August 30 2009

Audi continues to reinforce its leading position in the high-performance sports car segment with the Middle East launch of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro, the new top-of-the-line model of the R8 model series. The newly developed V10 with FSI direct petrol injection and dry sump lubrication is capable of delivering breathtaking performance. The naturally aspirated 5.2-liter engine delivers a full 530 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm and a maximum power output of 525 bhp at 8,000 rpm. The spectacular dynamics of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro are exemplified in a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 316 km/h. The car serves these up with a ferocious response to the gas pedal, outstanding revving ability, and a thrilling crescendo of technological music. The R8 V10 is available as a six-speed manual or optionally with a sequential R tronic transmission and multitude of features ensuring excellent handling at any speed: 19-inch wheels for high transverse acceleration and powerful grip, quattro permanent all-wheel drive with rear-wheel bias, dual aluminum wishbone suspensions and Audi magnetic ride, “Launch Control” and high-performance brakes. The lightweight yet extremely rigid aluminum body in ASF (Audi Space Frame) design weighs only 210 kilograms. The R8 features a surprisingly spacious interior and high level of everyday utility. Innovative Audi technologies and extensive standard equipment including the Bang & Olufsen sound system and navigation system plus propel the new Audi model right to the top of its competitive field. The exterior of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro also differs distinctly from that of its V8 counterpart – with especially notable changes at the front, at the sideblades which provide the engine with intake air, and at the tail end. A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world’s first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights and turn signals. Audi Middle East Managing Director Jeff Mannering comments “The R8 is a lighthouse model for Audi in the Middle East and had a major impact on brand awareness. The V10 now manages to push this even further.” The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro is available in dealerships across the Middle East now starting from USD 133,500 with manual transmission and USD 143,000 with R tronic. Engine The V10 engine is firmly rooted in Audi’s great motorsport tradition. It revs all the way up to 8,700 rpm – almost as high as a racing engine. At 6,500 rpm the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter engine delivers a full 530 Nm of torque, at 8,000 rpm it achieves its maximum power output of 386 kW (525 hp). The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement, while its power-to-weight ratio is just 3.1 kilogram (6.83 lb) per hp. The 5.2-liter engine uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. It achieves a compression ratio of 12.5:1, which contributes substantially to the high power output and the moderate fuel consumption. The R8 5.2 FSI quattro – in the version with the sequential R tronic transmission – gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km. Dry sump lubrication is another technology derived from motorsport that ensures oil feed in any position – even at the maximum transverse acceleration of 1.2 g that this high-performance car from Audi reaches. Transmission Audi delivers the R8 5.2 FSI quattro with manual six-speed transmission, or optionally with R tronic, which enables the driver to change gears in an instant via rocker switches on the steering wheel. The “Launch Control” function is integrated with both types of transmission – a program that catapults the car forward from a standing start. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive distributes the engine’s torque to all four wheels, with a strong bias towards the rear wheels. The R8 5.2 FSI quattro features an axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent –ideal for a mid-engine sports car. All four wheels are guided by dual aluminum wishbones. The suspension is tuned for a highly dynamic ride, yet preserves an appreciable degree of comfort thanks to Audi magnetic ride. This standard technology continually adapts the function of the shock absorbers to the requirements of the driver and the road. Exclusive 19-inch wheels of 10-spoke Y design are standard equipment. The front wheels are equipped with size 235/35 tires, the rear with size 295/30 tires. The brakes likewise deliver out-and-out performance. Optionally available from Audi are carbon-fiber ceramic brake disks, which are extremely lightweight and durable. Setting the standard in lightweight design: The ASF body The R8 5.2 FSI quattro with six-speed manual gearshift tips the scales at a modest 1,620 kilograms – mainly thanks to its lightweight body. Built of aluminum in the Audi Space Frame design, it weighs a mere 210 kilograms. The ASF design is extremely rigid, which ensures dynamic, precise and secure handling as well as occupant safety. Interior & Equipment The interior of this high-performance sports car from Audi provides astonishing roominess. Behind the seats and under the front hood is room for 190 liters of luggage. The car is luxuriously equipped – seat covers of Fine Nappa leather, the navigation system plus, the Bang & Olufsen sound system and automatic air conditioning are standard equipment. Carefully arranged interior details underscore the leading position of this top-of-the-line model. The exterior of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro also differs distinctly from that of its V8 counterpart – with especially notable changes at the front, at the sideblades which provide the engine with intake air, and at the tail end. A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world’s first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights and turn signals.