The Audi R8 supercar is a distinct and head-turning automobile that grabs attention and has a commanding presence. The German supercar has been out for quite some time and has undergone a facelift while receiving a power boost in its entire range of engines. This makes the first Audi R8 with the 4.2-liter V-8 engine a bit of a basic car in todays standards because it has been outclassed by higher powered V-10 engines found in its more potent model variants. The team at XXX-Performance however wanted to give the basic first generation model a bit more kick to hang and even surpass the big boys so it created a full tuning program for the supercar. The new upgrade program includes a variety of go fast goodies ranging from the hardcore twin-turbocharger modification that sits beneath the hood to a new set of forged wheels and even various styling bits throughout. To achieve this feat in power, they had to team up with their German partners, Chiptrick to create the engine modifications.
Much of the Audi R8 supercar was modified in terms of the exterior. Various aspects were modified to ensure better aerodynamics for the high speeds the car would be capable of achieving. For example, the front fascia was given new splitters and a spoiler to reduce any lifting forces at the front axle. Between the front and rear forged wheels sit extended side skirts to reduce overall drag. At the rear is a new set of carbon fiber air vents that help hot air escape the engine bay more efficiently and keep things cool.
The factory rim and tire setup was also extensively modified. The entire chassis was lowered through the use of a new sport suspension to reduce the overall center of gravity for better handling performance. The factory rim and tire setup was replaced with a new set of Oxigin forged wheels with a black and white color scheme to reduce weight. The lightweight aluminum alloy forged wheels are very strong compared to cast wheels and measure 8.5 x 20 up front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear with high performance 235/30R20 and 295/25R20 tires.
The 4.2-liter V-8 engine was extensively modified to create more power. The XXX-Performance and Chiptrick team designed a twin-turbocharger upgrade system that includes two Garrett turbochargers and a full intercooler system to keep temperatures low. The team also modified the factory exhaust to reduce backpressure and added new high flow air filters to suck in more air. The team then finished with an ECU tune that is capable of producing up to 707 horsepower and 597 lb-ft. of torque in the Stage 3 tune. This dramatically reduces the 0-60 mph acceleration time by a full second.
