2010 Audi R8

When it was released in 2007, the Audi R8 became an instant sensation. But seemingly before the car even turned a wheel the inevitable follow-up question was asked: when is the more-powerful variant coming? After all, Porsche is never content with just a base 911 and with comparisons aplenty between the Stuttgart legend and upstart rookie from Ingolstadt, it was obvious Audi would eventually up its R8 game.But what engine route would it take? Early reports of a more powerful R8, dubbed the RS8 by some, spoke of it receiving a version of the beastly 575 hp twin-turbo V-10 from the RS6.

Those literally went up in flames when a test mule overheated and burned to the ground late last year. The R8 V12 TDI that made its way around the auto show circuit earlier this year with its monstrous 500 hp, 738 lb-ft 5.5L diesel V-12 will for numerous reasons remain a concept - for now. Instead, Audi dug through ready supply of high-power engines to choose from and decided upon the naturally-aspirated 5.2L V-10 found in the S6 and S8, modified it for mid-engine duty, increased output to 525 hp at 8000 RPM and 391 lb-ft of torque at 6500 RPM, with redline coming at 8700 RPM. And at 569 lbs, the aluminum V-10 weighs just 68 lbs more than the V-8.