2010 Audi R8

Since this is Easter Sunday, I thought some eye candy would be appropriate! Here is the beautiful Audi R8, which is Audi's supercar. The 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI is shown above. Audi has been coming up in the automobile world lately with some spectacular designs, see my Audi A5 post.

The mid mounted 4.2 liter V-8 engine with 420 hp. and can accelerate the R8 to 60 mph. in 4.4 seconds with a maximum speed is 187 mph. The engine is modified for dry sump lubrication, which is a method used normally in race cars to insure that oil is available to be pumped. The R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame, which is manufactured with aluminum and magnesium, which contributes to the car's relatively light weight.

To produce the R8, seventy workers fit 5,000 unique parts by hand. The factory produces 15 cars a day. It has also been credited as the only car in the world to undergo a CT Scan. Ninety-five lasers inspect the entire car in five seconds to ensure that over 220 measurements are within 0.1 mm of the programmed plans. The two seat coupé is currently available in Europe, the United States, Canada and Japan.

Audi AG owns Lamborghini, very little of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission.The R8 is made distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine, and pricing. Audi also unveiled the 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro last December 2008. The engine is based on the engine in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 but is detuned to produce 518 hp. The R8 V10's performance numbers are enhanced as a result, Audi estimates the new 0-62 mph time as only 3.9 seconds. The R8 5.2 FSI will also have carbon ceramic brakes available as an option.

Audi pioneered and developed Quatrro, which is standard on the R8. Quatrro is an all wheel drive system that other auto manufacturers are starting to see the advantages of all wheel drive.

Pricing starts at $117,500 for the R8 4.2 liter, the estimated based price for the 5.2 liter starts at $162,500. For the exhaust note click here for video!

The Audi R8 has received a huge number of accolades, Automobile Magazine awarded the R8 the 2008 Automobile of the Year European Car magazine rated the R8 as Car of the Year. Check out this new variant Audi R8 video V12 TDI. Shown below is the original LeMans concept.

Audi A5 3.0 TDI Diesel Quattro

The last few days have really been a downer reviewing all the GM management errors for my posts, so today I am doing a new post about a beautiful car....the Audi A5. Since gasoline/petrol is anticipated to go up substantially, this could be a good green buy. The A5 TDI currently is available for sale in Europe, the gasoline powered A5 and S5 are available in the U.S. When gas prices increase in the U.S., I anticipate that Audi will import the car.

Most manufacturers have been focusing on building hybrids, a full hybrid typically costs approximately $9000 more per vehicle. The Europeans have been focusing on diesel technology since the 1980's. The cost of petrol in Europe is much higher than gasoline is in the U.S., therefore, diesels make economic sense. A diesel engine is substantially cheaper to manufacturer than a hybrid system.

Check this out, the 0-60 time for the diesel is 5.8 seconds, very comparable to the gasoline version of the A5. The engine is a 3.0 liter which produces 240 hp. The average fuel economy is anticipated at 32 mpg. Braking is exceptional at 70-0 at 165 ft. Audi has been know for their class leading interiors, the A5 is no exception. Owners rave about the A5 see Edmunds owner reviews.

Pricing for a US version A5 starts at $42,000 and the S5 at $52,700.