2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro Isn't "Fully Confirmed" for U.S.

INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi AG spent the greater part of the weekend showing off a new video of its 2010 R8 5.2 FSI Quattro, which goes on sale shortly in Germany. But when asked about the specific plans for the car's U.S. rollout by Inside Line, Audi indicated that it isn't in the game plan just yet.

"The 5.2 FSI isn't yet fully confirmed for U.S.A.," said Audi of America spokesman Christian Bokich in an e-mailed response to a query from Inside Line on Sunday. "Arrival wouldn't be expected before the first half of 2010."

The R8 5.2 FSI Quattro goes on sale in the second quarter of 2009 in Germany.

Bokich also said that the U.S. price of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro is "TBD." However, the car isn't expected to deviate in price much from its European equivalent. Audi AG said the R8 V10 will have a base price of 142,400 Euros or the U.S. equivalent of $181,118.

The R8 5.2 FSI Quattro is equipped with a 518-horsepower V10 and has a top speed of 196 mph. The normally aspirated, direct-injection 10-cylinder engine can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or an R tronic sequential automatic with steering-wheel-mounted rocker switches.

Audi says the car can zip from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds but will return up to 17 mpg in average fuel economy with the R tronic.

Inside Line says: Audi refuses to commit to if and when its hot, high-performance flagship will reach these parts. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent