Audi has done everything but made an actual public confirmation that the R8 5.2 V10 is coming to the U.S. When it was first revealed there were hints about an arrival in 2010, then the first U.S.-bound car will be auctioned in Boca Raton this weekend, and now Autoblog got their hands on a memo to the North American Audi dealers preparing them for the V10's arrival.

Although the document didn't confirmed any price of the car, it did mention that the new engine would add an estimated extra $45,000 over the price of the standard R8. A 2009 R8 starts at $114,200, so expect the V10 version to go for at least $159,200. The memo also mentioned that V10 cars would begin in the 2010 model year, with deliveries at least 8 to 10 months away.The engine powering this new R8 is a 5.2-liter V10 unit that delivers 525 hp borrowed from the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.9 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 196.35 mph.

Read the memo after the jump.

In reaction to overwhelming customer and press interest in the new Audi R8 5.2 FSI (V10) model that made its U.S. debut last month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, last week Audi of America announced to its dealer body the availability of the new R8 V10 for dealer ordering. The positive response and increased interest in the R8 model from dealers and customers following the release of the Order Guide has been consistent with our experience at the time of the original introduction of the V8 model. We would like to inform you of the latest developments regarding the expansion of the R8 model line-up.

R8 4.2 FSI (V8)

Worldwide demand for the R8 V8 model remains very strong, resulting in continued constraints in factory production due to the hand assembly required for each vehicle. The implications of this strong demand and significant order bank is that the factory cannot commence the ramp-up of V10 production as rapidly as anticipated in order to produce more V8 models to satisfy existing customer orders.

R8 5.2 FSI (V10)

U.S. production of dealer orderable R8 V10 models will begin as Model Year 2010. Pricing is not yet firm for the R8 V10; however, it is expected the price differential compared to the V8 model will be approximately $45,000 for a typical fully equipped car. Deliveries of the first V10 models are anticipated to be subject to a lead time of 8-10 months from now, related to factory capacity.

Action Requested
To enable Audi of America to secure each highly sought after R8 V8 and V10 production position that becomes available, dealers are requested to enter their orders for each model as soon as possible so that sufficient parts and engines can be secured for U.S. production, and lead times for made-to-order vehicles are minimized.

Audi of America understands the challenges dealers face in being able to satisfy your customers' wishes with these unique models. We hope this brief update is helpful information for you and your customers.