving pleasure is indisputable.
Note from the engineer!
Typical Audi: the plus version does not alter the performance or handling of the production vehicle, nor does it pretend to do so.
Audi's aim seems to be simply to honour a model at the end of its life by offering a limited number of examples. this little 'extra' on paper is unnecessary, but essential if you fall in love with this R8.
On the mechanical front, little or nothing has changed. The R8's engine is none other than that of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP-560, electronically limited at the throttle to 525 bhp for the original R8 and 550 bhp for the 'plus' version. the GT version, meanwhile, was given a completely unbridled 560hp version. electronically, therefore, it is possible to unbridle the throttle to obtain a 560hp base. then, by essentially adjusting the ignition and richness, you can gain a few extra bhp at high revs. a sine qua non condition: use 98 octane fuel. this seems legitimate to us when you own this type of vehicle.
The result is an increase in power to 588 bhp, a very respectable score!
Where 'everything' changes is in the gearbox. "It's true that the robotised R-Tronic gearbox didn't make everyone happy and lacked a bit of sportiness because of its very long shift times. This 'plus' version, on the other hand, is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with gearshifts of less than 85ms. that's what really changes everything about this vehicle. smoother under light loads and quicker when the vehicle is under strain, this gearbox works wonders on this Audi R8 V10.
The Quattro transmission and its rear-wheel drive torque distribution give it the necessary dynamism to make us forget its weight of 1600kg.
Finally, to the ear, the V10 offers a sound that we will probably never tire of, and in this respect we are pleased to note that Audi has decided to keep this 5.2 V8 in the 2015 R8 catalogue.