Audi R8 gets V10 muscle

Audi’s more powerful R8 is here. Equipped with a V10 and costing Rs 1.35 crore, it is cheaper than its direct rival, the Porsche 911 Turbo, by approximately 35 percent. The V8, the only available model till now, cost Rs 1.17 crore.

 

In comparison to other supercars including the Lamborghini Gallardo, the R8 V10 could well be the more affordable option since all other supercars cost at least Rs 2 crore.

By aggressively pricing the R8, Audi wants to dominate the supercar terrain and build on its success in the SUV segment.

 

The 5.2-litre Lamborghini-sourced V10 engine produces 518bhp and 54.1kgm of torque.  0-100kph comes up in 4.1 seconds and 160kph in a mere 9sec with a top speed of 317kph. The V10 is 60kg heavier than the V8. However, brakes and tyres are the same as that of the V8. Audi claims that the R8 was designed with V10 power in mind.

 

The new A8, A7 sportback and the TT diesel are in the pipeline for 2011. Audi is also evaluating launching the Q3 to compete with BMW’s soon-to-be-launched X1. Audi India recently opened a Mumbai dealership taking its all-India total to 13.