Audi unveils R8 V10 plus with 550 hp at Moscow Auto Salon
The new Audi R8 V10 plus, revealed at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show, tops the facelifted R8 range with more power, lighter weight and sharper styling.
Audi has introduced the R8 V10 plus at the 2012 Moscow Auto Salon, expanding its supercar line-up with a new range-topper. The R8 V10 plus delivers 550 horsepower from its 5.2-litre V10 engine and features a host of weight-saving measures and styling changes. The model was launched alongside the facelifted R8 range, with European deliveries scheduled to begin at the end of 2012.
Powertrain and performance
The R8 V10 plus is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 producing 550 hp and 540 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Audi pairs this engine with its new 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission as standard, allowing the car to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 317 km/h. For those preferring a manual gearbox, Audi offered a 6-speed option, but with slightly slower acceleration and a marginally higher top speed of 319 km/h.
Fuel consumption for the S tronic version is rated at 12.9 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle, while the manual consumes 14.9 litres per 100 km. These figures reflect the car’s focus on performance rather than efficiency.
Lightweight construction and design changes
Audi has put considerable effort into reducing weight for the R8 V10 plus. The coupe tips the scales at 1,570 kg, thanks to the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the front splitter, side blades, mirror housings and air inlets. Adjustable bucket seats with glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) chassis, reduced sound insulation, lightweight alloy wheels and ceramic brakes all contribute to the lower kerb weight.
Visually, the R8 V10 plus stands out with exclusive matt-effect paint options and aerodynamic tweaks. The facelifted R8 range also gains updated LED lighting and subtle exterior revisions, but the plus model’s carbon elements and unique details set it apart as the flagship.
Pricing and availability
Audi set the German price for the R8 V10 plus at €173,200 at launch. The model was offered exclusively as a coupe, with first European deliveries planned for late 2012. The R8 V10 plus joined a refreshed R8 line-up, which included both V8 and V10 variants with updated styling and technology.
Context in the supercar market
With the R8 V10 plus, Audi aimed to compete more directly with established supercars by offering greater power, sharper dynamics and a lighter, more focused package. The introduction at the Moscow show underscored the importance of Russia and Eastern Europe as emerging markets for high-performance models in 2012.
For more on the evolution of the R8, see our coverage of the 2016 update at the Geneva Motor Show:2016 Audi R8 debuts at Geneva with new V10 and e-tron variant
