The new 2014 Audi R8 is officially on sale as of April 11th, 2013

2014 Audi R8 model line pricing released; Tony Stark back in Audi R8 for Iron Man 3 premiere on May 3rd, 2013

Offering uncompromised performance and unmistakable design, the new 2014 Audi R8 model represents the pinnacle of Audi performance with the top up or down. The R8 has established itself as an icon in the short time since its introduction in 2008. The new 2014 Audi R8 is more dynamic and powerful than ever and is officially on sale as of April 11th, 2013.

The new Audi R8 has been further optimized thanks to numerous improvements, including an available new seven-speed S tronic transmission that improves the 0-60 mph time by 0.3 seconds on the R8 V10 Plus. The new S tronic transmission also significantly improves comfort through smoother gear shifts and greater efficiency. New full-LED headlamp design continues to give the R8 an unmistakable presence while standing still and at speed on the road or the track.

At the top of the range is the new R8 V10 Plus Coupe with 550 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. Equipped with the available S tronic, it catapults from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 196 mph. It weighs approximately 130 lbs. less than the R8 V10 due to ceramic brakes, carbon fiber side blades, front splitter, rear diffuser, and spoiler; a smaller fuel tank; manual Alcantara® seats and reduced sound insulation in the engine bay.

The interior receives beautiful diamond-stitch leather seats as well as an available flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel among other improvements. 'The launch of the R8 represented the turning point of the Audi brand and placed luxury on notice,' said Scott Keogh, President Audi of America. 'The 2014 R8 will continue to build upon that success for our halo sports car and for the Audi brand as a whole.'

Tony Stark, played by actor Robert Downey Jr., will once again be back in the Audi R8 as his car of choice. Iron Man 3 debuts in movie theatres across the country on May 3rd, 2013.

by Audi

Audi suits up to reprise its leading role in Marvel's Iron Man 3

Audi returns as Tony Stark's vehicle of choice in Marvel's Iron Man 3 slated for a May 3 release date

Audi has joined forces with Disney and Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, LLC for the release of Marvel's Iron Man 3 due in theaters on May 3, 2013. The brand will once again be highlighted throughout the entire film. The Audi R8, R8 Spyder, A8, S5, and Q7 were all featured in the first and second installments.

'Audi is excited to once again showcase the brand's cutting edge technology and sleek design with the Audi R8 e-tron in Marvel's Iron Man 3,' said Loren Angelo, General Manager of Brand Marketing for Audi of America. 'This is a strategic collaboration for us. Similar to the position of the R8 as an innovation leader, Iron Man's character consistently evolves throughout the trilogy as he masterminds new trends in technology and engineering.'

Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark, the title character in the film, whose Super Hero alter ego Iron Man is the result of an extremely versatile and indestructible high-tech armor suit. Whenever Stark hangs up his suit, the technically-adept billionaire can be seen in the film behind the wheel of the all-electric R8 e-tron sports car prototype. Oscar® winner Gwyneth Paltrow also returns as Virginia 'Pepper' Potts, CEO of Stark Industries and girlfriend of Tony Stark, who drives an Audi S7 Sportback.

'We are thrilled to once again team up with our friends at Audi. With an extraordinary mix of style and cutting edge technology, these two global brands have always been a great fit!' said Bob Sabouni, EVP Worldwide Marketing Partnerships.

About Marvel's Iron Man 3:

Marvel's Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, Marvel's Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce & Shane Black and is based on Marvel's iconic Super Hero Iron Man, who first appeared on the pages of 'Tales of Suspense' (#39) in 1963 and had his solo comic book debut with 'The Invincible Iron Man' (#1) in May of 1968.

Marvel's Iron Man 3 is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment. Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige is producing and Jon Favreau, Louis D'Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz are executive producers. The film releases May 3, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com.

by Audi