Coming to America? Audi yet to confirm new R8 5.2 FSI for U.S. market
Click above for a high-resolution gallery of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro
Audi may have chosen the Detroit Auto Show to launch its new R8 5.2 FSI quattro, but that doesn't mean that the highly anticipated V10 version of the supercar is speeding towards Audi dealerships in the U.S. just yet.
The 518hp supercar is slated to go on sale in Germany in the second quarter of this year – still a couple of months away – with a sticker price of 142,400 Euros (approximately $180k), but it may be a while before it arrives Stateside. According to the guys over at Inside Line, Audi hasn't decided when – or for that matter, if – the V10 R8 will reach the United States, but suggest its arrival won't come within the next year. So if you were already mailing your check off to Audi of America, you may have to make do with the existing V8-powered R8 or pony up for its big brother, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. As we've discovered, there are worse fates.
Hit the jump to view a two-and-a-half minute video of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro taking to the track.
Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro
Gallery: Detroit 2009: Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nastinupe 1:35PM (2/02/2009)
I really hope that this car comes soon. The sooner the better because once it's here the V8's will drop in value, perhaps enough to where I can get rid of my 911 and get one of these babies.
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DREW 1:37PM (2/02/2009)
IT WILL BE FOR AT LEAST FOUR YEARS. AUDI DOESN'T WANT TO CUT INTO LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO SALES
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zamafir 1:47PM (2/02/2009)
Lmao @ the caps and your comment. I needed both to make the monday morning that much brighter. The R8 was almost as fast as the base gallardo when it was released, both cars have sold very well, Audi's not drawing Lambo sales, they're targeting another demographic that wants something about as quick but more refined. Unless your 1337 caps wants to link us to an Audi quote indicating your speculation is more then baseless.
Coolio 1:54PM (2/02/2009)
I don't understand the fuss over this car, this re-skinned Gallardo, that can be beaten by a ZR1. I am not knocking it, but it seems incredibly hyped up.
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zamafir 2:36PM (2/02/2009)
If GM offered a ZR1 for noticeably less with a pontiac badge would you then understand? You've just answered your own question, Gallardo, better interior, less cash, just as fun, that's why people hype it.
pmiddle5 2:45PM (2/02/2009)
In the grand scheme of things something will always be faster and sometimes cheaper. Big deal
Coolio 2:54PM (2/02/2009)
Zamafir - good points.
Quattroporte 2:59PM (2/02/2009)
Good explanation zamafir, seriously, I think GM should do just that. A cheaper slightly detuned variant of the ZR1 (Z06 doesn't count) badged as the Saab Aero X would be exciting if GM were serious about/keeping Saab. And make it AWD to fit better into Saab's image.
http://www.netcarshow.com/saab/2006-aero_x_concept/1600x1200/wallpaper_01.htm
Jason 1:57PM (2/02/2009)
I hope it's not an emissions issue keeping this car out of the US, though they sell all the Lambos over here so I guess it'll be alright. I live in Atlanta and see plenty of high dollar cars (Astons, Lambos, Bentlys.. etc) but I have only seen one R8 on the road.
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gman15975 3:44PM (2/02/2009)
With the way things are going, that's what will probably keep it away.
Charlie Styr 5:32PM (2/02/2009)
I really want to see them flash the full beam LED headlights, you know like, if you're driving down the road and flash at someone you know, or someone who drives the same car as you, with the full LED headlights that must look awesome: BAM BAM instant flashes :D :D
Please show us a video of that!
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NT 5:36PM (2/02/2009)
They should really photoshop eddie murphy into these shots....
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Mobius_1 6:14PM (2/02/2009)
That amazing engine noise and that white car moving with 4 rings on the bonnet totally do not match up...
But I totally love it. Sweet sound, sweet car.
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r8runner 9:49PM (2/02/2009)
What speculation? Just todat I received from my dealer official notice and ordering forms for the V!0. It can now be ordered here in the US--I have the spec forms to build out vehicle with options, colors, etc. I expect to do it later this week. prices are not yet set, so I do neede to see them--but it is a go along with specs. A couple of new colors and the V10 includes as standard many of the optional features and packages of the earlier V8 R8 and included is as standard ALL LED headlights--This is for the US Edition.
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Mobius_1 6:07AM (2/03/2009)
Wow, you lucky, lucky man!
Make sure you drive it like it's meant to be, though, or a bunch of Autoblog readers will do it for you.