Audi reveals V-10 R8 supercar (photos)

View more photos of Audi's new R8 5.2 FSI quattro.

(Credit: Audi AG)

Just in time for no one to afford it, Audi has revealed photos and details of an $188,267, ten-cylinder version of its R8 supercar. More formally known as the Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro, this up-rated R8 features more upgrades than just an extra pair of cylinders.

(Credit: Audi AG)

Starting with the titular 5.2-liter V-10 FSI engine, this version of the R8 makes more power than the now entry-level V-8 version, building power to 390 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 RPM before going on to create a maximum 525 horsepower at 8,000 RPM, just over the 100 horsepower per liter mark. The R8 5.2 FSI Quattro goes from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 3.9 seconds and continues on to a top speed of 196mph. Direct injection aids in the building of power and allows the R8 5.2 FSI Quattro to maintain a pretty good--for a supercar--average of 17.17 US mpg when equipped with the R tronic transmission.

Power is put to all four wheels via Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system after leaving either a six-speed manually shifted transmission or a six-speed R tronic sequential gearbox.

Keeping the R8 5.2 pinned to the road is an advanced suspension featuring magnetic ride control which smooths the bumps out when cruising and automatically adjusts to improve at-the-limit grip. The new 19-inch Y design wheels are of questionable aesthetic value, but there's no question that the 14.9 inch brakes (14.0 inches at the rear) will come in handy for scrubbing off 196mph worth of speed. Optional carbon ceramic brakes save a combined 20 pounds of weight over the stock stoppers, and feature eight-piston calipers (four-piston units at the rear).

(Credit: Audi AG)

Modified sideblades feature larger intakes to help the V-10 breathe. The rear end gets a modified diffuser, dual oval exhaust tips (in place of the V-8's quad-tips), and matte-aluminum finish exhaust grills flanking the rear window glass. Up front, the R8 5.2 FSI gets a chrome finish grill and all-LED headlamps.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro is tentatively scheduled to be displayed at the 2009 Detroit Auto show and will be available starting the second quarter of 2009 in Germany for 142,400 euro or $183,700 at current exchange rates.

Hey Audi, where's our R8 TDI?

View more photos of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro.