2009 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI Quattro Used and New Car Pictures

Think Audi R8 and chances are the following adjectives spring to mind: sensuous, sublimely balanced, desirable… but slightly underpowered.

Now hang on, you may well say, 309kW and 430Nm aren’t exactly knock-kneed outputs, so what gives? True, the 4.2-litre V8-equipped R8 is a quick car by most conventional yardsticks, but one was always left with the feeling that the chassis could comfortably handle more oomph.

Whispers of a more potent R8 have been circulating virtually since the R8′s 2007 global launch, and Audi itself last year fuelled the rumour mill via its V12 TDI concept (revealed at the 2008 Detroit motor show). The big 12-cylinder diesel thumper has never progressed beyond the concept stage but, happily, the V10-powered R8 5.2 FSI quattro is now a production reality, and it’s due to roll into Australian Audi showrooms from July onwards.

With a Lamborghini Gallardo-derived 5.2-litre V10 stuffed behind the passenger compartment, the new R8 V10 is a close relative of the LMS GT3 racer unveiled last year.

A few key stats: the 10-pot engine weighs only 31kg more than the base model’s 4.2-litre V8, while its mid-mounted installation has yielded a slightly rear-biased 44:56 weight distribution. But here’s the really good bit: The V10 kicks out 386kW and 530Nm, which adds up to a 0-100km/h split of 3.9sec and 316km/h.

In fact, one has to wonder whether Audi is now in danger of treading on sister brand Lamborghini’s toes, as there’s not a lot to separate the R8 V10 and Gallardo LP560-4 in terms of raw stats. However, Audi’s suits are adamant there’s no risk of cannibalisation, as Lamborghini buyers are a different breed to the four-ringed brand’s clientele — and ne’er the twain shall meet, they say.

What we liked
>> V10 engine is a dead-set gem
>> Brilliant dynamics — on road and track
>> Jaw-dropping looks

Not so much
>> Slow, jerky R tronic tranny is outdated
>> Rear visibility isn’t great
>> Needs greater visual differentiation from V8 model

Overall rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
Safety: 4.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.5/5.0
X-factor: 5.0/5.0

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