PPI Automotive has taken the Audi R8 V10 and overhauled it into the limited edition Razor GTR-10. With modifications from bumper to bumper, including performance, suspension and aesthetics, it’s a complete package for those that find the standard V10 model too mundane.

Horsepower has increased from 525-hp to 601-hp, plus there’s 417 ft-lbs of torque on tap, a slight increase from the factory 391 ft-lbs. Possibly more impressive is that the car sheds over 550 lbs from its body, making the performance increase that much more noticeable. The 0-62 mph time is now a scant 3.2 seconds.

The weight loss is attributed to a ton of carbon fiber components, with all new doors, roof pillars, side skirts and front bumper. Additional cooling comes from modified side skirts, rear fenders and a rear bumper. The last bits of carbon fiber replacement parts include an adjustable rear spoiler and rear diffuser. The engine bay also features a carbon fiber cover while the trunk sports carbon fiber ram-charged air inlets.

Shedding even more pounds are replacement lightweight MAG11 forged aluminum PPI wheels. Up front are a pair of 19×9-inch sized wheels wrapped with 245/35/19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires while the rear features 20×12-inch wheels with 325/25/20 matching tires. Flashy orange-metallic brake calipers highlight the brake upgrades.

Suspension modifications lower the vehicle thanks to KW Automotive springs, while a hydraulic lift system has also been installed to raise the front 1.75-inch if needed.

Inside there are even more carbon fiber goodies from e-brake to interior trim while the seats have been reupholstered with Onyx Nubuck leather with colored accents that are customizable. PPI also installs their proprietary steering wheel to the limited edition vehicle.

Hit the link below for all the pics:

[Source: GTSpirit]

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:

Audi announces U.S. 2010 model-year prices for its Audi R8 sports cars, including the V10-powered R8 5.2 FSI quattro

- Base MSRP on the all-new Audi R8 V10 model starts at $146,000
- Strong interest in the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro drives early shipment to certified Audi R8 dealerships this week
- MSRP on the V8-powered Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro models remain unchanged from 2009 model-year pricing

HERNDON, Va., Jul 23, 2009  -  Audi today announced that the U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the highly anticipated 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro V10 sports car will start at $146,000, with shipments to authorized Audi R8 dealerships across the country beginning this week.

Audi said the MSRP for the 2010 Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro will start at $114,200, unchanged from the base prices for 2009 models:

2010 R8 5.2 FSI® quattro® (V10) pricing (excluding $1,200 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):

R8 5.2 FSI quattro coupe (manual)      $146,000
R8 5.2 FSI quattro coupe (R tronic)      $155,100

2010 R8 4.2 FSI® quattro® (V8) pricing (excluding $1,200 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges):
R8 4.2 FSI quattro coupe (manual)      $114,200
R8 4.2 FSI quattro coupe (R tronic)      $123,300

The addition of the R8 V10 adds new levels of power to a sports car already renowned for delivering premium comfort uncommon in its class without performance compromises.  The 10-cylinder 525 hp engine is the same power plant found in the R8 LMS GT3 racecar and is capable of delivering breathtaking performance. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro delivers 391 lb-ft of torque and achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds.

Anticipation has been building for the U.S. introduction of the R8 V10. Today, the first two 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro models available in the U.S. were delivered to the two winning bidders from the 2009 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance charity auction held in February to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Fla. The two winning bids raised a combined $850,000 for the charity, with the top bidder paying a record $500,000 for the new 2010 R8 V10, the highest amount ever paid for a new Audi vehicle in the U.S.

Since its U.S. launch in September 2007, demand has remained strong for the V8-powered R8 4.2 FSI quattro featuring 420 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.  The hand-assembled R8 V10, developed by the Audi high-performance division, quattro GmbH, receives unique exterior features as standard equipment. Chief among these: innovative full-LED headlights, a world’s first. The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro also receives new 19-inch Y-design forged aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires, sideblades with larger air intakes, front grille with chrome-optic accents, unique rocker panel shaping, dual oval rear exhaust tips, “V10” front fender badges and instrument cluster labeling, unique front and rear sections along with a larger rear diffuser all finished in high-gloss black.

Other R8 5.2 FSI quattro standard equipment highlights include rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive, Audi magnetic ride, Audi Navigation plus with 3D graphics and real time traffic, 465-watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System®, 6-disc CD changer, Bluetooth® telephone preparation, SIRIUS satellite radio®, Audi parking system plus with rearview camera and 10-way power heated sport seats.  Sepang Blue pearl effect will be offered as an optional R8 V10 exclusive exterior color.

“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.”

The R8 is one of four Audi models currently built with the revolutionary ASF® chassis, a technology that Audi has mastered in more than a decade of experience.  ASF is customized by model, including its application with the A8 and TT Coupe and Roadster models.  The framework of an ASF body consists of extruded aluminum sections and pressure castings. The aluminum chassis and sheet metal are just as strong as steel, but lighter to boost performance and efficiency. This frame carries the sheet aluminum elements, for example the roof panel, which are rigidly connected to it and help to withstand loads on the body.  The elements of ASF are varied in shape and cross-section, depending on the tasks they have to perform.  Like the bones of a human skeleton, they combine optimal function with low weight.  The ASF application on the Audi R8 offers extremely high torsional rigidity, light weight and high strength for optimal performance characteristics.

All R8 models are produced in Neckarsulm, Baden Württemberg, Germany along with the aluminum A8 model.  Audi is continuing to shape the future in lightweight design and elsewhere too.  Inaugurated in 1994, the Aluminum and Lightweight Design Center in Neckarsulm, Germany employs more than 120 specialists to work on new joining techniques, body structures, materials and construction techniques.  They also look into the use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel.  In the area of fiber composites, Audi also acts as an innovative pioneer and trend-setter by leveraging its significant racetrack experience and success to test advanced component concepts under extreme conditions prior to implementation on its road vehicles.

Audi expects to release 2010 pricing and model year changes for the remainder of its lineup within the next few weeks.

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:

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro: Breathtaking Performance
- The new 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine puts out 525 hp
- Sprint to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 316 km/h
- High-performance sports car with striking design
INGOLSTADT, Germany, Dec 8, 2008  -  Audi is launching the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start – and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.

The R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi’s string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world’s racetracks – in the new R8 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.

The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp).

The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement – and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) – that’s only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it’s sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine – all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn’t reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.

The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg).

For maximum dynamics: low center of gravity engine

The technical refinements of the long-stroke ten-cylinder engine include dry sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted low within the chassis. The wide cylinder angle of 90 degrees also makes for a low center of gravity. The crankcase is a high-strength aluminum-alloy casting produced in a complex process. The connecting rods are made of forged steel, the pistons of aluminum. The four camshafts are chain-driven and each is adjustable through 42 degrees. This provides great latitude in controlling the valve timing. In combination with the straight, flow-optimized ducts of the intake manifold, this improves the charge throughout the entire speed range.

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel – with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip – both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission.

A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive – it’s the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It’s not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability.

44 to 56 percent – the ideal axle load distribution

The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to 56 percent.

The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear – a classic racing technology – are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. Even more than in the eight-cylinder R8, this setup is designed for maximum performance. 19-inch wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the R8 V10. Tire sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear.

The car features a high-end damper technology as standard: Audi magnetic ride adapts the characteristics of the suspension in milliseconds to the nature of the road surface and to the driving style. Suspended in the oil of the shock absorbers are tiny magnetic particles which, when a voltage is applied, rearrange themselves so as to slow down the flow of oil through the valves.

In the R8 V10, deceleration is provided by an extremely muscular braking system – eight brake pistons at the front and four at the rear grasp the brake disks, which are ventilated and perforated to ensure unimpeded heat transfer. The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimeters (14 in).

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. These are especially light: their combined weight is nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than the weight of equivalent steel disks. The ceramic brakes can easily cope with the harsher requirements of racing, won’t corrode, and have a typical service life of 300,000 kilometers (186,400 miles). Their calipers are painted charcoal gray and emblazoned with the inscription “Audi ceramic”.

Typically Audi: Sharp lines and an elegantly curved roof

The wide, full shape of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The brawny proportions and prominent wheel wells underscore its potential. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade.

The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the “World Car of the Year Awards 2008″. In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more.

The front air inlets, which feed air to the coolers, and the lip of the front apron are painted in high-gloss black. The number of cross-braces has been reduced from four to two. The vanes of the single-frame grille have a striking chrome finish.

A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights 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. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin the LED light closely resembles daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes in night driving. Further advantages of the LEDs include brilliant illumination, low energy consumption, and a virtually unlimited service life.

Special details also distinguish the body of the R8 V10. Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty.

When in motion, this Audi high-performance sports car creates a downforce that keeps it in firm contact with the road – thanks to a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100 km/h and the fully enclosed underbody, which terminates in a sharply upward-curved diffuser. The dominant color at the rear end is high-gloss black, including the settings of the LED tail lights. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross-braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large oval tailpipes.

Audi sets the example – in body weight and rigidity

The body of a sports car must be especially lightweight and rigid. Audi meets these requirements with the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and its high-tech aluminum construction. The body-in-white of the R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb), and the quality of its lightweight design – the relation of weight to torsional rigidity – is the best in the sports car segment. The body is composed of profile extrusions, sheet aluminum and very complex gusset castings, all held together by 99 meters (325 ft) of welding seams, 782 rivets, and 308 special screws.

The interior of the R8 V10 provides a unique racing ambience at the luxury level. Its dominant element is the so-called monoposto – a wide arc that contains the steering wheel and the cockpit. As always in an Audi, the workmanship is of the highest quality. The surfaces of the dashboard and doors are lined with fine materials and adorned with precisely stitched decorative seams. Many customizing solutions are available: Audi supplies leather in a wide range of colors, packages with a carbon and piano-lacquer finish, or a made-to-measure luggage set. quattro GmbH, which has developed and is producing the R8 V10, also provides solutions for unconventional requirements.

The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good. Slender hinge pillars optimize the obliquely forward field of view. Another advantage for convenient everyday use is the luggage space: 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) fit under the front hood, another 90 liters (3.18 cu ft) can be stowed behind the seats. There is also room for two golf bags.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro combines its colossal performance with a generous complement of standard equipment. Highlights include heatable seat covers made of Fine Nappa leather, a driver information system, the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen sound system along with deluxe automatic air conditioning and an alarm system. The instruments and the gearshift knob are decorated with red rings; the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish.

The list of options includes other highly attractive features – such as the Audi parking system advanced with its integrated rearview camera or numerous Audi exclusive customization options. Various leather packages provide a luxurious touch, while the bucket seats from the Audi exclusive program bring a highly concentrated racing atmosphere into the R8 V10.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400.