This week we’re focusing on the amazing Audi R8 supercar and we’re kicking the week off with a local Tampa Bay area owned R8 Coupé 5.2 FSI quattro.
The car was exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG’s high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, and is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform. | Click to Enlarge – 1920×1200
Using a 5.2 litre FSI engine, based on the unit in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (which in turn was based on the 5.2 FSI V10 used in the Audi C6 S6 and Audi D3 S8), but is re-tuned to produce a power output of 518 bhp and generate 391 lbf·ft of torque. Compared to the V8 variant, the R8 V10′s performance numbers are enhanced. Audi states the new 0 to 60 mph time as just under 3.9 seconds, while 60 to 124 miles per hour comes in at just 8.1 seconds, with an overall top speed of 197.0 mph. Other changes to the V10 version of the R8 include some aesthetic differences: such as all-LED headlights (a world-first), interior enhancements such as Bang & Olufsen 465 watt sound system, and a more aggressive body styling, larger rear brakes and unique road wheels.
It was initially thought that this version of the R8 was going to have the same engine as the C6 Audi RS6, a 5.0 litre V10 TFSI twin-turbo engine, which produces 572 bhp. However, some components of the twin-turbo system overheated, and one prototype was destroyed by fire at the Nürburgring. This model was shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
A native of Tampa, FL Robert is the presiding editor and co-owner of both Down Shift Magazine and DS Holdings, LLC. A proud alumnus of the University of South Florida’s class of 2005 Robert is active in the Tampa Bay community and when not residing at his home in Tampa, FL enjoys traveling throughout the United States and abroad covering the motorsports and cultural phenomenon that shape our modern automotive enthusiast community.
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