What’s the difference in the V-10 engines that power the top Audi and Lamborghini’s crown prince? As it turns out, not much. Both share the same basic components and architecture: a 90-degree V-angle, DOHC 4-valves per cylinder top end, mostly aluminum construction. The forged-steel crankshaft and connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons providing a 12.5:1 compression ratio are also shared by both sports cars.
According to Volkswagen AG’s powertrain head Wolfgang Hatz, and Audi’s V-8 and V-10 chief Jurgen Jablonski, the differences are subtle and restricted to intake and exhaust details. Engine mapping differences such as ignition timing, fuel delivery, valve timing and operation of the muffler bypass valves, give the Lamborghini engine a more urgent and aggressive personality versus the Audi’s slightly steadier, more sedate characteristics. Minor differences in the shape of the intake ports and the configuration of the twin intake plenums topping each engine are also present. While exhaust headers are basically the same, the layout of the mufflers differs significantly according to the space available under each car and the auditory flavor desired by each brand.
Lamborghini chose an untamed in-your-face howl that starts early and lasts until the revs run out at 8700 rpm. Audi R8 engineers selected a deeper, less frenetic voice. Stand on the gas in the Gallardo and the V-10 overwhelms the cockpit with an Italian serenade. In the Audi, triggering the throttle rushes you away from a wake clouded in dust and commotion.
In the power stakes the Lamborghini engine trumps the Audi with its 412kW versus the R8′s 390kW at 8000 rpm. The more expensive Gallardo also tops Audi’s torque with 540Nm versus the R8′s 530Nm at 6500 rpm.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Audi R8 V10
0 to 100km/h: 3.7 secs 0 to 100km/h: 3.8 secs
0 to 200km/h: 11.8 secs 0 to 200km/h: 12.1 secs
Top speed: 325km/h Top speed: 315km/h
Power: 412kW Power: 390kW
Torque: 540Nm @ 6500rpm Torque: 530Nm @ 6500rpm
Weight: 1500kg (dry) Weight: 1620kg (dry)
A quick look at the figures on paper suggest that the Lamborghini has the edge with slightly more power and less weight, however it’d be mighty close in a real world straight-line test.
See a roadtest video of the R8 V10 here.
