Audi presented the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. For those not affected with global crisis here is R8 V10.
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Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine delivers 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. The quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminium body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and beautiful design... We are sure that you will find the place in your garage for this beauty.
The R8 V10 combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect for impressive top performance and low weight. The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb).
The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it's sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph).
The 5.2-liter power plant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg).
The wide, full shape of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops on the sides are also indicative of the engine location.
The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the "World Car of the Year Awards 2008".
The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good.
The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400. ■