Audi Unveils the V10 R8 with 525 HP

Audi R8 V10 One of the few complaints people had about the Audi R8 was that it didn't have enough power. I'm not being sarcastic as usual; this was an actual complaint. The 420 horsepower of the regular R8 apparently didn't keep up with a few of the R8's rivals, namely the Porsche 911 Turbo (although the R8 is infinitely more pleasant to drive.) The Audi R8 V10 (or Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro if you want to be proper) replaces the 420 horsepower V8 for a 5.2-liter V10 boasting 525 horsepower. This happens to be the same engine used in the Audi R8 LMS GT3, and the R8's sister car, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Due to excellent engineering, the V10 weighs only about 68 lbs heavier than the outgoing V8, giving the R8 V10 an outstanding power-to-weight ratio. This thing will be fast. Keep reading for more info and pictures… Zero to 62 mph comes in only 3.9 seconds. Keep the throttle pressed, and you'll hit 124 mph in another 8.1 seconds - keep going until you reach the 196 mph top speed. All of this power goes through a standard 6-speed manual transmission or R-tronic paddle-shift gearbox. A few subtle aesthetic changes round out the R8 V10 - a few exterior pieces have been painted black, all-LED headlights are added (very cool,) and the sideblade and side sills are more prominent, giving a more aggressive look. A few changes have also taken place in the interior - carbon fiber or piano-black accents have been added, as have red rings which surround the gearshift knob and instruments. A few other changes as well as more owner-customization options are available as well. All-in-all, the Audi R8 V10 will have no problem trumping the competition this time around. Available in Germany in spring of 2009, the R8 V10 will cost around $180,000. Expect it to be in America shortly afterwards.