Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI (2009) CAR review

Meet the £100k Audi: the R8 V10. Yes, it looks suspiciously similar to the £77k V8-powered version, but spotters can tell it apart thanks to those new 19-inch rims, thicker side blades, revised strakes on the front and rear bumpers and even more in-your-face LED headlights.

So, £20k more and the R8 5.2 V10 FSI still looks the same…

Yes, even inside the R8 V10 looks similar to its lesser-potted sibling. And while that could be a disappointment, the real bonus comes from the new V10 powerplant. It gives the new car a 105bhp/74lb ft advantage over the V8.

If you’ve driven the R8 V8 you’ll appreciate how perfectly balanced it is: a grippy but playful chassis with the bias set so firmly to the rear that it feels rear-wheel drive most of the time; a lovely engine; a superbly satisfying manual gear change; beautifully weighted steering, unbelievably supple ride.

Has importing Lambo's V10 ruined the R8's balance?

My fear was that the extra power could upset the balance. Not so. It simply gives the R8's sublime chassis the extra power it can so easily exploit, and makes the V8 feel ever so slightly pedestrian in comparison – the rest of the high points are all present and correct. But the engine deserves special praise.

The new 5.2 V10 is so smooth and refined, with an effortless surge of elastic acceleration from way down low. Wind it towards the 8000rpm redline, however, and the soundtrack takes on a highly addictive hard-edged wail. So, loads of torque and flexibility and refinement for daily driving coupled with a race-car soundtrack when you’re in hooligan mode. Perfect.

The R8 V10 doesn’t quite have the bonkers pace of the Lambo LP560-4 – despite the stats suggesting otherwise – but make no mistake, this is a very, very rapid car.

>> Click 'Next' for more of CAR's first drive review of the new Audi R8 V10 – and our verdict