2010 Audi R8 5.2 packs plenty of power
Published Thursday October 29th, 2009
We journalists aren't allowed to use obscene words when writing reviews, so this story is going to be difficult to complete.
It's about the Audi R8 5.2.
Apparently, Audi thought the standard R8's 4.2-litre engine was a good start. A 420 horsepower V8 screamer, it gets the aluminum coupe rolling in a very serious hurry. It's more than powerful enough for anyone who values their driver's licence -- but apparently, some buyers wanted even more sauce.
Audi answered their call with a newly-available 5.2-litre V10. This engine dials horsepower up to a supercar-worthy 525, and spews even more gut-wrenching sound effects from the tailpipes. Redline is bumped 500 revs beyond that of the V8, to a furious 8,500.
Yes folks -- this machine is a very big deal. Everything Audi's learned about going fast, winning races, and building stunning-looking machinery is here in masses.
The R8 V10 gives away its identity with several visual upgrades. There's a 'V10' badge on each fender, the quad-pipe exhaust tips are replaced by two big ovals, and the vented surfaces on both bumpers are opened up. The R8's trademark side-blades are widened in the name of increased airflow into the engine compartment, too.
Like the V8, the V10 engine is proudly displayed under a glass cover like a trophy. Fans will notice the longer and beefier-looking intake manifold on top of it.
The tester also got unique wheels and benefited from an exclusive all-LED headlight cluster. This emits bright blue light like a more conventional xenon setup, though illumination comes solely from 3 tiny LED bulbs that don't get hot or burn out.
Inside, the higher-reading tachometer gets a red ring around it, as does the 350km/h speedo. Other than a few bits of cosmetic dress-up, R8s are functionally the same regardless of the selected engine.
Perhaps ironically, the R8 V10 gets the up-level Bang and Olufsen stereo as standard. It's a lovely audio system that's likely to become the most unused feature in the car.
Right from startup, sound effects from the ten cylinder engine are more distinctive and forceful. The throaty burble when the V8 awakens is replaced by a shrill and nervous hum. There's less thunder and depth to the V10, but it's instantly more aggravated and exotic sounding.
Where the V8 sent shockwaves of bass cascading from the pipes, the V10's soundtrack is a smoother, more mechanical and more infectious one. If the sound of the V8 is like a Harley Davidson, the V10 is more like a Ducati. Loud, too.
The sounds aren't just for fun. The extra 105 horsepower are felt as more potent pull across the entire span of the tachometer, backed by a fiery explosion of thrust between 6,000 and 8,500 RPM. The Italian-inspired wail at these engine speeds will cause sleep loss, pauses in breathing and extended periods of profanity.
The experience of the R8 V10 at full rip is difficult to sum up in words. Acceleration crosses into 'scary' territory, and extreme caution is advised with the throttle.
Where the R8 4.2 glides forward, the 5.2 positively leaps. Second gear lasts until 125 km/h, and maxing out third on a speed-limited road is very unadvisable. An inopportunely-placed traffic cop could ruin your moment faster than Kanye West at the MTV awards.
It's not only the R8 5.2's speed that's threatening. The V10's extra power is put down by the same sized tires as the V8 -- so it's plenty feistier when accelerating out of bends. Corners the R8 4.2 could leave at full throttle see the R8 5.2 issuing quick warning squirms to indicate the arrival of its adhesive limits. Push any harder, and things can get hairy.
The R8 4.2 was fast and sticky -- but not intimidating. The 5.2 is somewhat less forgiving and somewhat more of an animal when drivers get brave. Things happen very quickly here, and you'll need a track to see anything close to the limits of this car.
Don't have one at your disposal? No worries. Like its little brother, the R8 V10 is still a manageable and docile machine for day-to-day driving. It may be stiffer and more hardcore, but the ruthless performance doesn't ruin the experience of a leisurely drive. Brakes are equally crushing but slightly more powerful, and the handling during spirited driving is equally as sharp and stable.
If you fancy yourself a die-hard Audi enthusiast and want to park their top-dog machine in your driveway, only $173,000 for the base-model V10 stands in your way. The tester's price? Just north of $198,000.
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