Audi previews refreshed R8 in Twitter image

Audi's R8 halo machine is getting a light update, and the freshened model will go on sale in the United States early in 2013.

Audi released European specifications this week. U.S. details were not announced, but expect power ratings for the 4.2-liter V8 (430 hp and 316 lb-ft) and the 5.2-liter V8 (525 hp and 391 lb-ft) to be at or near their 2012 levels.

The spotlight change in Europe is the addition of a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, which uses two multiplate clutches and replaces the six-speed R tronic. The six-speed manual continues.

The exterior changes are subtle. The headlights get LEDs placed above and below the daytime running lamps, which makes for a slightly different look for the R8's signature glare. The grille comes in a high-gloss black single-frame execution, but it looks nearly the same.

In Europe, a R8 V10 plus model will be added as the top variant, and it gets a standard carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic splitter and exterior finishings.

Audi sold 78 copies of the R8 in the United States in June, down 28 percent from June 2011. So far this year, the automaker has sold 503 copies, down 16 percent from last year's first-half tally of 600 units.

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