The stance of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro is broad and low, as if ready to leap. The powerful proportions and the large wheel wells underscore its potential. Typical for the brand of the four rings is the exquisite precision in handling lines, the sculpted look even of flat areas, and the elegant flow of the curved roof. Another typical Audi feature is the close relation to motorsport: The basic design of the R8 came from the same team that designed the triumphant Le Mans racing car.

A continuous contour (the “loop”) optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air vents at the sides, called sideblades, are also indicative of the engine position and are flared further outwards. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade.

Distinctive details: The look of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro
The distinctive design of the Audi R8 has met with great approval among automotive professionals. The dual victory in the selection of the “World Car of the Year Awards 2008” – as “World Performance Car” and as “World Car Design” is an expression of this. In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up a bit more.

Audi has adopted Sepang Blue, pearl effect as a paint finish exclusive to the 5.2 FSI quattro. The customer can also choose one of eight other colors, as well as one of eight standard colors for the sideblades. The air intakes in front, providing airflow to the water coolers and the brakes, as well as the lip of the front apron, are painted in a high-gloss black. The intakes have only two instead of three cross braces – which makes them look even bigger and hungrier. The braces of the large single-frame grille, which is also painted in high-gloss black, are embellished by distinctive chrome designs. As in the eight-cylinder R8, the four rings are not mounted within the grille but on top of the front hood.

A very distinctive highlight of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro 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. In this highly complex technology, lens and reflector systems, intelligent ballasts and fan-driven coolers interact. Although the chips emit so-called cool light, they actually heat up, and their temperature must be kept within a defined range.

With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin, the LED light closely resembles white daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes when driving at night. The excellent light distribution and virtually unlimited service life of LEDs are additional benefits. What’s more, their energy consumption is already substantially lower than in halogen lights – an efficiency gain that will increase as a result of development in the coming years.

The look of these lights is also attractive and distinctive. The daytime running lights form a dynamic curve just below the headlights. They consist of 24 LEDs, which appear not as a chain of separate light sources but as a continuous ribbon. And the reflectors, located toward the single-frame grille, are reminiscent of open seashells.

Like a work of art in a showcase: The engine
There are many other special details on the body of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro. V10 badges on the forward sidewalls announce the big engine. The sideblades – the air intakes for the engine, oil cooler and rear brakes – are flared outward further than in the eight-cylinder version and have an additional edge.

The side sills are significantly wider as well; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows retain their matt aluminum sheen. Well visible through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine displays itself like a work of art in a showcase. In connection with the coming/leaving home function, six LED light sources highlight its technological beauty.

At the tail end of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro high-gloss black is the dominant color. The housings of the taillights are also of a dark color. Here, LEDs mounted in tubular housings create three-dimensional lighting effect. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large, oval tailpipes. The fully enclosed underbody ends in a diffuser with a pronounced upward sweep. The rear spoiler automatically deploys at 100 km/h (62.14 mph). Its interior portion is designed to remove heat from the tailpipe area at rest.

The equipment, specifications and prices stated herein refer to the model line offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.