image gallery collection: New Images and Video for Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro in Depth

It's been quite a journey for the R8 V10, from the various spy pictures to the infamous spy video where the test car accidentally caught fire at the Nurburgring right up until it was officially detailed in early December 2008. That journey ends when it becomes available in Germany from the second quarter of 2009 at a base price of €142,400 (US$183,000).

Click on the video to hear one of the most glorious sounds a petrol engine can make. This is the sound of the Audi R8 V10, the most powerful Audi sports car ever made. The engine is a 258kg 5.2-litre naturally aspirated mill that pushes out 525hp (386kW) and 530Nm of torque. It can rev up to 8,700rpm and achieves a specific power output of 100.9hp per litre . Audi says it will help the car burst from 0 - 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and go on until it reaches 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The Audi R8 V10 is said to return average fuel consumption figures of 13.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (17.17 US mpg).

The interior is fitted with fine Nappa leather seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and other optional extras that include a Bluetooth interface, front spoiler, a rear diffuser and side blades.

Two transmission options are available; a 6-speed manual transmission and an R tronic sequential gearbox that can be actuated via peddles or the gear lever. R tronic can also be set to change gears automatically. There is a launch control application for both transmissions. Quattro AWD sends power to all four 19-inch wheels (with a rear-wheel bias), which are planted to the ground via 235/35 front tyres and 295/30 rear tyres. Customers have the option of buying ceramic brakes to go with them.