Overview

The two-door mid-engine sports car R8 receives an all-new power plant for 2010. The 2010 Audi R8 available in 4.2 Quattro and 5.2 Quattro. A new iPod interface has joined the list of standard features for 2010 along with carbon fiber on the doorsills, exterior mirrors and body kit. Comfortable and supportive bucket seats cradle both driver and passenger in luxurious Napa leather, and an available parking assist system means the R8 is as easy to drive as it is powerful for 2010.

Power and performance

The Audi R8 is inspired by a mid-mounted 420-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 with FSI Direct Injection and is paired with a six-speed manual or R-tronic automated manual transmission. The 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 now yields 525 horsepower, and when equipped with a manual transmission, weighs just 3,571 lbs.

Body and styling

Audi R8 is an ace sports car with Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. Introduced in 2006, the R8 is based on the "Audi Space Frame" and for 2010; the addition of the R8 V10 adds new levels of power to a sports car lineup already well known for delivering premium comfort. The 2010 Audi R8 V10 is indistinguishable from the V-8-equipped R8 apart from a few minor design changes like the oval-shaped exhaust pipes, slightly larger scoops on the side blades, and fewer crossbars beneath the all-LED headlights. It is available in R8 5.2 FSI quattro coupe (Manual) and R8 5.2 FSI quattro coupe (R tronic) versions. The hand-assembled 2010 Audi R8 5.2 has been developed by the Audi high-performance division, quattro GmbH, receives unique exterior features - new 19-inch Y-design forged aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires, sideblades with larger air intakes, front grille with chrome-optic accents, unique rocker panel shaping, dual oval rear exhaust tips, "V10" front fender badges and instrument cluster labeling, unique front and rear sections along with a larger rear diffuser all finished in high-gloss black - as standard equipment. The R8 V10 is the world's first series-production vehicle to offer an available full LED headlight system. Rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive, Audi magnetic ride, Audi Navigation plus with 3D graphics and real time traffic, 465-watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System, 6-disc CD changer, Bluetooth telephone preparation, SIRIUS satellite radio, Audi parking system with rearview camera and 10-way power heated sport seats are the other standard equipment highlights. Seats and other elements are finished in standard Fine Nappa leather to create a comfortable, supportive and luxurious experience.

Safety Features

The R8 5.2 employs a number of safety systems to avoid emergency situations. It comes with standard full-size dual threshold airbags as well as seat-mounted head and thorax side airbags and knee airbags for both driver and front passenger. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS, EBD, EDL and ASR are standard.