Audi continues to reinforce its leading position in the high-performance sports car segment with the new R8 5.2 FSI Quattro. This top-of-the-line model of the R8 model series, was developed jointly with quattro GmbH. Its ten-cylinder engine develops 386 kW (525 hp), which is capable of delivering breathtaking performance. Audi technologies such as quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminium body and the innovative all-LED lights propel the new top Audi model right to the top of its competitive field.




A zero to 100 km/h sprint of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 316 km/h exemplify the breathtaking dynamics of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro.




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 a full 530 Nm of torque, at 8,000 rpm it achieves its maximum power output of 386 kW (525 hp). The specific power output is 100.9 hp per litre of displacement, while its power-to-weight ratio is just 3.1 kilogram per hp.




The 5.2-litre engine uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. It achieves a compression ratio of 12.5:1, which contributes substantially to the high power output and the moderate fuel consumption. The R8 5.2 FSI quattro - in the version with the 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 that this high-performance car from Audi reaches.




Audi delivers the R8 5.2 FSI quattro with manual six-speed transmission, or optionally with R tronic, which enables the driver to change gears in an instant via rocker switches on the steering wheel. The Launch Control function is integrated with both types of transmission - a program that catapults the car forward from a standing start. 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 5.2 FSI 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 ride, yet preserves an appreciable degree of comfort 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 brakes likewise deliver out-and-out performance.




The interior of this high-performance sports car from Audi provides astonishing roominess. Behind the seats and under the front hood is room for 190 litres of luggage. The car is luxuriously equipped - heated seat covers of Fine Nappa leather, the Bang & Olufsen sound system and automatic air conditioning are standard equipment. Carefully arranged interior details underscore the leading position of this top-of-the-line model.




The exterior of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro also differs distinctly from that of its V8 counterpart - with especially notable changes 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 are 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.




Just like the eight-cylinder model, the ten-cylinder version is hand-built at quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro is available in New Zealand from $320,000.