Audi R8 V10 vs V10 Plus drag race: how much difference does 69bhp make?
Audi R8 V10 vs Audi R8 V10 Plus Audi’s everyday supercar is now in its second generation, and comes in two different guises, The standard V10 model has 533bhp, while the V10 Plus version has 602bhp but is 35kg heavier. So, how much difference does those power and weight differences make? We pit them against eachother in a drag race to find out
You can find more specs of these cars below!
Audi R8 V10
Audi’s racy R8 seems like a fixture among supercars, but it’s easy to forget that the R8 is a relative newcomer. Indeed, the second-generation car only recently launched in coupe form, and the initial coupe version is now joined by a Spyder convertible. As with the fixed-roof model, the Spyder is closely related to the Lamborghini Huracán, but the Audi has its own appeal that is only enhanced by the disappearing top.
The new Spyder again uses a fabric roof, which can be opened and closed in 20 seconds at up to 31 mph. It stows beneath the carbon-fiber engine cover, just ahead of a 5.2-liter V-10. It’s rated at a healthy 540 horsepower delivered at 7800 rpm, while maximum torque is 398 lb-ft, served up at a lofty 6500 rpm. Audi has tweaked the engine with a new dual fuel-injection system that switches between port and direct injection as needed for maximum efficiency or maximum power. Under modest loads, a cylinder-deactivation system can shut down half of the cylinders to improve fuel economy.
Specifications
BASE PRICE: $159,000
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 40-valve V-10, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
DISPLACEMENT: 318 cu in, 5204 cc
POWER: 540 hp @ 7800 rpm
TORQUE: 398 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode
CURB WEIGHT (C/D EST): 3550 lb
Top speed: 199 mph
Audi R8 V10 Plus
With everything turned right down, the R8 V10+ is a docile, supple and relatively quiet machine. As long as you don’t need rear seats there’s no reason the R8 couldn’t be a daily driver. Turn it all up, though, and it really does transform into a bona fide supercar.
The drivetrain is stunning – the engine is ferociously responsive and it revs with real intensity in the upper reaches, while the gearbox is instantaneous. It ranks among the very best for immediacy and is one of the major areas of improvement over the old car. It’s a pity more of the serrated, hard-edged exhaust bark doesn’t find its way into the cabin, but here is an engine with the character and excitement we expect of a supercar.The Dynamic Steering feels pretty good a notch or two back from the limit and it’s unwaveringly precise. The weighting is pretty natural, too, so the front axle responds with a predictable immediacy. It all feels nicely cohesive.
Specifications
Base price: $192,450
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 40-valve V-10, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
DISPLACEMENT: 318 cu in, 5204 cc
POWER: 610 hp @ 8250 rpm
TORQUE: 413 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 205 mph
FUEL ECONOMY:EPA city/highway driving: 14/22 mpg
VIDEO
Video by: Auto Express
Car information by: CarAndDriver.com