The Audi R8 II Coupe (4S) 5.2 FSI V10 quattro S tronic represents the second generation of Audi’s flagship sports car, produced from 2015 to 2018. This variant, equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine producing 540 horsepower, positioned itself as a high-performance offering within the R8 lineup, bridging the gap between the standard V10 and the even more potent V10 Plus models. Built on the modular MLB platform shared with the Lamborghini Huracán, the 4S R8 aimed to deliver a more refined and technologically advanced driving experience compared to its predecessor.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | R8 |
| Generation | R8 II Coupe (4S) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.2 FSI V10 (540 Hp) quattro S tronic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 16.7 l/100 km (14.1 US mpg, 16.9 UK mpg, 6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg, 24.8 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 272 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 320 km/h (198.84 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3 kg/Hp, 338.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3 kg/Nm, 338.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 540 Hp @ 7800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 103.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 540 Nm @ 6500 rpm (398.28 lb.-ft. @ 6500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CSPB |
| Engine displacement | 5204 cm3 (317.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 10 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.3 l (8.77 US qt | 7.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 24.7 l (26.1 US qt | 21.73 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1595 kg (3516.37 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1895 kg (4177.76 lbs.) |
| Max load | 300 kg (661.39 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 112 l (3.96 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 83 l (21.93 US gal | 18.26 UK gal) |
| Length | 4426 mm (174.25 in.) |
| Width | 1940 mm (76.38 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2037 mm (80.2 in.) |
| Height | 1240 mm (48.82 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1638 mm (64.49 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1599 mm (62.95 in.) |
| Front overhang | 994 mm (39.13 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 782 mm (30.79 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.36 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives rear wheels, front wheels engaged via clutch. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 365×34 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 356×32 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | Front: 245/35 R19 or 245/30 R20; Rear: 295/35 R19 or 305/30 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | Front: 8.5J x 19 or 8.5J x 20; Rear: 11J x 19 or 11J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the R8 II Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro S tronic lies the CSPB engine code, a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10. This engine utilizes a combination of direct and multi-port fuel injection, optimizing both power and efficiency. The engine boasts a high 12.5:1 compression ratio and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The ‘FSI’ designation indicates direct fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber for precise control and improved combustion. The engine’s longitudinal mid-engine layout contributes to balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling characteristics. Paired with the engine is a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, providing rapid and seamless gear changes. This transmission features a sophisticated electronic control unit that adapts shift points based on driving style and conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque delivered by the 5.2 FSI V10, combined with the quick-shifting S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, resulted in exhilarating performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 3.3 seconds, and the car could reach a top speed of 198.84 mph. While not as brutally fast as the V10 Plus variant, the 540 hp model offered a more accessible and usable powerband. The S tronic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for a balance between acceleration and fuel efficiency. Compared to a manual transmission equipped R8, the S tronic offered quicker shifts and reduced driver fatigue, but some purists lamented the loss of direct control.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The R8 II Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro S tronic came standard with a comprehensive list of features, including leather upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel, a navigation system, and a premium sound system. Optional extras included carbon fiber interior trim, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and various driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. The interior design focused on a driver-centric layout, with controls logically arranged and within easy reach. Exterior options included a variety of wheel designs and paint colors.
Chassis & Braking
The R8 II Coupe featured a lightweight aluminum chassis, contributing to its impressive power-to-weight ratio. The suspension system consisted of coil springs, double wishbones, and transverse stabilizers at both the front and rear. This setup provided a firm yet controlled ride, minimizing body roll during cornering. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, measuring 365mm at the front and 356mm at the rear. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) ensured optimal stopping performance in various conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics praised the R8 II Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro S tronic for its stunning performance, refined handling, and luxurious interior. The S tronic transmission was generally well-received for its speed and smoothness. Compared to the standard V10 model, the 540 hp variant offered a noticeable performance upgrade. However, it was often seen as a stepping stone to the more focused V10 Plus, which offered even greater power and track-oriented features. Fuel economy, while respectable for a high-performance sports car, was still relatively low at around 20.6 US mpg combined.
Legacy
The Audi R8 II Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro S tronic has proven to be a reliable and desirable sports car in the used car market. The naturally aspirated V10 engine is known for its durability and distinctive sound. While maintenance costs can be higher than those of some other sports cars, the R8’s build quality and performance continue to attract enthusiasts. The 4S generation R8 represents a significant step forward in terms of technology and refinement, solidifying its position as a modern classic.
