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Unveiled: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro

INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi is rolling out an even higher-performance edition of its flagship, the R8 5.2 FSI Quattro, with a 518-horsepower V10, a top speed of 196 mph and a price tag of $180,000.

The R8 5.2 adapts the 5.2-liter V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo, slightly detuned for use in the all-wheel-drive Audi coupe. A nearly identical version of the same engine will power Audi's new $330,000 R8 LMS racing car that's being developed for GT3 events in 2009.

In the R8 5.2, the normally aspirated, direct-injection 10-cylinder engine makes 518 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or an R tronic sequential automatic with steering-wheel-mounted rocker switches.

Audi says the car can zip from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds but will return up to 17 mpg in average fuel economy with the R tronic. Both transmissions come with a launch control program for quick starts with electronically controlled tire-slip reduction.

The R8 5.2 rides on unique 10-spoke 19-inch wheels, shod with 235/35R-19 rubber in front and 295/30R-19s in the rear. High-performance ceramic brakes with composite discs are optional.

Audi has made subtle visual changes to distinguish the V10 variant from the standard eight-cylinder R8. In addition to all-LED headlamps (toight as fuck), the R8 5.2 gets wider side sills, matte aluminum exhaust grilles, a larger rear window, chrome single-frame grille, accented side blades, and front air inlets and front apron lip painted in high-gloss black.

Inside Line says: Compared with the new R8 LMS racing car, the R8 5.2 should look like a bargain when it arrives in German showrooms in the spring. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent