Audi sends some V10 thunder down under

Audi’s awesome R8 just got more awesome with the local release of the 386kW 5.2 FSI quattro model, or put simply, the R8 V10. The closely related V10 engine in the RS6 sounds sublime, so one can only imagine how exquisite it would be to have that noise right behind you as you prowl the streets.

While not exactly a bargain, it seems the Australian market has already taken a liking to the R8. Accordingly, Joerg Hofmann, Audi’s managing director, boasts, “The R8 V8 has been very successful in Australia, so much so that we have been securing additional production from other markets to fill our waiting lists. This new V10 version will certainly prove popular with an exclusive number of customers who want blistering performance, combined with head-turning design and the vast benefit offered by our vehicle which is everyday versatility.”

Indeed, a couple of weeks ago now I was fortunate to get an up close look at an R8 V10 in the bowels of Audi Centre Canberra before being delivered to its lucky buyer. The LED headlights, standard fitment on the 5.2 FSI model, really are a nice bit of kit.

Other standard fare on the über R8 includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, satellite navigation and heated silk nappa leather seats.

As well as the LED headlights, Audi anoraks can spot the difference between the V10 and V8 models by pointing out the wider sideblades which feed more air into the engine, oval shaped exhaust tips and a chrome trimmed grille.

Despite the Audi Space Frame technology, the R8 still tips the scales with a fair old weight. However, proving the 5.2 litre engine is more than just show, it can propel the 1620kg coupé from rest to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. After my taste of the V8 model I came away thinking the car deserved more power. I reckon this might just do it!

More from Audi after the jump and you can download a spec brochure below:

• Audi R8 specifications—August 2009 (1.6mb PDF)

Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro Blasts into Showrooms

• New 5.2 litre V10 engine for R8 sports coupe
• Audi Space Frame, mid-ship engine and quattro all-wheel drive combine to produce a true thoroughbred
• V10 will continue the success of the V8 version in Australia

Audi’s extraordinary R8 sports coupe has a new leader – the V10 version is now available in Australia.

Developed jointly with quattro GmbH, the R8 V10 sees Audi reinforcing its leading position in the high-performance sports car segment. The newly-developed ten-cylinder engine develops 386 kW of breathtaking performance while 530Nm of torque endows it with unstoppable power. Both R tronic sequential gearbox and a 6-speed manual transmission are available.

Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says this new model, while niche, will nonetheless significantly boost the brand’s cache in the sportscar segment.

“The R8 V8 has been very successful in Australia, so much so that we have been securing additional production from other markets to fill our waiting lists. This new V10 version will certainly prove popular with an exclusive number of customers who want blistering performance, combined with head-turning design and the vast benefit offered by our vehicle which is everyday versatility,” Mr Hofmann said.

quattro permanent all-wheel drive, Audi Space Frame ASF lightweight technology, mid-ship engine mounting and the innovative all-LED lights propel the new Audi model right to the top of its competitive field.

Offering clear proof of the benefits of these technologies, the R8 5.2 FSI quattro manual tips the scales at 1,620 kg thanks to its lightweight body. Built of aluminium in the Audi Space Frame design, it weighs just 210 kilograms. The ASF design is extremely rigid, which ensures dynamic, precise and secure handling as well as occupant safety.

The car is very highly-equipped including heated seat covers of Fine Nappa leather, Navigation system plus, Bang & Olufsen sound system and automatic air conditioning – all standard equipment. Carefully arranged interior details showcase the leading position of this top-of-the-line model – it evens offers 190 litres of luggage space behind the seats and under the front hood.

The exterior of this V10 version differs distinctly from its V8 sibling – particularly at the front, at the sideblades which provide the engine with intake air, and at the tail end. A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 is 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.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro covers zero to 100 km/h in a blinding 3.9 seconds and passes the 200 km/h mark in another 8.1 seconds (R tronic). A top speed of 316 km/h exemplifies its breathtaking dynamics, coupled with a ferocious response to the accelerator, outstanding revving ability, and a thrilling engine note.

The V10 engine is firmly rooted in Audi’s great motorsport tradition. It revs all the way up to 8,700 rpm – almost as high as a racing engine. At 6,500 rpm the naturally aspirated 5.2-litre engine delivers the full 530 Nm of torque, and at 8,000 rpm it achieves its maximum power output of 386 kW.

The ten-cylinder layout is ideal for maximum dynamism. Compared to a V8 with the same displacement, a V10 has smaller and lighter pistons and connecting rods, which makes it a free-revving engine. Compared to a V12, on the other hand, it has fewer components, resulting in lower moving masses and less internal friction. And it is very compact – even with all attached components the 10-cylinder engine is only 646 mm long, 737 mm wide and 696 mm high.

Thanks to direct injection FSI technology, the R8 5.2 FSI quattro with sequential R tronic transmission, gets by on an average of 13.7 litres per 100 km. Dry sump lubrication is another technology derived from motorsport that ensures oil feed in any position – even at the maximum transverse acceleration of 1.2 g.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive distributes the engine’s torque to all four wheels, with a strong bias towards the rear wheels. The R8 V10 quattro features an axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent – ideal for a mid-engine sports car. All four wheels are guided by dual aluminium wishbones. The suspension is tuned for a highly dynamic yet comfortable experience, thanks to Audi magnetic ride. This standard technology continually adapts the function of the shock absorbers to the requirements of the driver and the road.

Exclusive 19-inch wheels of 10-spoke Y design are standard equipment. The front wheels are equipped with size 235/35 tyres, the rear with size 295/30 tyres.

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is a winner – its genes contain the cumulative experience of eight Le Mans triumphs and many other victories achieved by Audi over the past nine years.

Audi R8 model range and pricing
Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro manual – $277,200
Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro R tronic – $293,100
Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro manual – $351,000
Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro R tronic – $366,900

Please note, this pricing reflects manufacturer’s recommended pricing including GST and LCT (excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges).