Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI: First official images and details

Posted on December 8th, 2008 by Robert Adams | Posted under: Audi, Supercars

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Audi R8 is one of the best looking supercars out there. Current 4.2-liter V8 with 420 hp has not been enough to compete with other supercars such as Porsche’s 911 Turbo.

Audi’s solution is a 5.2-liter V10 with 528 hp, that currently powers Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. This power is sent to all four wheels via six-speed manual or an R-tronic semi-automatic gearbox.

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) comes in just 3.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.1 seconds. While a top speed is 316 km/h (196 mph).

Audi will introduce the R8 V10 at the Detroit Motor Show in January. We checked with our local dealer today and found out that this high performance R8 will be available already in April. Hopefully we’ll be able to test drive it soon after.

The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one that powers recently revealed R8 LMS GT3. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (528 hp).

The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear – a classic racing technology – are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. 19-inch wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the R8 V10. Tire sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear.

The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimeters (14 in). The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide.

Visual changes you can see include two oval exhaust pipes(V8 version has quad exhausts). On the rear you can also see a new rear diffuser for even better down force.

A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world’s first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals.

Special details also distinguish the body of the R8 V10. Its side blades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty.