Audi and Lamborghini conclude production of the 5.2-liter V10 engine

Audi and Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine, which powered supercars like the R8 and Huracán, required about six hours of skilled labor to assemble its roughly 250 individual parts in Győr, Hungary, according to reporting published by CarBuzz. Production of the iconic powerplant officially wrapped up in 2024, closing out an era of high-revving performance characterized by an 8,700-rpm redline and the absence of turbochargers.

The Hand-Built Győr Production Line And Shared Components

Volkswagen purchased Lamborghini in 1998, paving the way for the 5.2-liter V10 as the first joint project between Audi and Lamborghini. The engine started life as a 5.0-liter unit introduced in the 2003 Lamborghini Gallardo before the larger 5.2-liter version hit the market in 2006. Audi and Lamborghini shared roughly 75% of the engine’s internal components across both brands.

Despite this high degree of parts-sharing, Audi engineered distinct characters for each application. The R8’s powerplant sounded and felt different from the Gallardo’s. Workers at the Győr facility could produce roughly 19 engines per shift, but each individual assembly still demanded about six hours of meticulous hand-building to fit the 250 parts together correctly. Road-going variants received bench testing, while racing versions underwent significantly more evaluation.

The 8,700-RPM Redline And Mechanical Complexity

The naturally aspirated V10 featured four camshafts, 40 valves, titanium valves, and CNC-machined intake ports. With a 3.65-inch piston stroke and a 3.33-inch bore, the engine achieved a maximum factory rating of about 630 horsepower while spinning up to an 8,700-rpm redline. At that maximum engine speed, each piston traveled about 88 feet per second, putting extreme strain on the pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, and bearings.

Without forced induction, the engine relied on a dry-sump oiling system, Alusil cylinder liners, roller cam followers, and piston skirt electro-coating to manage friction and prevent oil starvation under heavy cornering. Reviewers from the period noted its sharp throttle response and linear acceleration. The V10 also utilized an uncommon firing interval of 54 and 90 degrees to deliver its signature sound.

Emissions Compliance And The Transition To Hybrid V8 Power

Strict emissions compliance, rising power-density metrics, and the auto industry’s shift toward electrification forced Audi to retire the 5.2-liter V10 in 2024. Its final application was in the Audi R8. Modern supercar development now prioritizes forced induction and hybrid assistance to meet efficiency goals while generating higher output.

Lamborghini introduced the Temerario as the Huracán’s replacement, featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 paired with three electric motors and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The new setup produces 907 horsepower—with the engine alone making 789 horsepower—and can rev up to 10,000 rpm. While the new hybrid powertrain delivers greater output and low-end torque through electric assistance, it leaves behind the mechanical complexity, immediate throttle response, and signature sound of the discontinued 10-cylinder engine.