New Audi R8 V10 – the fastest Audi ever
.jpg "This is the new Audi R8 V10 - a 520bhp supercar taking the fight to the Ferrari F430, Porsche 911 Turbo and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.")
09 December 2008
These are the first official images and details of the new 520bhp Audi R8 V10 which is faster and more powerful than the V8 R8.
Using a slightly detuned version of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4’s 5.2-litre V10 engine, the Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro develops 525bhp and 390lb/ft of pulling power.
This gives the latest R8 a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 196mph compared to 4.6 seconds and 187mph in the V8-engineed R8.
These figures put the V10 R8 on a par with the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari F430 and in the firing line of the Gallardo LP560-4.
Audi claims the V10 R8 will also average 20.6mpg – just 0.1mpg less than the V8 model.
This power is channelled to all four wheels with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a sequential ‘R Tronic’ ‘box can be specced as a £5,090 option.
Stopping power is dictated by a set of 380mm discs on the front and 356mm on the rear, which are housed behind 19-inch, 10-spoke wheels designed especially for the new supercar. Carbon ceramic disc brakes are an optional extra.
There are only minor cosmetic differences over the entry-level R8, with the V10 model getting larger side air intakes, wider side sills and matt aluminium exhaust grilles.
Following the Audi R8’s launch in 2007, this is the first new road-going model with the track-designed Audi R8 LMS recently displayed at the Essen Motor Show.
It’s expected a V10 diesel version of the R8 will also be launched at a later date after being well received at motor shows around the world.
On sale towards the middle of next year, prices start from £99,957 for the entry-level V10, rising to £104,665 for the ‘R Tronic’ model – making it the most expensive production Audi ever and £20,000 more than the V8 R8.
But it’s the same price as the Porsche 911 Turbo, £38,000 cheaper than the F430 and £47,000 less than the Gallardo of which it shares a similar engine and performance figures.
Standard Audi R8 slide show
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Audi r8 Replica slide show
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Video: Watch the V8-powered Audi R8 in footage
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