Power train

The double-disk clutch in the R8 5.2 FSI quattro is very compact, an advantage which is actually a necessity due to the low position of the engine. The standard transmission is 6-speed manual. The driver moves the shift lever in short steps through an elegant stainless steel profile, with precision and the greatest of ease – a characteristic Audi feature.

As a customer option, Audi will equip the R8 5.2 FSI quattro with the sequential R tronic. With the short selector lever and its rocker switches in an elegant aluminum finish on the steering wheel, it communicates an authentic racing feel. The shifting speed varies with the requirements: in a moderate driving style, the gear change occurs at a comfortable rate; at high load and revs it shifts extremely quickly, within a mere tenth of a second.

If desired, R tronic can also shift gears fully automatically. The driver can control its operation through four different programs – two each in the manual and in the automatic mode. The most comfortable R tronic mode is “Automatic Normal”, the most dynamic is “Manual Sport”.

R tronic is equipped with a separate hydraulic oil circuit. The integrated power unit provides the required pressure of 40 to 50 bar. The hydraulics actuates the clutch and changes the gears. The driver’s commands are transmitted “by wire”, i.e. electrically.

A standard feature of R tronic is the “Launch Control” program, which enables the R8 5.2 FSI quattro to make lightning-fast starts fully automatically. The driver activates it with a delightful little procedure: Select Shift Program S, deactivate traction control, select gear, step on brake pedal, press gas pedal to the floor, and wait until a constant engine speed is shown on the tachometer. If you now release the brake, Launch Control does the rest. It actuates clutch engagement within milliseconds, the V10 engine matches its immense power to the ideal degree of tire slip for the best possible acceleration on the road.

A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety with which the Audi R8 V10 leaves the competition trailing is the quattro all-wheel drive – this is the superior technology for a high-performance sports car in particular. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. Other benefits include transverse dynamics and stability: The high-performance sports car provides an entirely safe and trouble-free ride.

The R8 model series with its mid-engine concept is a special formulation of the quattro lineage. From the transmission, which is located lengthwise behind the V10, a drive shaft extends forward through the engine to the front axle differential. This is where a viscous coupling distributes the power between the front and rear wheels. In regular driving, it distributes about 85 percent of the torque to the rear axle. But if necessary it can transfer up to 30 percent to the front within a few milliseconds. At the rear axle, a mechanical limited-slip differential further increases the traction. Its locking power amounts to 25 percent in traction and 40 percent in thrust.

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.