With Audi's announcement of the hardcore R8 GT last week there may be some vanilla R8 owners feeling a little left out. Salvation could shortly be at hand with APS of Brackley launching the new, VF-Engineering developed, supercharger kit for the original V8 Audi R8. Featuring a new Roots-type Eaton TVS 1900 supercharger the R8’s power has risen to 548bhp, 30bhp more than the R8 V10 and just 4bhp shy of the newer R8 GT, whilst torque has seen an increase to 437Ib ft, some 46Ib ft more than the R8 V10 and 39Ib ft more than the R8 GT. By using the latest version of the ‘Twin Vortices Series’ Roots supercharger, VF-Engineering have been able to develop a unit that can rev at higher engine speeds for longer periods, allowing the TVS 1900 unit to operate at lower crankshaft speeds and create more boost. In addition to the new supercharger, the kit features a CNC machined billet aluminium housing, a new air to water heat exchanger, an upgraded Goodyear serpentine belt system and a heavy-duty active tensioner. Finally, the kit is also supplied with new ECU maps that allow the user to choose between a number of different maps including a ‘Race Fuel’ mode to utilise higher octane fuel and ‘Valet’ mode which reduces power. With the new supercharger kit priced at just £21,995, including fitting, VAT and a 1 year unlimited mileage warranty, it represents a serious value proposition to original R8 owners, especially with the R8 V10 starting at £103,810 and the new R8 GT expected to cost around £145,000. APS of Brackley are the exclusive UK dealer for the VF-Engineering kit and are taking deposits now.
Read our road test of the ABT supercharged R8
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