The Audi R8 Coupe (42, facelift) 5.2 FSI V10 plus quattro, produced from 2012 to 2015, represents the pinnacle of Audi’s mid-engine sports car lineage during that generation. This variant, positioned as the highest-performance iteration of the R8 Coupe, built upon the foundation of the 42 platform (shared with the Lamborghini Huracán) and offered a significant step up in power and track capability compared to the standard V8 and V10 models. It was Audi’s direct competitor to high-end sports cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo and McLaren MP4-12C, aiming to deliver a blend of supercar performance with a degree of everyday usability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | R8 |
| Generation | R8 Coupe (42, facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.2 FSI V10 plus (550 Hp) quattro |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 22.2 l/100 km (10.6 US mpg, 12.7 UK mpg, 4.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg, 26.6 UK mpg, 9.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 14.9 l/100 km (15.8 US mpg, 19 UK mpg, 6.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 346 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 319 km/h (198.22 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 2.9 kg/Hp, 350.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.9 kg/Nm, 343.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 550 Hp @ 8000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 105.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 540 Nm @ 6500 rpm (398.28 lb.-ft. @ 6500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CTPA |
| Engine displacement | 5204 cm3 (317.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 10 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1570 kg (3461.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 100 l (3.53 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 4440 mm (174.8 in.) |
| Width | 1929 mm (75.94 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2029 mm (79.88 in.) |
| Height | 1252 mm (49.29 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1638 mm (64.49 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1595 mm (62.8 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1007 mm (39.65 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 783 mm (30.83 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.36 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/35 R19; 295/30 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 19; 11J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI V10 plus quattro lies the CTPA engine, a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10. This engine is a direct descendant of the V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracán, showcasing Audi’s close ties with its Italian sister brand. The ‘FSI’ designation indicates direct fuel injection, a technology crucial for maximizing power and efficiency. The engine boasts a high compression ratio of 12.5:1 and utilizes a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for excellent breathing and contributes to the engine’s high-revving nature and 8,000 rpm redline. The engine produces 550 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the rear of the vehicle, contributing to a favorable weight distribution. Paired with the engine is a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. This transmission offers incredibly fast and smooth shifts, enhancing both acceleration and driving engagement. The quattro all-wheel-drive system distributes power between all four wheels, providing exceptional traction and stability, particularly in challenging conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 5.2 FSI V10 plus quattro delivers a truly exhilarating driving experience. Acceleration is brutal, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 198.22 mph. The S tronic transmission provides near-instantaneous gear changes, keeping the engine in its optimal power band. While the V10 engine doesn’t offer the low-end grunt of a turbocharged engine, it builds power linearly and relentlessly as the revs climb. The quattro all-wheel-drive system inspires confidence, allowing drivers to exploit the engine’s power even on less-than-ideal surfaces. Compared to the standard R8 V8, the V10 plus offers a significantly more visceral and engaging driving experience. The higher output and more responsive throttle make it feel considerably faster and more agile. Compared to a manual transmission R8, the S tronic offers quicker shifts, but some purists may prefer the greater control offered by a manual gearbox.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI V10 plus quattro came generously equipped as standard. Interior features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable sport seats, a navigation system, a premium sound system, and automatic climate control. Carbon fiber interior trim was standard, emphasizing the car’s performance focus. Exterior features included a unique front bumper with larger air intakes, a rear diffuser, and a fixed rear spoiler. Optional extras included a carbon fiber engine bay, ceramic brakes, and a variety of customization options through Audi Exclusive, allowing buyers to personalize their R8 to their exact specifications.
Chassis & Braking
The R8 Coupe features an aluminum space frame chassis, providing a lightweight yet incredibly rigid structure. This contributes to the car’s excellent handling and responsiveness. The suspension consists of independent McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, both with coil springs and anti-roll bars. The braking system utilizes ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The V10 plus model often featured larger brake rotors and calipers compared to the standard R8 V8.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI V10 plus quattro was widely praised by automotive critics for its stunning performance, engaging driving dynamics, and luxurious interior. However, its high price tag and relatively poor fuel economy were often cited as drawbacks. Compared to the standard R8 V8, the V10 plus offered a significant performance upgrade, but at a considerable cost. The V10 plus also offered a more focused driving experience, sacrificing some of the V8’s everyday usability. Fuel economy was predictably poor for a high-performance supercar, averaging around 15.8 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The Audi R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI V10 plus quattro remains a highly desirable sports car in the used market. Its combination of performance, luxury, and relative reliability has made it a popular choice among enthusiasts. The 5.2-liter V10 engine is known for its durability, although regular maintenance is essential. The S tronic transmission is generally reliable, but can be expensive to repair if issues arise. Overall, the R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI V10 plus quattro represents a significant achievement in automotive engineering and continues to be a benchmark for high-performance sports cars.
