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New Audi R8 V10 Plus Sounds Like a Lamborghini, Makes 610 HP

Audi is so excited about its new R8 supercar that it even let some journalists ride shotgun on the track. Why should we care? Because official info has also been released and the footage of the exhaust sound is breathtaking.
Audi R8 prototype on track 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
First of all, the rumors about the R8 not being offered with a V8 any more are true. At launch the base model will have a 5.2-liter V10 engine developing 540 PS and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft). That's not as impressive as the R8 V10 Plus though, which according to all our sources has 610 PS at 8,150 rpm and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque.

If we were to do the math, we'd find that the standard V10 has gained 15 PS, while the Plus has 60 PS and even outperforms the LMX. The added power has been obtained through the use of a new exhaust, but it's staggering to think that Audi now has just as much power as Lamborghini. Still, considering the engine blocks are cast by the Germans at the Hungarian factory, it's only fair.

The rest of the powertrain still consists of an R8-specific quattro all-wheel drive system matched to a standard twin-clutch S tronic gearbox. With launch control engaged, Audi claims 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is possible in as little as 3.2 seconds, making this their fastest car ever.

Before we turn your attention to the on-track footage below, released by German magazine Auto Motor und Sport and the guys at Auto Express, we'll let you know that the new R8 is wider by 39mm but weighs 66 kg (145 lbs) less than its predecessor. It's just a shame most people will criticize it for its styling.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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