Thursday, 03 September 2009 10:29

Asura Design introduces the 2010 Audi R8 V10.  This is the first V10 5.2L FSI powered Audi R8 to be programmed in North America.  We made 45 horsepower gains on this beast.  LP560-4 owners, watch out for this one.

When the Audi R8 was first introduced in 2007, many Audi-philes felt a more powerful motor might be needed to unlock the true potential of this platform. Fast-forward a few years, and a considerably more powerful R8 is a reality.

Powered by a derivative of a Lamborghini-sourced V10, the latest R8 sends 525 horsepower to all four wheels thanks to a sophisticated quattro all-wheel-drive system. The car was first introduced to the public stateside at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The visual accents that separate the V10 powered R8 from it's V8 sibling are subtle and understated.

More air is fed to the V-10 through larger side vents, which protrude sharply from the side of the body, enhancing the already aggressive stance suggestive of the added power on board. The lower side skirting also get a flare which runs along the wheelbase, adding further visual cues that this is an uber-Audi not to be reckoned with. These subtle cues blend into the refined spirit of the R8 with out taking away from the elegant lines of it's V8 sibling.

Additionally, the standard R8 V10 will include dual oval exhaust tips, larger side air intakes, revised front and rear fascias that draw their lineage from circuit racing and larger brakes to counter the added inertia. The V10 version also sports unique LED headlights and increased downforce from the new intergrated rear diffuser that works in conjunction with the speed sensitive wing to also reduce lift at higher velocities.

Prior to this car's launch, there was speculation that Audi would name the V10-powered R8 the R10 or RS8, but the more appropriate and technical "5.2 FSI" designation was used.  The V10 is a very similar 5.2L FSI powerplant to the one found in the new Lamorghini LP560-4, albeit detuned to 525 horsepower and 390 pound-feet or torque, to keep the R8 out of the Gallardo's territory. But despite being down a bit on grunt, the R8 V10 can still rocket from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 196 mph.  The Asura Design Audi R8 V10 performance software tuning removes the top-speed limiter, increases power output by 45 horsepower, and turns up the exhaust volume.  On the R-tronic equipped vehicles, the shifts points are augmented along with the torque limiters in the transmission.