German automaker Audi has launched a new top-of-the-line model in its new high-performance sports car R8 series, the R8 5.2 FSI quattro.

The newly developed V10 with FSI direct petrol injection and dry sump lubrication is capable of delivering breathtaking performance, said a statement.

The naturally aspirated 5.2-litre engine delivers a full 530 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm and a maximum power output of 525 bhp at 8,000 rpm. The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/hour in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 316 km/hour.

The R8 V10 is available as a six-speed manual or optionally with a sequential R tronic transmission and multitude of features ensuring excellent handling at any speed: 19-inch wheels for high transverse acceleration and powerful grip, quattro permanent all-wheel drive with rear-wheel bias, dual aluminum wishbone suspensions and Audi magnetic ride, “launch control” and high-performance brakes.

The lightweight aluminium body in ASF (Audi space frame) design weighs only 210 kilograms.

Innovative Audi technologies and extensive standard equipment including the Bang & Olufsen sound system and navigation system plus propel the new Audi model right to the top of its competitive field.

The exterior of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro also differs distinctly from that of its V8 counterpart – with especially notable changes at the front, at the side blades which provide the engine with intake air, and at the tail end.

A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 is that all-LED headlights are offered as standard equipment. Audi is the world’s first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights and turn signals, according to the statement.

“The R8 is a lighthouse model for Audi in the Middle East and had a major impact on brand awareness. The V10 now manages to push this even further,” said Jeff Mannering, managing director Audi Middle East.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro is available in dealerships across the Middle East now starting from $133,500 with manual transmission and $143,000 with R tronic, the report said. – TradeArabia News Service