For all intents and purposes the Audi R8 is a “supercar” – a sleek and powerful car superior in many ways. It’s low, stealthy profile and prominent carbon fiber sideblades make it a thing of beauty. This sweet and sexy sports car features a mid-mounted V8 engine, 4.2 liter DOHC that produces 420 hp and 317 lbs. of torque. With the engine mounted ahead of the rear wheels and behind the cockpit, the weight is distributed with a 44 – 56% balance for better handling. The Audi R8 will propel you from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
It’s no secret that that R8 design was based on the V10 Lamborghini Gallardo. Now, the R8 is getting a V10 of it’s own. The 2010 Audi R8 has been set to make it’s debut at the end of 2009 or early 2010 in the US, with a topless model shortly thereafter. This new model gets a high-revving 5.2-liter V10, which produces 525 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. It’s 0 to 62 mph will shave 0.5 seconds off its predecessor and pull in at just 3.9 seconds. The visual differences between the two models are subtle, with the most obvious differences in the new flared out air intakes on the sideblades and dual oval exhaust tips that replace the old quad outlets. Pricing is expected to start at $150k.
Audi R8 Specifications
| R8 Engine Models | 4.2 FSI V8 | 5.2 FSI V10 |
| Engine Configuration | V8 Engine | V10 Engine |
| Engine Displacement | 4,163 cc (254.0 cu in) | 5,204 cc (317.6 cu in) |
| Max. Power | 309 kW (420 PS; 414 bhp) @ 7,800 rpm | 386 kW (525 PS; 518 bhp) @ 8,000 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 430 N·m (317 ft·lbf) | 530 N·m (391 ft·lbf) @ 6,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | quattro AWD | quattro AWD |
| Curb Weight | 1,560 kg (3,439 lb) | 1,620 kg (3,571 lb) |
| 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) | 4.4 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 301 km/h (187 mph) | 316 km/h (196.4 mph) |
| Lateral Acceleration (200 feet (61 m) skidpad) |
1.01 G | 1.2 G |
| Base Price | starting at $114,200 | expected to start at $150,000 |
The 2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI at the North American Auto Show
Audi R8 Flickr Photos
