The V10 engine is present in some of the most beloved supercars of our time. But with the recent debut of the Audi R8 GT RWD and the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, we bid farewell to the iconic naturally aspirated V10 of the Volkswagen group. In issue 314, we embarked on a journey through the Stelvio Pass with these models, confirming the exceptional qualities of the V10 in a world increasingly dominated by turbocharging and hybrid technologies. Today, we pay tribute to this legendary engine by delving into its intricate anatomy.
Introduced in 2003 as a 5-liter unit in the Gallardo model, this mesmerizing engine was the first completely new engine project by Lamborghini after the Italian brand was acquired by Audi in 1998. For the past two decades, it has powered Lamborghini’s “entry-level” models and Audi’s mid-engine sports cars for the last 16 years.
Each 5.2-liter V10 is meticulously hand-assembled using 250 components, taking a total of six hours in the spacious Audi production facility in Gyõr, Hungary. Every automotive engine undergoes a rigorous 90-minute testing process on test benches, while race car engines spend an impressive 4.5 hours on the benches.
Let’s take a closer look at some key components that make this engine a true masterpiece:
Engine Block
The V10 engine block arrives at the assembly hall as a single aluminum casting. Before entering the production process, it undergoes separation, cleaning, and detailed inspection. Once completed, the V10 measures 646 mm in length, 737 mm in width, and 696 mm in height.
Crankshaft
Forged steel crankshafts reside in an aluminum crankcase with unsplit crankshaft bearings. Unlike its predecessor with evenly spaced firing intervals of 72 degrees, the latest 5.2-liter engine features uneven firing intervals of 90 and 54 degrees. This design improvement significantly enhances acceleration.
Valve System
Each V10 engine requires 40 titanium valves for its four-valve cylinder heads. Interestingly, while the valves for road cars are sourced from the United States, Audi relies on a specialized German supplier for its race-spec V10 engines.
Cylinder Head
The V10 cylinder head, made of cast aluminum, undergoes X-ray and visual inspections before component mounting. Its wet-sump lubrication system supports this cylinder head, contributing to a total engine weight of 258 kg, 31 kg more than the first-generation V8 R8.
Intake System
A significant difference between Audi and Lamborghini V10 engines lies in their intake systems. The V10’s intake air inlet, intake manifold, and camshaft covers showcase these differences, all made from lightweight plastic material. Each engine receives an Audi or Lamborghini engine code prior to production, only discovering its final identity after ECU connection.
Pistons and Connecting Rods
The ten V10 pistons are labeled as left or right depending on the cylinder bank. Additionally, the engine’s connecting rods come from an external specialist supplier and cost four times more than those used in the original V8 R8. Forged from aluminum alloy, each piston reaches a velocity of 26.9 meters per second at engine speeds of 8,700 rpm, with peak power delivered at 8,000 rpm.
As we bid farewell to this legendary V10 engine, we can reflect on the decades of captivating performance it has provided. Its exquisite craftsmanship and engineering innovations have solidified its status as a true powerhouse in the automotive world.
The source of the article is from the blog regiozottegem.be