Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro - 2010

Base Price: $115,400 - $156,300

Vehicle Details

EPA Classification Compact
$117500 R8 2dr Cpe 4.2L Man quattro
2-Door All Wheel Drive Car, 420 bhp, 317 lb-ft, 6-sp Manual, 12/19 mpg
2 passengers, 3600 lb, 4.2-liter, 8-cylinder engine, 8.6 lb/bhp

Engine
Engine Type Gas V8
Displacement 4.2L/254
Fuel System FSI Direct
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 420 @ 7800
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 317 @ 4500-6000

Transmission
Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive
Trans Type 6
Trans Description Cont. Manual
First Gear Ratio (:1) 4.37
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.71
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.88
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.41
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.13
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.93
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.71
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 3.46

Spied: 2011 BMW M3

The high(er)-performance GTS model isn't the only update for the M3. Subtle cosmetic upgrades are coming to the standard model, too. Our daring spy photographers just sent over these images of a lightly camouflaged example in Europe. The black tape spells out what's new: the taillights.

Affixed with LEDs, the new lights are part a slight refresh. Also expected is an updated interior. We understand a similar update is coming to the standard 3 Series, but it will include revised front and rear bumpers.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2011 Audi A8

The 2011 Audi A8 launches in North America about this time next year, a few months after the summer '10 release in Europe. While Western Europe gets a 3.0-liter TDI V-6, a 3.2-liter FSI V-6, and 4.2-liter turbodiesel and gas direct-injection V-8s, we get the car only with that latter engine, upgraded to 372 horsepower and 328 pound-feet.

The direct injection allows a 12.5:1 compression ratio and Audi's "modular efficiency system" converts kinetic energy to electric power, buffered in the battery, upon deceleration. A computer monitors actuators for the ideal distribution of the heat flows between the engine, transmission and interior. At cold start, the system uncouples the engine temporarily from the cooling circuit to shorten the warm-up phase with its high friction losses.

The 4.2 may be a short-termer, however. Audi is preparing a supercharged 4.0-liter V-8 gas direct-injection engine to supplement, for the time being, the 4.2. While we don't have a timeline, an insider assures us it comes very soon after the luxury flagship's launch. Also rumored to be in the pipeline is a hybrid model.

The power is transmitted through a new eight-speed automatic to the quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi claims a 0-62 mph time of 5.7 seconds and an electronically controlled top speed of 250 kp/h, or, in the automaker's exactitude, 155.34 mph.

The dynamic shift program now networks with the optional MMI navigation plus system to anticipate curves in its gearshift strategy and avoid unnecessary gear changes. Taking a swipe at BMW's and Mercedes' modern gearshifts, the A8 comes with a selector lever on the center tunnel, shaped like the thrust lever of a yacht. You can change gears with a quick tap of the lever, or use the rocker switches on the steering wheel.

Thanks to: Motor Trend