Autoblog

Details on 2015 Audi R8 leak out

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

News on the next-generation 2015 Audi R8 has been spilling forth for a bit now, but a report in Autocar has begun to put them into a single package. We knew that next R8 wouldn't offer a manual option, only a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and that the monocoque would be a lighter, aluminum and carbon affair. Audi has apparently pegged a target weight of under 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds), meaning it will shed more than 135 kg (305 lbs.) versus today's 4.2-liter V8 manual.

That will make the two engines in the next car - refined versions of the current naturally aspirated V8 and V10 - even more potent. Autocar didn't mention an increase in displacement, but horsepower bumps were rated at 20 hp for the V8, to 450 hp, and 25 hp for the V10, to 550 hp. The GT will also benefit from 20 additional horses, getting 580 hp. More interestingly, neither mill will benefit from forced induction as Audi wants to maintain "the throttle response, the soaring nature of the delivery and the inherent sound."

The evolution or disappearance of the sideblades on the "clean-sheet design" also wasn't broached, but the trademark signifiers don't appear in Autocar's rendering. The report states that it will take cues from the R8 e-tron (pictured), but they see intakes at the door shut-line, which feature very MP4-12C-like dual strakes. It's only a rendering, but if sideblades are what you're after then the future doesn't look bright. We'll see the sibling Lamborghini Gallardo replacement next year, a year before the R8 is shown in 2014.

Details on 2015 Audi R8 leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers

Noah Joseph — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Racing

While most of the industry is busy with new debuts in Los Angeles, things aren't slowing down one bit on the racing side of the business. In the past couple of days alone, Chevrolet has debuted a new Corvette Daytona Prototype, Dacia has launched a new ice-racing minivan, Mini has announced a new B-spec Cooper, and now Audi has released their latest customer sports racing car.

The R8 LMS Ultra picks up where its predecessor left off - and that's quite a starting point: In just three years, the R8 LMS has won 115 races and 12 championships on racing circuits around the world. The improvements encompassed in the Ultra, however, promise to increase that number significantly.

Compared to the existing R8 LMS, the R8 LMS Ultra has lost some weight (thanks to carbon reinforced plastic doors), been made safer (thanks to new safety foam and racing bucket), gained a new transmission, had its cooling and breathing improved, its weight better balanced, its suspension and rolling stock beefed up and its aerodynamics optimized.

The same production-based 5.2-liter V10 carries over essentially unchanged, offering up to 570 horsepower depending on the regulators mandated by various racing series. The R8 LMS Ultra conforms to standard GT3 regulations, and can be yours for the low, low price of 329,900 euros ($445k USD) with deliveries beginning in March. Details in the press release after the jump, high-res photos in the gallery.

Continue reading Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers

Audi releases upgraded R8 LMS Ultra for customer racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend visits Norway, looks for lineage in Audi R8 Spyder

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Videos, Audi, Luxury

When Motor Trend tecnical director Frank Markus decided he needed to get away, you should know that his 'time out' wouldn't merely be a weekend at the local hot springs or camping down by the river. The MT crew has made fine work of taking glorious trips in glorious cars - and a Subaru Outback - and Markus would keep it up, tracing Viking routes and his own heritage in an Audi R8 V10 Spyder along Norway's Atlantic Road.

We'd love to tell you about it but we'd be remiss - the story is worth the read and the video, after the jump, is even moreso worth the watch. To Markus and his steed, we say "skaal!"

Continue reading Motor Trend visits Norway, looks for lineage in Audi R8 Spyder

Motor Trend visits Norway, looks for lineage in Audi R8 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Audi R8 GT [w/video]

Michael Harley — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, First Drives

A Supercar Without The Bad Attitude

2012 Audi R8 GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Regardless of the frequency, our pulse still races every time we fire up a ten-cylinder engine. It's not just the unique sound or the warbled vibration that gets the blood flowing - it's the anticipation. Whether the badge says Gallardo, Viper or M5, a V10 under the hood promises intoxicating power and frenzied excitement.

The new Audi R8 GT packs just such an engine - a 5.2-liter V10. Mid-mounted in an aluminum and magnesium monocoque chassis, the powerplant is rated at 560 horsepower. With all-wheel drive and a sequential gearbox, the coupe rockets to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds before hitting an aerodynamic wall just shy of 200 miles per hour. It is, notes Audi, the lightest, fastest and most powerful supercar in its lineup.

Constructing the R8 GT was hardly a mild undertaking. Audi first put the R8 on a diet, shedding 180 pounds. They then turned their attention to the powerplant, where engineers were able to coax the 5.2-liter V10 into delivering another 35 hp. The suspension, brakes and underpinnings were upgraded, while the automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive system received their own new set of commands. Lastly, unique cosmetic touches were applied that not only improved the R8's appearance, but boosted performance.

As Audi has limited production of the R8 GT to just 333 copies worldwide (with only 90 examples falling into very lucky hands within the United States), we consider ourselves fortunate to be one of just a handful of journalists at Sonoma, California's Infineon Raceway to put the world's newest exotic through its paces on a race circuit.

Continue reading 2012 Audi R8 GT [w/video]

2012 Audi R8 GT [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: ABT R8 GTS begs for attention

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi

2011 Audi R8 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi tuner ABT Sportline has released its latest take on Ingolstadt's 2011 lineup in the form of the R8 GTS, a worked-over version of Audi's R8 5.2 FSI V10 Cabrio.

In ABT guise, the V10 has been boosted to 620 horsepower - a 95-hp gain over the stock mill. To accentuate the power just a little more, ABT has gotten liberal with the carbon fiber and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, shaving some weight off the R8's frame. The result is a 3.6-second 0-60 sprint.

The exterior has been dipped in a "self confident" red chrome paint, and new composite pieces include the front and rear skirts, the engine cover, the air intakes, and the windshield frame cover. The 2011 ABT R8 GTS rides on a set of 19 or 20-inch custom ABT wheels. Inside, the dress-up kit continues the red carbon fiber theme on the steering wheel, console and door panels.

If you're a fan of the extroverted, check out the gallery below for the official images as well as our live shots from the show floor, and hit the jump for the official press release from ABT.

Gallery: ABT R8 GTS: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2011 ABT R8 GTS

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: ABT]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: ABT R8 GTS begs for attention

Geneva 2011: ABT R8 GTS begs for attention originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: What is the sound of Audi?

Dan Roth — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Videos

Audi Sound Studio - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Audi wants you to be able to identify its brand without looking, and a consistent sonic signature is key to that. In that spirit, the company has undertaken an extensive sound capture, catalog and research program to ensure that the soundwaves drifting into your ears from the commercial playing in the next room are instantly identifiable. It extends beyond advertising, too. Even the voices and microphones used to record voicemail prompts were exhaustively auditioned for just the right sonic character.

The Audi Sound Studio effort may seem quite obsessive, but at least they've produced a cool video filled with the tastiest in high-end audio gear. Sound geeks who like to brand-spot should be on the lookout for Neumann, API, Focusrite Reds and the deified U47. The rest of you can just watch as a uniformed team of recordists swarms all over Audi vehicles on a track and in an anechoic chamber to capture all the sounds an Audi could possibly make. Being an advertising effort, the most important sound all of this effort can lead to is the "ka-ching" of a vehicle purchase. Video posted after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Audi R8 V10

Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Audi via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: What is the sound of Audi?

Video: What is the sound of Audi? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Audi R8 V10 reminds us what else an airstrip is good for

Zach Bowman — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi

Audi R8 5.2 FSI tears up an airforce base - Click above to watch video after the jump

We all like a good car video. Whether it's a high-dollar commercial worked up just for the Super Bowl or one of Will Roegge's pieces of cinematic glory, it's hard to find someone who doesn't mind watching a slick piece of sheetmetal get sideways. But it's easy to underestimate the amount of work that can go into even the shortest pieces of footage. Take, for instance, this latest spot worked up by the crew at WebRidesTV for the Audi R8 5.2 FSI. The guys shot from dawn till dusk, hired none other than Nathan Swartzbaugh of ALMS fame to pilot the mid-engined terror and even rolled out a slick camera car just for the action - all 30 seconds of it.

Now, if you're like us, you're probably wondering where the "Gymkhana" part comes from in the title. We honestly have no idea. As far as we can tell, there's no sort of predetermined course, active timing or even meandering Segways - just Swartzbaugh getting sideways in a car that's worth more than all of our worldly possessions. Still, not a bad way to blow five minutes of your day. Hit the jump to see the action.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009, Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: YouTube via WebRidesTV]

Continue reading Video: Audi R8 V10 reminds us what else an airstrip is good for

Video: Audi R8 V10 reminds us what else an airstrip is good for originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Autocar pits Audi R8 V10 versus... Honda Civic Type R Mugen?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Audi, Honda, UK

Audi R8 V10 vs. Honda Civic Type R Mugen - Click above to watch the video

There are certain debates that will rage on until the end of time: Coke or Pepsi, Zeppelin or the Stones, real or fake. But few take the cake in our little corner of the writing world quite like the infamous "fast cars slow or slow cars fast" dispute. On the one hand, what's the point of having a gazillion dollar supercar capable of cracking off triple-digit speeds at the drop of an eyelash if you're stuck on public roads? On the flip side, fans of mighty metal will politely ask you, why waste your life behind the wheel of anything with less than 400 horsepower?

Autocar has recently taken it upon itself to try to answer the unanswerable by pitting an Audi R8 5.2 FSI with 518 horsepower against the more common 239 horse Honda Civic Type R Mugen over a typical European country road. There are no solid performance figures or dyno pulls, just whether the pint-size hatch can keep up with the big mid-engine monster through the twists and down the straights. What do they find? Well, we won't spoil it for you. You'll just have to hop the jump to find out for yourself.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10

Gallery: Honda Civic Type-R Mugen (Euro)

Audi R8 photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Video: Autocar pits Audi R8 V10 versus... Honda Civic Type R Mugen?

Video: Autocar pits Audi R8 V10 versus... Honda Civic Type R Mugen? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revealed! Audi R8 GT goes on a diet and gets more power

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 01 May 2010 17:07:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi R8 GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi dropped a very pleasant surprise on us this afternoon with the long-awaited announcement of the R8 GT.

The Audi R8 V10 was already one of our favorite sports cars in the world (sans the R-Tronic transmission) so how could you make it better? In the immortal words of Colin Chapman, "add lightness." But in a modern sports car required to meet rigorous safety standards, you can only go so far short of a complete redesign. Hence, the R8 GT's lightened chassis benefits from a power boost to boot.

The R8 GT swaps in a thinner glass windshield and polycarbonate rear windows and replaces many aluminum body panels with carbon fiber. By going over every part of the R8, Audi's engineers have carved a total of 220 pounds off the standard R8's curb weight.

The 5.2-liter V10 has been bumped from 525 horsepower to 560, topping its cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo. The GT is only available with the aforementioned R-Tronic hydraulically actuated semi-automatic, and when pushed to its limit, the R8 GT is claimed to accelerate to 62 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds and on to 124 mph in 10.6 seconds. The terminal velocity has been increased to 198.8 mph.

Only 333 examples of the R8 GT will be built and the price in Germany is €193,000 ($256,000 USD). No mention is made of U.S. availability, but we'd be surprised if Audi doesn't apportion a few for Stateside consumption. Full details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Audi R8 GT

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Revealed! Audi R8 GT goes on a diet and gets more power

Revealed! Audi R8 GT goes on a diet and gets more power originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 May 2010 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Volkswagen Polo wins 2010 World Car of the Year award

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:41:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Hatchback, Audi, Chevrolet, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Citroën, Design/Style

2010 World Car of the Year winner Volkswagen Polo

Awards season is finally winding down with the 2010 World Car of the Year and World Performance Car of the Year being handed out this morning at the 2010 New York Auto Show. After whittling the fields down to three finalists in each category, the panel of 59 international journalists voted one last time to crown the World Car of the Year.

While the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and Mercedes-Benz E-Class were nominated, it was the Polo that took home the gold for 2010 World Car of the Year.

On the performance vehicle front, the nominees were the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California, with the Audi winning top honors.

They also handed out a Design award for a group of finalists including the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro. That honor went to the Camaro. (U-S-A! U-S-A!)

The Green category saw Volkswagen's line of diesel-powered BlueMotion vehicles beat out the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids. (Die-sel! Die-sel!)

Click below for a gallery of all the winners.

Gallery: 2010 World Car of the Year winners announced in NY

New York 2010: Volkswagen Polo wins 2010 World Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Hispano Suiza is back and packing Audi R8's V10

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, Electric

Hispano Suiza - Click above for image gallery

If you've never heard of Hispano Suiza, you're not alone. The Spanish automaker hasn't been producing its own vehicles since World War II and later returned to its aerospace roots in the 1950s, merged with another firm in 2005 and had a few prototypes running around a few years back (the oft forgotten Mazels). But that's the past and this is apparently the automaker's future: A rebodied Audi R8 V10 packing a supercharger and the possibility of a hybrid system.

According to AutoBild, the Hispano Suiza's return will take place at next week's Geneva Motor Show, with the introduction of this €700,000 coupe. As you'd expect from a hastily resurrected marque, the details are as shady as the renderings in the gallery below, with Hispano Suiza claiming that the 750-horsepower R8-based show car is good for a run to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds (grip is obviously an issue) and a top speed of 205 mph. There's also a talk of an additional 150 hp from a hybrid drive system, with the ability to travel on electricity along for an unspecified range. Skeptical? Of course, but we're looking forward to seeing it in person in less than a week.

Gallery: Hispano Suiza

[Source: Autobild via Autoblog Spanish]

Geneva Preview: Hispano Suiza is back and packing Audi R8's V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Legalize It: Horchaus federalizing non-U.S. Audis for North America

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Europe, Audi, Canada

All your dreams do come true - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're going back and forth on this one. Do we file it under "We'll believe it when we see it" or "Pinch me I'm dreaming"? Either way, we get to sub-tag it, "Thank God for rich friends." That's right y'all, Audi is allowing Horchaus, the Canadian distributor MTM, to federalize some special four-ringers for American consumption. These are the real deal, hopped-up German Audis, straight from the tweaker factory.

As we're sure you all know, Audi keeps a whole bunch of extra spicy models back in Europe. Why? The excuses typically involve some song and dance about Americans not wanting high performance station wagons (as if), though in the case of the RS4 Avant (arguably the most desirable car we can't buy), the U.S. prohibition was because the rear-mounted battery didn't pass DOT certification...

So which cars can we now get via Horchaus? The RS4 Avant, RS4 Convertible, S3, the RS6 sedan and RS6 Avant, Q7 V12 TDI and TT RS. And there's something else to note: Since Euro-tuner MTM is involved in the equation, these cars can be pumped up a bit over stock. One example would be the twin-turbo V10 in the RS6 upped from a paltry 580 horsepower to a more appropriate 735 hp.

That said, Horchaus's pricing announcement is leading us back to the "We'll believe it when we see it" category. Using nothing but a straight Euros-to-dollars conversion rate, the RS6 would cost you about $150,000. However, Horchaus is saying it can be yours for just $107,600. Here's where it gets hinky. Supposedly Horchaus can sell you a R8 V10 5.2 FSI for $98,000, which is mucho less expensive than Audi USA sells them for (the last one we drove cost $172,250). We don't believe this last bit. Still, will us Americanos be able to get two of the hottest wagons in the world? Si senor, si.

UPDATE: After collaborating with a few colleagues who've spoken with people at both Audi Canada and Audi of America, along with Audi AG, we're a little unsure how a few of the vehicles listed could make it to the States and be legalized. The RS4 and S4 Avants shouldn't be a problem, as both have had their engines federalized and the S4 Avant has been crash-tested for the U.S. requirements. The RS6 Avant and its V10 engine have not, so importation of that beast is hardly cut and dry. We'll continue poking around and update this post as necessary.

Gallery: Audi RS6

[Source: IEDEI ]

Legalize It: Horchaus federalizing non-U.S. Audis for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:24:00 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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Officially Official: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder loses blades, gains lots of headroom

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST

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

Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder - Click above for high-res gallery

Audi has officially dropped the lid on the new R8 Spyder and and this time around it's opening fire with the big gun V10 engine. As we've already seen in previously leaked photos, the Spyder dispenses with the regular R8's trademark side blades, instead featuring integrated air intakes on the flanks. Those new body sides and the cover for the soft top are now also made of carbon fiber, although the structure underneath remains Audi's aluminum space frame.

In spite of going with a soft top that only weighs 66 pounds, the Spyder gains a significant 476 pounds over the coupe, which may explain why Audi opted for the more powerful engine right off the bat. The Spyder also gets a reinforced bulkhead, sills and center tunnel to maintain most of its structural integrity. The power top opens and closes in only 19 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph. Acceleration to 62 mph takes just 4.1 seconds and the terminal velocity is 194.5 mph. No U.S. launch date has been given, but we wouldn't expect to see it until at least next spring. Follow the jump for Audi's full press release.

Gallery: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder

Continue reading Officially Official: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder loses blades, gains lots of headroom

Officially Official: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder loses blades, gains lots of headroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:00:00 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 Drives

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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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: Blue By You - Fifth Gear samples the stunning Audi R8 V10

Chris Shunk — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Supercars, Audi, UK

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 16th season of the hit British motorcar show Fifth Gear is just getting off the ground, and it's starting in style with a review of a stunningly beautiful Audi R8 V10. Unfortunately, Fifth Gear didn't appear to really wring out the 522 hp, V10 beauty during their review, but the rain may have had something to do with it. The UK team did provide plenty of exquisite shots of the top Audi, though, along with plenty of pithy dialogue.

Do the blokes at 5G feel that the added punch of the V10 engine is enough to justify the massive price premium over the standard V8-powered R8? Hit the jump to view Fifth Gear's leisurely review for yourself. We're not entirely sure we agree with the final analysis of the V10's merits, but we'll reserve judgment until we get our mitts on one. In the meantime, we appreciate the well-done video and the R8's striking blue paint - a shade we haven't encountered before, but one we look forward to seeing again and again.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Blue By You - Fifth Gear samples the stunning Audi R8 V10

VIDEO: Blue By You - Fifth Gear samples the stunning Audi R8 V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:57:00 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 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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