2012 Audi R8 V10

When the Audi R8 was first introduced in 2007, many observers argued a more powerful motor might be needed to unlock the true potential of the car. Fast-forward a few years, and considerably more powerful R8 V10 coupe and convertible models are a reality.

Powered by a Lamborghini-sourced V10, the latest R8 sends 525 horsepower to all four wheels thanks to a sophisticated quattro all-wheel-drive system. The car was introduced to the public at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Though sporting two more cylinders and a little more grunt mid-ship, the V10-powered R8 doesn't feature too many visual differences from its V8 sibling.

More air is fed to the ten-cylinder through larger side scoops, which jut out sharply from the body-side, adding a more aggressive stance to go with its increased power. The lower side sill also get an extra flare which runs along the wheelbase, adding further visual cues that this is the true uber- Audi. The changes are subtle enough to be obvious only to those in-the-know, thus keeping the R8's clean lines as uncluttered as possible.

However, some subtle changes from the standard R8 will include dual oval exhaust outlets, bigger side air intakes, a revised front and rear fascias and larger brakes. The V10 version also sports unique LED headlights and a rear diffuser.

Prior to the car's launch, rumors were swirling that Audi would name the V10-powered R8 the R10 or RS8, but the more technical "5.2 FSI" designation was used.

The V10 is the same 5.2L FSI powerplant found in the new Lamorghini LP560-4, albeit detuned to 525 horsepower and 390 pound-feet or torque to keep the R8 out of the Gallardo's territory. But despite being down a bit on grunt, the R8 V10 can still rocket from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 196 mph.

Sending power to all four wheels is the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission. Fuel economy with the stick is rated at 11/20 mpg, while opting for the slightly jerky automated transmission ups efficiency to 13/21 mpg.

Uber-Audi Features
Befitting the car's considerable price, the R8 V10 comes standard with a host of features including a navigation system with 3D maps and a 6.5-inch LCD display, a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers, fine nappa leather sports seats, a rear parking camera that pairs with ultrasonic sensors and Bluetooth connectivity with seatbelt-mounted speakers for easy hands-free communication.

Occupant Safety
The R8 V10 includes dual front, knee and seat-mounted head and thorax airbags in addition to traction and stability and traction control systems.

Key Competitors
Rivals to the R8 V10 include exotics like the blindingly quick Porsche 911 Turbo S, the elegant, old-school Aston Martin V12 Vantage and the Formula 1-inspired Ferrari 458 Italia.

Audi R8

Audi R8 Review - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 Audi R8 ranks 2 out of 5 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 51 published reviews and test drives of the Audi R8, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers love the 2012 Audi R8 for its impressive performance and aggressive styling, but unlike some other exotic sports cars, the R8 is also comfortable.

The 2012 Audi R8 continues to impress reviewers with its exotic sports car performance and comfortable ride. The R8’s combination of an adaptive suspension, which adjusts to road conditions and driving style, and road-gripping all-wheel drive make this Audi a competent performer, but reviewers say that those features also make it a sports car that you could use as a daily driver. Kelley Blue Book writes, "It's an incredibly capable performance machine, yet every bit as luxurious as it is sporting."

The R8 has three engines available for 2012, and while only 90 U.S. buyers will be able to purchase the 560-horsepower R8 GT, reviewers say that the base 430-horsepower R8 4.2 is a competent performer and an excellent value in its class. The R8 5.2 is no slouch either with 525 horsepower on tap.

A six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automated manual transmission is available on the 4.2 and 5.2 trims, while the R8 GT gets the automated manual as standard equipment. Most reviewers prefer the standard manual transmission, saying that the automated manual can be a bit sluggish.

Inside, reviewers find the R8’s interior to be comfortable and precision-crafted with high-quality materials, but there are a few concerns. The first is the R8’s limited cargo space. At just 3.5 cubic feet, the R8’s trunk is tiny, even by exotic sports car standards. Don’t expect to pack the R8 for a weekend trip. Second, many test drivers dislike Audi’s Multi Media Interface. Some reviewers say that it’s confusing because it absorbs too many entertainment and navigation functions.

However, the automotive press agrees that if you can live with these quirks, the 2012 Audi R8 offers performance, comfort and style at a price that undercuts many of its exotic sports car rivals.

Other Cars to Consider

Starting at about $114,000, the Audi R8 costs considerably less than many exotic sports cars. However, there are similarly priced sports cars that match the R8’s performance.

Starting at $137,500, the Porsche 911 Turbo splits the price difference between the R8 4.2 and 5.2, but exceeds both when it comes to acceleration. Its twin-turbocharged flat-six produces 500 horsepower, and like the R8, the 911 Turbo’s standard all-wheel drive provides impressive grip. Porsche says that the 911 Turbo will sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds with the six-speed manual or 3.4 seconds with the automatic Porsche Doppelkupplung transmission. That’s at least a half second quicker than the $149,000 R8 5.2 and a full second faster than the R8 4.2.

If you like the brisk acceleration of both the 911 Turbo and the R8 5.2, but want to spend less, don’t overlook the Corvette ZR-1. At $110,300, the ZR-1 costs nearly $4,000 less than the R8 4.2, but that doesn’t mean the ZR-1 is short on power. With its 638-horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter V8 and six-speed manual transmission, Chevrolet says that the ZR-1 rockets from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, which is just as quick as the 911 Turbo with the automatic transmission. However, the ZR-1 has rear-wheel drive. If you’re looking for a performance car with all-wheel drive grip, you might prefer the Audi or the Porsche.

Audi R8: The Details

The 2012 Audi R8 comes in either coupe or Spyder (convertible) body styles, and is available in three different trims that differ based on their performance capabilities. The R8 4.2 comes with a 4.2-liter, 430-horsepower V8 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automated manual transmission is optional. The R8 4.2 coupe starts at roughly $114,000, while pricing on the 4.2 Spyder begins slightly less than $128,000. Standard equipment on the 4.2 includes heated, 10-way power-adjustable seats, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker stereo with an auxiliary input jack, satellite radio and a six-disc CD changer. Options on the R8 4.2 include navigation, an iPod connection, 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo and Audi’s Convenience Package, which adds features such as a backup camera and front and rear parking sensors.

If you want more power, opting for the R8 5.2 will get you a 5.2-liter, 525-horsepower V10, as well as additional standard features that include LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors with backup camera, navigation and a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo with an iPod connection. The R8 5.2 coupe starts at $149,000, while the 5.2 Spyder rings up at less than $163,000.

New for 2012 is the limited-production Audi R8 GT, which starts at almost $197,000. The R8 GT weighs in at 180 pound less than the R8 5.2 and features a 560-horsepower, 5.2-liter V10 engine, six-speed automated manual transmission and sport-tuned coil-over suspension. Audi says in a press release that the R8 GT has a top speed of 199 mph and will sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 km) in just 3.6 seconds. Only 333 R8 GTs will be made, and only 90 of those will be sold in the U.S.