Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro Blasts into Showrooms
It's an embarrassment of riches for Audi Australia which is still scouring the Audi world for V8-engined R8s to satisfy the waiting list of customers.
Developed jointly with performance specialists Quattro GmbH in Germany, the R8 V10 is breathtaking with 386kw/530Nm driving through an R tronic sequential automatic or six-speed manual transmission and of course Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
With an engine redline of 8,700 rpm this is a remarkable piece of engineering - zero to 100km/h is a blisteringly-fast 3.9 seconds and the top speed is 316 km/h.
Sitting on 10-spoke Y design 19-inch alloy wheels, the R8 V10 develops staggering grip and g-forces under acceleration, braking and cornering - fortunately Audi has prevented any lubrication issues by fitting a motorsport-inspired dry sump system.
Keeping all of this glued to the road is a magnificent four-wheel independent suspension design with four sets of dual aluminium wishbones plus continuously adjustable sports shock absorbers.
The R8 is a spaceframe design and the lightweight alloy bodyshell weighs just 210 kgs (the total V10 manual weighs 1,620 kgs). Like a classic sports/race car, the engine is mid-mounted.
Externally R8 V10 models differ from their V8-powered siblings with full LED headlights and side cool air intakes for the engine.
Inside are beautiful Nappa leather seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, climate-control air-conditioning and satellite navigation.
There is even some 190 litres of luggage space behind the rear seats and under the front hood - but maxi-suitcases, golf clubs and other bulky sports equipment will require a back-up vehicle for the airport trip or holiday road trip.
The R8 V10 is priced at $351,000 for the manual or $366,900 for the R tronic.
