As a true supercar the R8 not only offers blistering speed but awe-inspiring handling. Featuring the legendary quattro® all-wheel drive system, the R8 inspires driver confidence, giving you traction when you need it, where you need it, regardless of road conditions. To accommodate the extreme performance of the R8, quattro® utilizes a continuously variable torque distribution, dynamically adjusting power to the wheels with the best traction. With a significant 85% rear torque bias and up to 30% available for the front wheels as needed, this highly specialized quattro® system provides the R8 with a balanced driving experience unlike any car on the road. 

At the heart of the R8 5.2 FSI® quattro® is the soul stirring 490 hp 4.2 FSI V8 engine. Displayed under a transparent panel and nestled within a Carbon Fiber Sigma engine bay, the V8 screams to an astronomical 8700 rpm and propels the R8 5.2 to 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds on the way up to a top track speed of 192 mph. As part of a race-bred mid-engine design that contributes to superb handling dynamics, the 4.2 V8 produces 116hp/liter and features race winning technology such as FSI direct injection and a dry sump lubrication system that assures engine lubrication under the most demanding driving situations. It is no wonder then, that this same engine is used in the R8 LMS GT3 race car.

Shifting is performed with the joystick gear lever or with manual shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. A sport mode shift program further accentuates motorsport oriented gear shifting.The manual transmission features a gated shifter, S mode and launch control, which offers lightning fast shift times. 

This information courtesy of AudiUSA.com.