New Car Scoop

Audi has decided to officially release pictures of its new halo car ahead of the Detroit auto show. The 5.2L, V10 version of the R8 is 525HP of four wheel drive goodness, assuming you can afford the $180,000 price tag. Compared to it’s more athletic brother, the R8 LMS, the V10 uses the standard quattro four wheel system we all know and love. The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the “World Car of the Year Awards 2008″. In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more. Known for it aggresive styling, LED only external lighting and obscene performance, Audi has finally put together a car that challenges more than just the entry level Porsche 911 and Ferrari F430. The V8 R8 was always a little more on par with the M3 and the basic 911 carrera, but now with proper power we’ll see what it can do against the big boys from Stuttgart and Maranello. With it’s new engine (using dry sump lubrication, FSI gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing) the new R8 weighs around 68lbs more than it’s little brother but is propelled to 100mph in just over 8 seconds. In addition to the crazy performance numbers, you still get all the stylish bits on the interior you’d expect like Nappa leather and a spiffy Audi GPS. However, the one thing that still remains is the sound. Will this car be a miniature Lamborghini Gallardo or a whole other engine sound? The stats have placed this car slightly lowed on the totem pole than the Gallardo in terms of performance (can you blame Audi?). However, considering the speed limits we’re constrained with, as long as this car sounds as fast as the Lamborghini, a lot of people might take the cheaper version. After all, it looks the same from the cockpit!

The new R8 will go on sale in Germany second quarter 2009. That means it should make it to the states by the end of next year. Click on the pictures below for larger pictures.