Autoblog

Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Inside Line Most Wanted 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love award season, even if it is a bit tough to keep up with them all. Motor Trend has a set of golden calipers for its Car, Truck and SUV of the Year winners. Car and Driver has its 10Best. Automobile has the, well, the Automobile of the Year. Then there's Edmunds Inside Line and its six Most Wanted winners. Sure, Most Wanted doesn't enjoy the same sort of name recognition as the aforementioned awards, but at the very least, we tend to like the vehicles IL picks as their favorites. We also appreciate the fact that their selection process isn't exactly chock-full of rules. If they tested the vehicle before November 1, 2009, then it's eligible for Inside Line's six shooter. The only award category that truly stands out is the "Instant Classic," an award won over the last two years by the Audi R8 and the Nissan GT-R, respectively.

This year's list didn't have quite the raw power of last year's winners, but we can definitely see where the final six could be considered big fun on four wheels. The big winner is the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The 540-horsepower pony car picked up IL's Instant Classic award for being such a willing dance partner - even at 3,900 pounds. In fact, Blue Oval badges dominate this year's Most Wanted list, as the EcoBoost'd Flex and the wicked cool F-150 SVT Raptor made the final cut. Porsche scored with its new Panamera, while Audi found its way back on the list with the R8 V10. The cheap thrills Mazda3 rounds out this year's list. Click on the gallery below to check out Inside Line's Most Wanted winners in our high-res gallery, then let us know if you agree with their findings by leaving a note in 'Comments.'

Gallery: Inside Line Most Wanted 2009

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Yes, that is a mirror-finish Audi R8 5.2 V10

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Mirror-Finish Audi R8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh how they laughed when we suggested chroming an Audi R8. Of course, our plan was to use a couple of rattle cans and a few rolls of blue tape to git er done. Right before screaming, "Hey y'all, watch this!" and launching the R8 off a cliff. But we're a bunch of crude Americans, not nearly as stylish as our European pals that don ties to take a shower. Regardless, Audi went ahead and pulled the shiny metal trigger. The all Dubai'd-out R8 now joins the ranks of such notable taste-setters as the Bugatti Veyron Autostadt special edition, gold-mirror-finish Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Chrome SLR, etc. Yeah, we're talking smack. Partly out of jealousy, partly out of thinking what kind of a royal jackass would drive around in a mirrored car? A Kanye West-sized one, we'd think. Anyhow, "enjoy" the gallery.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Chrome Audi R8 5.2 V10

Frankfurt 2009: Yes, that is a mirror-finish Audi R8 5.2 V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 looks fantastically fab

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Audi

2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 - click above image for hi-res gallery

While everybody and their brother likes the R8, there is a small, but vocal minority that's always thought coupe looked a little funny. Not "fugly" mind you, just a tad... off. We've heard the term "porpoise skull" bandied about. Well, that group of naysayers can now put a sock in it, as the R8 Spyder is simply gorgeous. Gone are the carbon fiber side blades, in are sensible but somehow better looking slab sides. Regardless, it's simply hot.

This particular example comes with Audi's 525 hp Lambo-sourced 5.2-liter V10 so we're putting it on our "DO WANT!" list. one of the few knocks on the hardtop R8 is that you just can't quite hear enough of the engine. We imagine hacking the roof off solves that particular problem. Also, the folding soft top operation is slick, and looks like it takes less than the 19 seconds Audi's advertising. Downside? The Spyder weighs 476 pounds more than the Coupe. But seriously, when a car looks this good, would you care? If you do, please remember that the R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 hits 60 mph in four seconds. Glad you don't care either. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Audi R8 Spyder

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 looks fantastically fab

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 looks fantastically fab originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The Smoking Tire tests supercharged Raptor Audi R8

Chris Shunk — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Audi

Click the image above to view the video after the jump

With 420 horsepower, the "base" Audi R8 is a borderline supercar. But that wasn't good enough for some customers, so Audi began offering the R8 with the Lamborghini Gallardo-sourced 5.2-liter V10 powerplant with 520 ponies.

That's a lot of OEM horsepower even when considering the $150,000 price tag, but the aftermarket -- as always -- has another solution. Performance Outfitters Group in Connecticut has created the R8 Raptor by fitting the R8's 4.2-liter V8 with a supercharger that heaves five pounds of boost into the bent eight, giving the blown engine 550 lusty horsepower. The R8 Raptor was reportedly built for Bull Run duty, so this elite Audi has been fitted with all kinds of police-style lights, a bull horn, a stowable laptop and even an iPhone integrated into the sun visor.

Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire took the R8 Raptor out to the New Jersey Motorsports Park for a quick-and-dirty test and his crew distilled it into a six-minute review that you can check out after the jump. We have no idea if the R8 Raptor is faster on the track than Audi's V10 option, but looks like it would at least put up one Hell of a fight.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: The Smoking Tire tests supercharged Raptor Audi R8

VIDEO: The Smoking Tire tests supercharged Raptor Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abt Sportline offers 600 horsepower, new look for the Audi R8 V10

Drew Phillips — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Abt Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

After sampling the V10 version of Audi's R8, we can't imagine changing much of Audi's mid-engine road rocket if one happened to find its way into our garage. Still, there some owners will want to mess with perfection and Abt Sportline is offering a performance package that delivers an extra 75 horsepower, rounding out the total to an even 600 horsepower from the 5.2-liter V10. If those same owners deem the R8's beautiful lines lacking, they can also choose to purchase Abt's carbon fiber exterior components consisting of a new front spoiler, side sills, rear apron, rear wing, along with quad exhaust tips and BR-type five-spoke wheels. We've got to commend Abt for providing the option, but we'll pass.

Gallery: Abt Audi R8 V10

Continue reading Abt Sportline offers 600 horsepower, new look for the Audi R8 V10

Abt Sportline offers 600 horsepower, new look for the Audi R8 V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Audi R8 V10 answers our power prayers

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, First Drive

2010 Audi R8 V10 - Click above for high-res image gallery

On a gravel-strewn, dead-end road 20 miles north of Sonoma, California's Infineon Raceway, the opportunity finally presents itself. We slot the R8's gated shifter into first, rev the engine to 3,500 RPM and drop the clutch. No wheel spin, no screeching tires, just an immediate and seamless conversion of potential energy into vision-warping thrust. Our skull snaps back into the headrest, our spine compresses against the seat and a few seconds later, we are running into the red.

As we hit the fuel cutoff at 8,750 RPM, it dawns on us: we totally forgot to breathe.

If forward momentum is so seamless and instantaneous that it temporarily halts the most basic of human needs, you know you're piloting something special. And the 2010 Audi R8 V10 is very, very special.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Audi R8 V10

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Audi R8 V10 answers our power prayers

First Drive: 2010 Audi R8 V10 answers our power prayers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars

Chris Shunk — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Spyker

Supercars at Concours d'Elegance - click above for high-res image gallery

After about three hours at Meadow Brook, team Autoblog was ready to head out and get writing. The only thing that had us scratching our heads was the lack of modern supercars out on the lawn. On our way out the door, though, one of the gentlemen working the show asked us if we'd seen the exotics, which were hidden at the side of Meadow Brook Hall. Thank you sir.

Once we entered the hidden patio at Meadow Brook, we were greeted with dozens of supercars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche, along with a smattering of ultra-rare rides, including the Reventon, Veyron, 959 and Spyker C8 Laviolette. Ferrari was well-represented with a 612 Scaglietti, California, a pair of F430s and a 599 and we were also happy to see a V-10 Audi R8, a couple Astons and, perhaps our favorite of all, the absolutely stunning Alfa Romeo 8C.

Click on the gallery below to peruse 112 high-res images of the supercars you've been daydreaming about. Tens of thousands of people paid $25 each to see these them, but you get the Autoblog grand tour free of charge.

Gallery: Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars

Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't Tell Mom the College Fund's Dead: Audi R8 V10 to start at $146,000*

Chris Paukert — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although we haven't gotten the chance to drive it yet (we will be soon), Audi has plunked a price tag on its 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro - better known as the V-10 R8. The mid-engined ten-cylinder wundercar will start at $146,000 for manual gearbox models, while the R Tronic commands $155,100 (*both are subject to a $1,200 destination charge).

Those two extra cylinders command a premium of nearly $32,000 over the 2010 R8 4.2 FSI, which runs just $114,200 by comparison (R tronic? $123,300) - the same price as it did for 2009. The V10 does grant the owner a further 105 extra horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, but that's still quite a hike.

Audi says the delivery of the first two examples of the 525-horsepower coupe have just been delivered to charity auction winners, one of whom paid $500,000 for the privilege.

We adore the eminently usable eight-cylinder R8, and hear very promising things about the new V10 model, but we'll have to hold off until we get the chance to sample the 5.2 to see if it's really worth the extra scratch. Here's hoping.

Check out the high-res gallery with new images below, official press verbiage after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Don't Tell Mom the College Fund's Dead: Audi R8 V10 to start at $146,000*

Don't Tell Mom the College Fund's Dead: Audi R8 V10 to start at $146,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Audi

Click above to watch the commercial of an R8 V10 cruising through Maranello

The residents of Maranello used to the sight of rakish red two-door sheetmetal roaring under the impulse of several hundred horsepower - and they still do. Except when that metal hides a ten-cylinder engine and wears four rings on its hood. In this Audi commercial depicting an R8 V10 on a slow cruise through Ferrari country, the locals are shown to have a decidedly different reaction upon realizing that the German barbarians are no longer content to hang out at the town gates.

If you want to see some excited Latins, follow the jump to watch the commercial. Hat tip to Kobla!

[Source: Audi.tv via Quattro Videos]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country

VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi starts shipping R8 LMS to customer teams

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Audi

Audi R8 LMS - Click above for high-res gallery

Audi officials in Neckarsulm, Germany have just handed over the first of a dozen R8 LMS race cars to Audi Sport Italia. The remaining race cars will be delivered to that team and five others over the next month and a half in preparation for the 2009 racing season that begins next month. The GT3 class, 500+hp V10 R8s will be run in five different championships across Europe this summer as Audi works out the kinks in the third branch of its racing program. The R8 LMS joins the LMP1 R15 TDI that debuts next week at the 12 Hours of Sebring and, of course, the A4s that run in the DTM.

Audi is looking to follow the successful (and highly profitable) path set out by Porsche with its customer race programs over the years. It will be interesting to watch how such programs evolve in the future with Porsche now firmly in control of the Volkswagen Group, including Audi.

Gallery: Audi R8 LMS

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi starts shipping R8 LMS to customer teams

Audi starts shipping R8 LMS to customer teams originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Audi R8 V10 in the US fetches $500,000 at charity auction

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, Audi

Click either image for a high-res gallery

The first two U.S.-spec Audi R8 V10s were sold at an auction in Boca Raton, Florida to raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County. The first Stateside-bound ten-cylinder R8 went for $500,000, easily topping the earlier winning bid for one of the first Ferrari Californias. Audi officials, stoked by the bids of the R8, decided to put R8 number-two on the block which fetched $350,000 -- the same amount paid for the Ferrari. The two R8s not only carry the designation of being the first V10 models sold in the U.S., but will also be built during Audi's 100th anniversary. Let's see what they fetch in 2039.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading First Audi R8 V10 in the US fetches $500,000 at charity auction

First Audi R8 V10 in the US fetches $500,000 at charity auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Audi R8 5.2 FSI and Ferrari California in the U.S. on the block in Boca

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, Audi, Ferrari, Event Alert

Click either image for a high-res gallery

Supercar buyers in Florida will have their hands full later this month when the 3rd Annual Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance kicks off. The event will feature dozens of exotic marques, along with an auction to bid on the first Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro and Ferrari California available in the U.S.

Although the California's unveiling, held last Spring at the Paris Motor Show, isn't as recent as the V10-powered R8's at last month's Detroit show, both have yet to begin delivery Stateside, so this will prove an opportunity for moneyed buyers to be the first at the yacht, country or dance club to pull up in the latest exotica. More importantly, however, is that the participation of the R8 5.2 seems to confirm that it will, indeed, be coming to the North American market despite previous doubts to the contrary. So send your grandparents your checkbook and tell them to take the trolley down to the Boca Raton Resort & Club, where Howie Mandel will be hosting the auction on Saturday evening, February 21.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Gallery: First Drive: Ferrari California

First Audi R8 5.2 FSI and Ferrari California in the U.S. on the block in Boca originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America? Audi yet to confirm new R8 5.2 FSI for U.S. market

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Audi

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]

Continue reading Coming to America? Audi yet to confirm new R8 5.2 FSI for U.S. market

Coming to America? Audi yet to confirm new R8 5.2 FSI for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI [w/VIDEO]

Drew Phillips — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Supercars, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI

Audi always seems to have something great in store for us at the Detroit Auto Show every year, and in addition to the Sportback Concept, the long-awaited R8 V10 5.2 FSI made its official world debut at this year's show. With the 5.2L V10 plucked from the Gallardo LP560-4 mounted amidships, the new R8 now packs 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft torque. Exterior styling has been subtly updated and includes all-LED headlights, wide side sills, revised matte aluminum exhaust tips, and new 19-inch 10-spoke wheels. More details on Audi's new flagship are in the press release after the jump as well as a video of the car's debut here in Motown.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8 V10 will be all LED, all the time

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Green, Safety, Technology, Supercars, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi R8 V10

The Audi R8 claimed a number of world firsts - that is, walking away with magazine awards and journalists' hearts the world over. The Audi R8 V10 is about to claim a world first in technology: it will be the first car to offer high and low beam LED headlights as standard equipment. (Note: The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum was the first vehicle in the world to offer all-LED headlamps.) You can buy the package as an option on the regular R8, so it's only fitting that the bigger and more expensive beast gets more tricks.

Audi trumpets the inclusion as an energy-saving measure - LEDs use a quarter of the energy of halogen headlights, and that number will only get better as LEDs evolve. You probably never thought you could know so much about LEDs, but there's an exhaustive press release after the jump, and for dessert, a high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Audi R8 V10 will be all LED, all the time

Audi R8 V10 will be all LED, all the time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Audi R8 V10 wearing a bit of red

John Neff — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Supercars, Audi

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Audi R8 V10

We already know that the Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro will be one of the biggest debuts at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next month, and we hope we see this one on the stand rather than the silver example we saw yesterday. Bathing this 525-horsepower beauty in buckets of red paint has taken the fiery Italian passion of its Lamborghini-sourced 5.2L V10 and pinned it on the R8's sleeve. This used to be the everyday supercar, but after drinking a glass of bull sweat has grown a pair large enough to drop the "everyday" qualifier and just go with supercar. Enough waxing poetic. Check out the new high-res shots of the Audi R8 V10 in red below.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

Pics Aplenty: Audi R8 V10 wearing a bit of red originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro unveiled ahead of Detroit

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Supercars, Audi

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Audi R8 V10

For those who still have sufficient cash-flow to purchase high end sports cars, the latest and greatest remains a must. In keeping with that reality, Audi is cranking up the juice on its flagship R8 sports car with the introduction of the R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro, which got an early reveal on the web today. The R8 shares some less visible bits with its corporate cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo, but until now the Lambo's V10 engine has remained exclusive to the Italian side of the family.

The R8 V10 will be the street going version of the R8 LMS that debuted a couple of weeks ago at the Essen Motor Show in Germany. It's 5.2L V10 is rated at 525 horsepower and 390.91 lb-ft of torque in European spec form. Those numbers fall a bit shy of the latest Gallardo LP560-4 even with the same displacement, which ensures that the Lamborghini can still command a price premium over the German machine. The U.S. version of the R8 V10 should remain pretty close to these numbers. That will be enough to push the 0-62 sprint under four seconds to 3.9 seconds. Unfortunately, the R8 is still saddled with the same craptastic 6-speed R-tronic as the only alternative to its proper manual gearbox. The R8 V10 now also inches closer to the magical 200 mph mark with a terminal velocity of 196 mph. The V10 version gets a new set of all-LED headlights for both high and low beams and the scoops on the side blades now bulge out to suck in the extra air needed to feed and cool the larger engine. A new rear diffuser also helps keep the rear end planted where a set of twin oval tailpipes replace the quad exhausts on the standard model. The R8 V10 will be available in Germany starting next spring with a base price of EUR 142,400 (approx $180,000) and will make its official debut in January at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Follow the jump for Audi's official press release and check out the high-res images in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro unveiled ahead of Detroit

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro unveiled ahead of Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8 V10 and Spyder versions to be scarce and dear

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Supercars, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi R8

Word has it there is an eight-month waiting list for the Audi R8 in the car's home market of Germany. Here in the good ol' U.S. of A., the 50 units we get per month are not nearly enough for all of the interested buyers. Well, with V10, convertible and possibly diesel versions in the works, we can't imagine that demand will subside anytime soon. You might think that Audi would be smart to amp up production to handle the high demand, especially with those new versions coming soon, but that isn't gonna happen according to Audi. Seems they can only make 27 R8s a ~~month~~ day and no more. That should keep the R8 variations very scarce and very dear.

For those lucky enough to have the coinage and a place in line, there is more news. Car and Driver talked to Michael Dick, Audi's member of the board of management for technical development, who told them the company expects to sell around 80% with V10 flavor. That version goes on sale next year, with drop-tops following soon after in Europe. Yanks will have to wait another year with 2011 models showing up in '10.

Other tidbits gleaned from the interview: Pricing hasn't been set, the diesel might be Euro-only if it even makes it to production, and a little brother R4 was never in the cards with the TT-RS and possible Audi R3 version of the VW roadster filling out the dance card well enough. We'll keep our fingers crossed that there are enough V10s available so we can get one in our garage at least.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Audi R8

[Source: Car and Driver]

Audi R8 V10 and Spyder versions to be scarce and dear originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi insider claims V10 R8 will beat ZR1 around the 'Ring

Noah Joseph — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Audi

Click above for gallery of the Audi R8 V10

Them's fightin' words, but when we're talking about a V10-powered version of the Audi R8, you'd better be taking them seriously. According to an Audi insider as reported by Auto Motor und Sport in Sweden, the more powerful R8 will set a new lap record for a production car at the Nurburgring. That would mean coming in under the 7:26 lap time claimed by the Corvette ZR1 (and taken by the Pagani Zonda F), and faster than the Nissan GT-R's 7:29, but the big question remains whether it could out-gun the GT-R V-Spec's purported 7:25.

The R8 V10 - with whatever name it will adopt - is expected to make its production-guise debut at the Paris Motor Show this coming October. That'll make for some delicious eye-candy, but the real treat will be to see how the German supercar holds up against the Americans and the Japanese on the 'Ring.

Gallery: Audi R8 V10 spied at quattro GmbH

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport (Sweden) via Motor Authority]

Audi insider claims V10 R8 will beat ZR1 around the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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R8 V10 spied again at Audi's quattro GmbH

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Audi

Click for hi-res images of the Audi R8 V10 at quattro GmbH

If the latest batch of spy shots are to be believed, the V10-powered version of Audi's R8 supercar must be nearing its public release. Following earlier shots snapped by the folks at Bridge to Gantry, more photos of what seems to be the same vehicle were caught by audiblog.nl at the source: quattro GmbH, Audi's equivalent to Mercedes' AMG or BMW's M division.

In addition to the wider intakes and fewer front grille slats discerned from the last spy shot, these images also betray a more aggressive body kit, a flux capacitor, larger exhaust pipes and two fewer horizontal fins in the rear. (We're kidding about one of those.) Check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Audi R8 V10 spied at quattro GmbH

[Source: audiblog.nl via World Car Fans]

R8 V10 spied again at Audi's quattro GmbH originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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