Earlier this week, we heard rumors from Auto Motor und Sport that Audi was going to unveil an electric concept version of the R8 supercar at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Well, according to an Audi spokesman, the rumor is “not true” and Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk can now sleep in peace.

The spokesman, who talked with Inside Line, apparently asked to remain anonymous. No we’re no scholars on public relations but since when did a spokesman ask to remain anonymous when talking about something the company is not working on.

Either way, Audi will bring the drop-top version of the R8 to Frankfurt in September. Known as the R8 Spyder, it will feature the gasoline engine lineup from the R8.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Inside Line

Audi’s marketing agency has been really creative as of lately by taking shots at its rivals. The German automaker has just released a new commercial featuring the 2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI driving through Ferrari’s hometown of Maranello and pissing of the town’s citizens.

Check it out after the jump and have a good laugh.

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI: Power comes from a 5.2L V10 producing a total of 528-hp. Mated to a R-tronic transmission the R8 5.2 V10 FSI quattro goes from 0 to 60 mph comes in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph.

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI quattro:

Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI drives through Maranello:

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI quattro:

- By: Kap Shah

According to AutoExpress plans to produce a diesel version of the Audi R8 has been canned. After 12 months of debating and consideration Audi said it can’t justify a business case to throw a diesel engine in the R8 two-seater supercar.

Last year, Audi unveiled two concepts of a diesel R8 including the Audi R8 V12 TDI at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show and the Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Both concepts were powered by a 6.0L V12 TDI that makes 500-hp and a maximum torque of 738 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph was said to come in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph.

Audi says that the cost involved with re-engineering the gasoline-powered R8 to accommodate the giant twin-turbocharged diesel engine is just too much.

Pretty sad news for us since we thought this was actually going to happen.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoExpress

Back in November, we showed you the first sketches of PPI Automotive Design’s Audi R8 Razor GTR – a faster and harder version of the original PPI Audi R8 Razor. Well, the car has finally made its official world debut at the Top Marques Monaco 2009, and we have all the details for you right here.

Power comes from the same 4.2L V8 of the R8; however, PPI added a supercharger, a ram-charged sport air filter system and a high performance exhaust system made of stainless steel. All that brings output to a total of 580-hp with a maximum torque of 443 lb-ft. That allows the PPI Audi R8 Razor GTR to go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 206 mph. PPI also added a KW adjustable coil-over suspension.

The PPI Audi R8 Razor GTR is topped off with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires on extra-wide alloy wheels – 19 inches in the front and 20 inches in the back. A wide-body aero kit and a carbon fiber interior trim was also added.

Click through for the press release.

PPI Audi R8 Razor GTR:

Press Release:

World premiere of the Production PPI RAZOR GTR at the “TOP MARQUES MONACO 2009″

The all-new PPI RAZOR GTR limited production Supercar – Intense driving pleasure in a strikingly bold design.

* More POWER
* More STYLE
* More PASSION

The Exclusive German Audi-tuner, PPI Automotive Design GmbH intensifies the fire and presents the special limited production Supercar, the PPI RAZOR GTR.

Performance

Following the introduction of the wildly successful PPI R8 RAZOR at last year’s Essen Motor Show, PPI Automotive Design GmbH have used all its knowledge from the past year in competition, closed road races, open road races, and research and development in the wind channel, autobahn and track testing, to create a truly inspired production car. The Audi specialist turned its focus on optimising the power-to-weight ratio of the Audi R8 while simultaneously strengthening the motor, increasing performance, improving handling dynamics, and managing to reduce the weight of the Audi R8.

The essential part of the motor alteration is the incorporation of a specially engineered supercharger. In addition, a ram-charged sport air filter system and a high performance exhaust system made of stainless steel have been designed and added specifically to work in conjunction with the supercharger system. These components are precisely adjusted to each other with the help of a new ignition map for motor electronics.

The result, after this extensive modification, is a car with up to 580hp / 427 kW at 7,400 rpm, a maximum torque of 600 Nm at 6,200 rpm at its disposal, and a weight decrease of 250 kg over its serial counterpart (serial curb weight 1,580 kg). Providing the PPI RAZOR GTR with the ability to achieve speeds from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds with a maximum top speed of 332 km/h. This insures the proper performance to easily meet the demands of its motorsports and enthusiast clientele.

Aerodynamics

In addition to the excellent driving performance, this PPI Supercar also has a striking widebody appearance with elaborate, wind tunnel tested aerodynamics. Special attention was paid to the reduction of the vehicle’s weight, which was achieved by PPI’s extensive use of the extremely light and high-strength formula 1 and aerospace-proven Carbon Fibre. All parts are made of this high-tech material, reducing weight and adding strength in the process.

The PPI RAZOR GTR front bumper replaces the serial bumper and the new design in conjunction with a specially engineered front diffuser, reduces lifting forces at the front axle. Larger air inlets in connection with a new full LED-headlight unit present the two-seater with an even more athletic face. More importantly, these air inlets feed the radiators with additional fresh air and channels through the new front hood to provide optimal cooling to the brake system. PPI sideskirts highlight the sporty profile of the GTR and also diffuses the airflow around the sides of the car for improved aerodynamic stability.

In order to perfectly balance out the down-force behaviour of the front-axle with the rear axle, PPI equips the RAZOR GTR with a special rear wing with an adjustable Gurney-flap. The motor cover, made of the light high-tech polycarbonate material Makrolon®, also has specially designed Carbon Fibre ram-charged air inlets that replace the heavy OEM Engine cover and aid in cooling, ensuring the consistent performance of the RAZOR GTR. Aiding in the engine cooling, are the newly designed side blades, rear fenders and rear bumper allow for additional motor bay and exhaust cooling that, in conjunction with the Carbon Fibre rear diffuser, optimises the airflow over and through the rear portion of this sharp performance car.

Handling
The overall appearance of the car is further enhanced by a new widebody skin to allow the PPI RAZOR GTR the proper structure to accommodate all the performance enhancements and wider wheels. The RAZOR GTR utilizes specially designed lightweight MAG9 Carbon Fiber forged aluminum PPI wheels. At the front, 10Jx19 MAG9 wheels weighing 8.8kgs with 255/35 ZR 19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres are fitted and an impressive 12.0J x 20 MAG9 wheels weighing 10.0 kgs with 325/25 ZR 20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres are used at the rear. This wheel and tyre-combination proves to be the optimal balance between comfort and control while maintaining proper road feedback for the driver.

PPI also developed a special high-performance braking system available only for the RAZOR GTR that can be identified by its metallic orange-coloured brake callipers. The optimal deceleration and perfect pedal pressure control is now achieved by enlarged 6-piston callipers in connection with extra-large discs measuring 380 x 36 millimetres at the front and 356 x 32 mm discs at the rear axle providing greater pad surface contact area and heat dissipation.

Nothing has been left untouched, as is evidenced by the new coil over kit developed in conjunction with technology partner KW Automotive GmbH. This system has been specially adjusted to the needs of the PPI RAZOR GTR. And comes equipped with a Hydraulic Lift System, which can increase ground clearance by up to 45 millimetres if needed and therefore enables the driver to enter underground car parks or drive over speed bumps.

Interior “Performance”

PPI completely re-designs the interior and turns the R8-interior into a “members-only” lounge with a motorsports flair. The serial interior is replaced by highest quality Onyx Nubuck-leather with orange-coloured accents and highlights. Additionally, PPI equips the limited edition RAZOR GTR with extensive Carbon Fibre throughout the cockpit; hand-brake lever, door sill protectors, Driver and Radio Console Surround, Door Trims, Center Console inserts, and kneepad trims, the ultra-light folding sport seats are also made of Carbon Fibre and bear the PPI “Sport Identity” style, following with the headliner, the steering wheel, shift knob, door panels and center console. The technical highlight of the interior is the ergonomically re-designed PPI sport steering wheel. Highlighting the exclusivity of this limited series production is PPI RAZOR GTR badging, threshold plates, and an aluminium production plaque framed by Carbon Fibre.

The new PPI RAZOR GTR Supercar…. BOLD Design, SHARP performance, and EXCLUSIVE production, developed and presented by PPI Automotive Design GmbH, the only tuners for Audi automobiles with a true focus on “Engineering in Style.”

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: autoblog.nl

Over the weekend we brought you a video of the 2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI quattro in action along with a bunch of new images. However, the press release had no mention of the car’s stateside availability. When asked by Inside Line when the much anticipated high-performance V10 R8 will come to the U.S., Audi said that it isn’t in the plan just yet.

“The 5.2 FSI isn’t yet fully confirmed for U.S.A.,” Audi of America spokesman Christian Bokich told Inside Line in an email. “Arrival wouldn’t be expected before the first half of 2010.”

The V10 R8 goes on sale in Germany in the second quarter of 2009.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI quattro:

Source: Inside Line

It sits at the Audi display like the lady in red – attracting everyone’s attention. The 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro V10 has landed in the U.S. and is shining with quattro all-wheel-drive, a lightweight aluminum body, the world’s first car with LED headlamps as standard and the brutal 525-hp engine that sits in the back.

Okay enough of all that. You already know that the car runs from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph. Something new we learned from its Detroit’s press release is that the Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 goes from 0 to 124 mph in 8.1 seconds and returns an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg when mated to Audi’s R-tronic transmission. Now go drool over the pictures.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 – Live from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show:

Press Release:

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro: breathtaking performance

    * The new 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine puts out 525 hp
    * Sprint to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 316 km/h
    * High-performance sports car with striking design
Ingolstadt – Audi is launching the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start – and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the
R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.

The R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi’s string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world’s racetracks – in the new R8 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.

The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp).

The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement – and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) – that’s only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it’s sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine – all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn’t reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.

The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg).

For maximum dynamics: low center of gravity engine

The technical refinements of the long-stroke ten-cylinder engine include dry sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted low within the chassis. The wide cylinder angle of 90 degrees also makes for a low center of gravity. The crankcase is a high-strength aluminum-alloy casting produced in a complex process. The connecting rods are made of forged steel, the pistons of aluminum. The four camshafts are chain-driven and each is adjustable through 42 degrees. This provides great latitude in controlling the valve timing. In combination with the straight, flow-optimized ducts of the intake manifold, this improves the charge throughout the entire speed range.

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel – with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip – both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission.

A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive – it’s the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It’s not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability.

44 to 56 percent – the ideal axle load distribution

The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to
56 percent.

The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear – a classic racing technology – are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. Even more than in the eight-cylinder R8, this setup is designed for maximum performance. 19-inch wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the R8 V10. Tire sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear.

The car features a high-end damper technology as standard: Audi magnetic ride adapts the characteristics of the suspension in milliseconds to the nature of the road surface and to the driving style. Suspended in the oil of the shock absorbers are tiny magnetic particles which, when a voltage is applied, rearrange themselves so as to slow down the flow of oil through the valves.

In the R8 V10, deceleration is provided by an extremely muscular braking system – eight brake pistons at the front and four at the rear grasp the brake disks, which are ventilated and perforated to ensure unimpeded heat transfer. The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimeters (14 in).

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. These are especially light: their combined weight is nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than the weight of equivalent steel disks. The ceramic brakes can easily cope with the harsher requirements of racing, won’t corrode, and have a typical service life of 300,000 kilometers (186,400 miles). Their calipers are painted charcoal gray and emblazoned with the inscription “Audi ceramic”.

Typically Audi: Sharp lines and an elegantly curved roof

The wide, full shape of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The brawny proportions and prominent wheel wells underscore its potential. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade.

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.

The front air inlets, which feed air to the coolers, and the lip of the front apron are painted in high-gloss black. The number of cross-braces has been reduced from four to two. The vanes of the single-frame grille have a striking chrome finish.

A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world’s first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin the LED light closely resembles daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes in night driving. Further advantages of the LEDs include brilliant illumination, low energy consumption, and a virtually unlimited service life.

Special details also distinguish the body of the R8 V10. Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty.

When in motion, this Audi high-performance sports car creates a downforce that keeps it in firm contact with the road – thanks to a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100 km/h and the fully enclosed underbody, which terminates in a sharply upward-curved diffuser. The dominant color at the rear end is high-gloss black, including the settings of the LED tail lights. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross-braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large oval tailpipes.

Audi sets the example – in body weight and rigidity

The body of a sports car must be especially lightweight and rigid. Audi meets these requirements with the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and its high-tech aluminum construction. The body-in-white of the R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb), and the quality of its lightweight design – the relation of weight to torsional rigidity – is the best in the sports car segment. The body is composed of profile extrusions, sheet aluminum and very complex gusset castings, all held together by 99 meters (325 ft) of welding seams, 782 rivets, and 308 special screws.

The interior of the R8 V10 provides a unique racing ambience at the luxury level. Its dominant element is the so-called monoposto – a wide arc that contains the steering wheel and the cockpit. As always in an Audi, the workmanship is of the highest quality. The surfaces of the dashboard and doors are lined with fine materials and adorned with precisely stitched decorative seams. Many customizing solutions are available: Audi supplies leather in a wide range of colors, packages with a carbon and piano-lacquer finish, or a made-to-measure luggage set. quattro GmbH, which has developed and is producing the R8 V10, also provides solutions for unconventional requirements.

The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good. Slender hinge pillars optimize the obliquely forward field of view. Another advantage for convenient everyday use is the luggage space: 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) fit under the front hood, another 90 liters (3.18 cu ft) can be stowed behind the seats. There is also room for two golf bags.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro combines its colossal performance with a generous complement of standard equipment. Highlights include heatable seat covers made of Fine Nappa leather, a driver information system, the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen sound system along with deluxe automatic air conditioning and an alarm system. The instruments and the gearshift knob are decorated with red rings; the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish.

The list of options includes other highly attractive features – such as the Audi parking system advanced with its integrated rearview camera or numerous Audi exclusive customization options. Various leather packages provide a luxurious touch, while the bucket seats from the Audi exclusive program bring a highly concentrated racing atmosphere into the R8 V10.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400.

The 2010 Audi R8 V10 is here and ready to take on its rivals with a Lamborghini 5.2L V10 making 528-hp. Yesterday, Audi released a couple of details and images of its latest addition which will make its official debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next month.

Today, Audi dropped some new wallpapers (12 to be exact) of a red R8 V10 for us too drool over.

Refresher: 5.2L V10 that produces 528-hp allowing for a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. Will be offered with a 6-speed manual or R-Tronic semi-automatic.

Audi R8 V10:

With many automakers yanking their presence at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Cobo may seem like a boring place to be next month. However a handful of debuts will make attending the show worthwhile. According to CARandDRIVER, the 2010 Audi R8 V10 will make its debut next month in Detroit and will be followed by the Audi R8 Spyder in 2010.

The 2010 Audi R8 V10 will make its world debut next month with a 5.2L V10 making a total of 520-hp with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft.

The Audi R8 Spyder will hit European markets in fall of 2009 and will arrive in U.S. showrooms as a 2011 model in early 2010. The R8 Spyder will also be offered with two engine choices including the base 420-hp 4.2L V8 and the 520-hp 5.2L V10.

How will you be able to tell the difference between both? While the base R8 will be distinguishable with its dual-quad exhaust pipes the R8 V10 will feature wide double pipes. Of course you can also tell the difference by the sound the cars will make when they zoom past you on the road.

Audi R8:

Source: CARandDRIVER

You’re looking at the spy shots of the meanest Audi ever built. Testing hear at the Nurburgring in Germany, The Audi R8 GT3 is currently undergoing high-speed testing and will eventually be sold as a race car by 2009.

Power comes from a V10 engine that makes 550-hp. It will be mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Of course the Audi R8 GT3 won’t carry the quattro system to meet GT3 regulations, so you’re probably looking at the only rear-wheel-drive R8 ever built.

Production will take place in very limited numbers so we’re guessing pricing will be very high.

Head over to AutoExpress for full spy shots.

After seeing this video we really hope Audi works on showing the quattro power of the Audi R8. This driver lost control of his Audi R8 in the Moscow rain and ended up crashing into the freeway wall. Everything was caught on tape from a street camera.

Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Follow the jump for the video.

Audi R8:

Source: LiveLeak (via Jalopnik)

So you’re just going to wait until the other variants of the Audi R8 come out since it’s hard to get your hands on one right now. Well, it doesn’t seem like things are going to get any better. According to Michael Dick, Audi’s member of the board of management for technical development, U.S. customers fight over roughly 50 units that arrive each month.

There just aren’t a lot of them available. Dick says that when the V10 powered R8 arrives in the second half of 2009 Audi will only make 27 units of the powerful R8 a day – for the entire world.

The Audi R8 convertible, or better known as spyder, will also arrive in Europe in the second half of 2009. The U.S. will get their allocation in early 2010 as a 2011 model. Of the third variant, Dick says the R8 spyder comes from the factory’s finite capacity.

Dick confirmed that there will be no V12 TDI diesel version or a baby R4.

Audi R8:

Source: CARandDRIVER

We were bound to see one sooner or later. Some of the greatest cars have been seen in matte-black over the past year; even automakers like Lexus have jumped in on the action and have started displaying concepts in stealth color.

A matte-black Audi R8 was recently spotted in Germany – and we have to say it’s one of the best matte-black cars we’ve seen so far. 

Audi R8 in Matte-Black:

Source: AutoJunk.nl

The 2007 Blockbuster hit Transformers hit Blu-Ray two days ago. To promote the release, Walmart is running a special-promo site called Transformers: Bring Home a Hero. When you purchase the new Transformers DVD, available in various packages, you’ll get a special code to the site giving you access to exclusive footage “from the set of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”

A new video will be added each week. The first video “On the set: Day 1″ shows an Audi R8 on the set and Michael Bay doing what he does best.

Check out more Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen posts.

Click through for the video.

Source: Transformers Unofficial Movie Blog (via Jalopnik)

The 2009 allocation of the Audi R8 has been sold out. As of July 2008, there is an 18 month waiting list to get behind the Audi supercar. But that’s not stopping Audi from releasing new images of the R8 for us to drool over make buyers even more restless to get their delivered.

Refresher (although you really shouldn’t need one by now): Power comes from a 4.2 liter FSI direct-injection V8 producing 420-hp with a peak torque of 317 lb-ft. 0-60 mph comes in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 187 mph. Pricing starts at at $113,700 for the manual version – the automatic starts at $122,700.

Click through for more images.

2009 Audi R8:

Audi Sport announced today that it will build a racing version of the Audi R8 for customers that want to unleash more power on the track – and by more power we mean 500 horsepower. The Audi R8 GT3 is under development right now and space is being allocated at the automakers factory in Neckarsulm and Gyor.

Built on a rear-wheel-drive architecture the Audi R8 GT3 transfers power to the wheels via a new 6-speed sequential sports gearbox with suspension components taken from the regular production R8. Audi slightly modified the front and end and added a large rear-wing to improve aerodynamics.

First test races are scheduled for the 2009 season with deliveries to commence in the autumn of next year.

Click through for more pictures and the press release.

Audi R8 GT3:

Press Release:
Audi Develops Race Version of the R8

- Customer sport programme with the mid-engine sportscar
- First races planned for 2009 season
- Factory driver Frank Biela completes roll-out

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Aug 27, 2008  -  For the first time, Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.

“The R8 is the first production Audi bearing the name and genes of a successful racing sportscar and is therefore an excellent base from which to build up our first big customer sport programme,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Ever since the R8 was unveiled we’ve been inundated with enquiries about a race version. With the Audi R8 we will offer customers a racing sportscar equipped with high-calibre technology and the typical Audi qualities, but which is nevertheless easy to handle.”

The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.

Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.

The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16″ within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

The first test races in various European racing series are scheduled for the 2009 season. Delivery to the customers is planned from the autumn of this coming year.

The customer cars are manufactured together by Audi Sport and the quattro GmbH, which is also responsible for production of the Audi R8 street version, and Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. (Györ).

According to Audi insiders the Audi R8 V10 will make its official debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, building on the huge response Audi got from unveiling the Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept at the 2008 show.

Auto Motor and Sport Sweden reports that the 5.0 liter V10 TFSI will be pumping out a total of 535-hp, which should be enough to take on the Nissan GT-R’s and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s Nurburgring lap-time. That means the Audi R8 V10 will have to do better than the GT-R’s 7:29 and ZR1’s 7:26.4.

Source say that the R8 V10 has been bringing in lap-times close to 7:30 and easily hits 8 minutes without any trouble. Expect all the official details early next year.

Source: Auto Motor and Sport