Audi has just released pricing for the new V10-powered R8 in the U.S. The 525hp exotic will start at $146,000 with a six-speed manual transmission and $155,100 for Audi’s R-tronic auto-box with paddle shifters.

The 4.2-liter V8 model will continue to be offered at a starting price of $114,200.

Standard equipment on the new R8 5.2 FSI includes a rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive system Audi magnetic ride, navigation, a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System, Audi parking system with backup camera, and 10-way heated sport seats. This is on top of the amazing V10 engine with 525hp and 391 ft-lbs of torque.

The 2010 R8 V10 will also be offered in an exclusive color: Sepang Blue pearl effect.

“The R8 is a proven worldwide success story for Audi,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “The positive effects of the vehicle on dealers, customers, and Audi fans alike have exceeded all expectations.  The addition of the V10-powered R8 5.2 FSI quattro adds further equity into the already sought-after R8 nameplate and the Audi brand.”

Today the first two U.S.-spec 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI models were delivered to the winning bidders at the 2009 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance charity auction back in February. Two two models sold for a combined $850,000, with all the proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Fla.

Official release after the jump:

While Audi has made no secret that it will be releasing a convertible version of its V10-powered R8 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the German luxury car maker has kept the car under wraps. Even the test mules spotted lapping the Nürburgring were well-masked.

Now, thanks to the intrepid reporters at U.K.’s AutoExpress we may just have an accurate idea of what the drop-top 2010 Audi R8 Spider/Cabriolet/Roadster will look like. These spy photos photos were taken during shooting of an upcoming sequel to the popular Iron Man movie. 

If you recall from the first flick actor Robert Downey Jr. had an Audi R8 in his stable of cars, and if you look closely at these photos you’ll see Downey behind the wheel.

The car is expected to keep the same 525hp, V10 engine as the new coupe but be slightly slower due to the extra weight added to help stiffen up the roofless chassis. In terms of design changes, we can see that the side blades have been removed, showing a more sculpted side to the car, while the rear clamshell gets some aggressive renting.

The R8 Roadster will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September. 

GALLERY: Audi R8 Convertible

[Source: AutoExpress]

Those waiting for a drop-top version of Audi’s R8 won’t have to wait much longer. The car is set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September and it appears as though Audi is out doing some final testing – as these Nürburgring spy photos show. 

In Frankfurt Audi is expected to debut the 525hp V10-powered version of the four-ringed exotic as well as a 420hp V8 version.

A soft top, and not a hard top, is the top-down route Audi has chosen. Not only will it help keep weight down (always a problem with Audis) but it is better for packaging and cost. Besides, every other Audi convertible has a rag top. 

The only question remains, what will it be called? R8 Spyder? R8 Roadster? Or the R8 Convertible?

[Source: Car & Driver]

[Photo Credit: Car Spionage]

According to two more than one reliable source, Audi is set to unveil the roadster version of its awesome R8 at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September. But that isn’t the only R8 set to debut.

The R8 Roadster will be available in both V8 and V10 versions with 420 and 525 horsepower respectively. 

A drop-top version of the R8 has been in the works for some time and rumors that Audi would build such a car emerged just shortly after the original V8-powered machine launched. Having a convertible version would not only allow the R8 to take on cars like the Porsche Carrera Cabriolet and 911 Turbo Cab, but it would also allow Audi to capitalize on a successful platform by building more (even higher priced R8s) but in a different class of vehicle so the car will retain its exclusivity.

The surprising bit of news is that Audi will be launching yet another version of the R8 – an electric version. This car will no doubt be a concept and will likely see the same fate as the R8 TDI. Still, it will be interesting to see what the Audi engineers can come up with.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport and L'Automobile via Autoblog]

Audi released all the information on the new V10-powered R8 months ago but until now they have never shown the vehicle – to the press or anyone else for that matter.

The 525-hp version of the R8 was the first of two world premieres at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The other debut was the Sportback Concept vehicle.

The V10 R8 uses the Lamborghini-sourced 5.2-liter V10 engine (the same one found in the LP560-4) to make 525hp at 8000 rpm and 391 ft-lbs of torque at 6500 rpm. This is enough to rocket the R8 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 196 mph.

Thanks to Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, the R8 is capable of a lateral acceleration of 1.2 gs. Braking is also astounding thanks to eight-piston front brakes.

Audi R8 V10

Complete information and specs on the R8 V10 after the jump: