On the way Audi R8 V10

At least, not by anyone with a sense of sanity. But Audi has revealed an upcoming addition to the R8 range — the R8 V10.

The much-anticipated direct-injection dry-sump 5.2-litre 90-degree V10 — which has close ties to the Lamborghini sibling within the Volkswagen stable — produces 386kW at 8000rpm and 530Nm at 6500rpm.

The R8 V10 six-speed manual weighs only 1620kg — 258kg of that is the engine, 31kg more than the 4.2-litre V8 — and leaps to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds; 200km/h is reached less than five seconds later and its top speed is 316km/h.

Add CarsGuide as a preferred source in Google Search

Add CarsGuide as a preferred source in Google Search

The lightweight V10 also lays claim to a reasonable thirst — given the performance potential — of 13.7 litres per 100 km.

It retains the quattro all-wheel drive system, is enclosed beneath a lightweight aluminium spaceframe body and has the production-car first LED headlights — Audi is the first car maker to use an LED light all external lights.

The engine will share close ties to the recently-revealed GT race car, with the dry-sump lubrication system, allowing it to be low in the engine bay for better centre of gravity.

Among the other features will be launch control, 19in alloys with 235/35 front and 295/30 rear, 44/56 front/rear weight distribution, tyre pressure monitoring, magnetic ride control suspension, eight-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers, ventilated and perforated discs and the option of a lightweight carbon-composite ceramic brake system.

There's also a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100km/h to generate additional downforce.

The body-in-white of the R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb).

Other features highlights include heated seats covered in Nappa leather, a driver information system (including an integrated rear camera), an alarm, satellite navigation and the Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Various leather trim options are also available, as well as the Audi exclusive program that can upgrade the interior to generate a "racing atmosphere" into the R8 V10.

Given the price rise between the V8 and the V10 models in Europe, expect the R8 V10 to top $350,000 when its rubber hits Australian roads towards the end of next year.