Audi Unleashes Potent Audi R8 Coupe At Paris Show

That engine should be good enough for a 4.6-second 0-60 mph time, with top speed maxing out at 190 mph for the fully aluminum-clad coupe. A 5.2-liter 480-hp V-10 (SR8 or R8S?) and a lightened version of the vehicle are rumored to be in development. Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or the optional Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox. With R tronic (similar to the Gallardo's EGear setup), Audi's shift-by-wire technology provides quick shifts and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, the automaker says. Sport or automatic modes can be selected. R8's chassis features forged aluminum double wishbones front and rear and is fitted with hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering. Spring and damper setup has been stiffened for more performance oriented driving and Audi's optional magnetic ride adaptive damper system can be chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shocks. Exterior features on the wide and squat looking machine include an automatically extending rear spoiler which is deployed to provide additional down force and two pairs of circular twin exhaust tailpipes that sit at the right and left above the diffuser openings. There's also a transparent engine hood, banks of LED headlights front and rear and for the first time, the four-ring badge is positioned on the bonnet. Inside, sports seats are trimmed standard in a leather/alcantara combo, or can be optioned to full leather. R8 can also be fitted with specially designed bucket seats developed by Audi performance arm Quattro GmbH. R8 is a two-seater, but there is space behind the seats to stow as many as two golf bags. Final pricing hasn't been set, but look for stickers starting at about $100,000 for the base model. Audi is taking orders for R8s starting this weekend and expects to sell about 3,500 a year. First deliveries will begin in the first half of 2007, according to the automaker.