Audi R8 Gets 525-hp V10 in Germany

Dec. 9 - With a 0 - 100 km (62 mph) time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 316 kph (197 mph), the newly announced Audi R8 5.2 FSI adds breathtaking performance to its already stunning design. The 5.2-liter, 10-cylinder engine delivers 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque, using direct fuel injection.

With a specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement, the V10 engine in the production car will be almost identical in construction to that in the upcoming FIA GT3 race version. Equipped with a six-speed manual gearshift, the new R8 weighs only 1,620 kg (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 kg (569 lb) - just 31 kg (68 lb) more than the V8.

The four wheel drive, mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent, running on 19-inch tires (235/35 front, 295/30 rear), with 8-piston calipers clamping 15" front rotors and 4-piston calipers with 14" rotors in the rear.

A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the 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. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources.

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.