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Audi R8 V10 Plus takes on Ducati Diavel in straight line

The classic car-versus-motorcycle comparison is put to the test as Autocar pits a 2013 Audi R8 V10 against the Ducati Diavel in a run from 0-150-0 miles per hour. While you might expect the 162-horsepower Ducati weighing just 515 pounds to blow away the 542-horse, 3,500-pound Audi, this particular test measures the acceleration and braking of both high-performance machines.
Drag racing an Audi R8 against a Ducati on a long, flat stretch of concrete sounds fun to us, and Autocar documented the whole test for our viewing pleasure. We don't want to spoil the fun for you, so let's just say that a Volkswagen-owned brand wins. Scroll down to watch the video for yourself.

Investors storm Volkswagen with $9 billion in lawsuits

Volkswagen's investors are latest group to take up pitchforks against the embattled automaker, and they're seeking $9 billion in damages, Reuters reports. The investor lawsuits were filed in a court in Braunschweig, Germany, near Volkswagen's Wolfsburg headquarters. On Monday, the first business day following the anniversary of the emissions revelations, the court received 750 lawsuits alone. All told, about 1,400 lawsuits have been filed. The largest single claim totals $3.7 billion and was filed more than six months ago. The lawsuits stem from complaints that Volkswagen didn't divulge information on the cheating software to investors quickly enough. Volkswagen has said that it hasn't broken any capital market laws. The $21.5 billion the company set aside to weather the storm may not be enough. The consumer fix is estimated to run the company $14.7 billion, either through buybacks or a fix that still seems unclear. In addition to the lawsuits, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller confirmed that Audi boss Rupert Stadler is under investigation regarding the scandal. Mueller refused to give further details, but this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Audi has admitted that its 3.0-liter V6 was equipped with the same emissions-cheating software as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesels. Stefan Knirsch, Audi's head of development, has been suspended as part of the overall investigation. Knirsch took over duties after his predecessor quit. Knisch was previously head of engine development at Audi. Related Video: News Source: Reuters Green Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Audi Volkswagen Emissions Diesel Vehicles vw diesel scandal

Audi Sport launches limited edition R8 but doesn't add any more performance

Audi recently announced that its Quattro division had changed its name to Audi Sport, and that it had a number of new models on the way. One of those models to fall under its umbrella of responsibility is the Audi R8. Today, at the New York Auto Show, the performance arm is showing the limited Audi Sport Edition of the Audi R8. The rorty, mid-engined sports coupe's V10 seemingly already has enough power, as this special treatment appears to be mostly cosmetic. It starts with a set of 20-inch, forged aluminum wheels wrapped in 245/30 front and 305/30 rear tires. The brake calipers get a high-gloss red finish, while the V10 Plus version's brakes have an anthracite finish. The car's signature sideblades and side mirrors get a contrasting red finish regardless of exterior color. The front spoiler, grille, and diffuser insert are titanium black, and the tailpipe trims are finished in gloss black. View 15 Photos Entering the car, occupants are greeted by illuminated door sills. The interior color depends on exterior paint choice, and seats and door trim feature black and red Nappa leather. Seatbacks are embossed with an R8 logo, as is the flat-bottom, three-spoke steering wheel. The wheel features a red stripe at 12 o'clock, as well as satellite engine start and drive select buttons. Dark silver contrast stitching and gloss carbon inlays add more character to the interior. The Audi Sport Edition R8 will be limited to 200 units worldwide, and will start at ˆ181,900 (about $193,100), with the V10 Plus fetching ˆ205,800 (about $218,500). Orders start in May, with deliveries beginning in late summer. Related Video: