The new 5.2-litre FSI V10 gasoline unit mounted longitudinally directly behind the cockpit is almost identical in construction to the unit powering the recently announced R8 LMS that will race at customer level in the GT3 class.

It contributes only 31kg more to the overall weight of the all-aluminium-bodied R8 than the existing V8, taking it to 1,620kg, and making possible an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 324 hp per ton.

Thanks to the 525 hp output at 8,000rpm, and peak torque of 530Nm at 6,500rpm, this direct injection unit allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.9 seconds.

When linked to the R tronic transmission it can reach 124mph (200 km/h) in only 12 seconds, while the top speed is 315 km/h, an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi.

Technical Features

By mounting the ten-cylinder unit as close as possible to the centre of the R8, Audi engineers have achieved 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance.

Dry sump engine lubrication – an element specifically derived from racing - also furthers this aim by enabling the V10 to be mounted as close to the road as possible to lower the centre of gravity.

This classic configuration, combined with advanced Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction mating lightweight aluminium panelling to an aluminium space frame, provides the very best operating conditions for the futuristic chassis with its agile double wishbone set-up and standard Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system.

The 19-inch ’10-spoke Y design’ alloy wheels are combined with ventilated and perforated 380 millimetre front and 356 millimetre rear disc brakes, which at extra cost can be upgraded to ceramic discs.

The quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system distributes power to front and rear axles in constantly varying degrees dictated by road conditions.

The R8 V10 is equipped as standard with the world’s first all-LED headlamps.

(Source: Audi)