Engine

With its high-performance character, the naturally aspirating 5.2 FSI engine lets the driver really experience the motorsport genes of the new Audi R8. It responds almost instantaneously and easily revs up to 8,700 rpm; at the engine speed limiter, the pistons cover a distance of 26.9 meters (88.3 ft) per second. Under load, the V10 develops a very unique sound – a throaty hissing and roaring sound.

The performance and torque of the Audi R8 were further improved in the course of the revision. The R8 V10 quattro offers 419 kW (570 metric horsepower) at 8,000 rpm (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 13.3 – 12.9; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 302 – 293), which constitutes an increase of 22 kW (30 metric horsepower). The maximum torque of 560 Nm (413.0 lb-ft) is available at 6,200 rpm. For the R8 V10 performance quattro, the values at the same rotational speeds are 456 kW (620 metric horsepower) and 580 Nm (427.8 lb-ft) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 13.3 – 13.1; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km*: 302 – 297), an increase of 7 kW (10 metric horsepower).

The ten-cylinder engine draws from 5,204 cm³(0.184 cu ft) of displacement. Its specific output in the top-of-the-line version is 119.1 metric horsepower per liter. Each unit of metric horsepower has to move a weight of only 2.57 kilograms (5.7 lb) because the curb weight of the Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro is just 1,595 kilograms (3,516.4 lb). The Spyder V10 performance quattro weighs 1,695 kilograms (3,736.8 lb) empty and 1,587 kilograms (3,498.7 lb) dry. This results in explosive performance figures: The fastest volume-production Audi of all time catapults itself from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.1 seconds, and from 0 to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 9.8 seconds. Its top speed is 331 km/h (205.7 mph). The R8 Coupé V10 quattro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.4 seconds and keeps achieves a top speed of 324 km/h (201.3 mph). The values for the Spyder are 3.2 and 3.5 seconds, respectively, and 329/322 km/h (204.4/200.1 mph).

A fine specimen of a naturally aspirated engine: the V10

The V10, whose cylinder banks face each other at 90 degree angles, is a fine specimen of a naturally aspirated engine. The crankshaft that rotates in its lightweight aluminum cylinder housing is designed as a common pin shaft: The rods of the pistons on the opposite side engage with a shared crank pin, which results in alternating firing intervals of 54 and 90 degrees. The cylinder firing sequence of 1 – 6 – 5 – 10 – 2 – 7 – 3 – 8 – 4 – 9 creates a unique pulse. This creates the characteristic sound of the R8. For even more intensity the flaps in the exhaust system open as the load and rpms increase.The 5.2 FSI is characterized by classic high-performance technologies. Its engine oil is supplied from a dry sump. This allows the engine to be installed in an extremely low position. The four camshafts can be adjusted up to a crankshaft angle of 42 degrees. The compression ratio of 12.7:1 is very high and the valve timing is designed for good cylinder charge at high rotational speeds. In the top-of-the-line engine, the 40 valves, their springs, and the roller-type rocker arms are now made of ultralight and ultra-high-strength titanium.The fuel is supplied by a dual system. In the lower partial-load range, only injection into the intake manifold (MPI) takes place. In the intermediate load range, intake manifold and direct injection (FSI) share the work in equal parts, and in full-load operation, the FSI‑system takes on roughly 85% of the work. The cylinder on demand (COD) technology also contributes to the engine’s efficiency. Under low to intermediate load conditions – when one of the four upper gears is engaged – it shuts down the cylinders of one bank by deactivating their injection and ignition processes. The driver does not notice the transition; at stronger acceleration the cylinder bank is activated again immediately.

All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.