Author: Nauman Farooq

This is a big year for Audi, as in the summer of 2009 they’ll be celebrating their 100^th birthday.

To start of their celebrations, they gave not one, but two World premieres at this years North American International Auto Show.

First up was the R8 V10. This latest version of the R8 supercar features a 5.2-liter, 10-cylinder engine, which produces 525hp thanks to its clever FSI fuel-injection technology.

Audi Sportback Concept (Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

With its extra punch comes extra speed, the latest version will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and will top out at 310 km/h, when the O.P.P. officer isn’t looking that is. The R8 V10 will go on sale in June this year.

The second unveil was for their Sportback concept, which many believe will be badged A7 when it eventually goes into production.

This four-door coupe concept however featured Audi’s 3.0-liter, V6 clean-diesel engine. This motor produces 225 hp, but more impressively Audi claims this car is capable of averaging 5.9-liters/100 km. For a spacious, stylish, luxury vehicle, that is not bad at all.

Audi R8 V10 (Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

Other notable features on the Sportback concept is its seven-speed tiptronic transmission and that its ultra slippery shape has a drag coefficient of just 0.30.

No word yet on when it will go into production, but don’t be surprised if Audi decides to show a production version of this car at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this year.