Iron Man‘s Audi R8 V10 is Blowing Up at the Petersen Auto Museum

6 Speed Online checks out ‘Hollywood Dream Machines’ exhibit in L.A., and the unique deconstructed Audi exhibit is a scene-stealer. 

The newest exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum focuses on some incredible machines from film and television. “Hollywood Dream Machines: Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy” just opened at the Los Angeles museum, and it is destined to be a hit. Produced in collaboration with the Comic-Con Museum, it features over 40 additional iconic Hollywood vehicles, artwork, props and costumes.

But one exhibit really stole the spotlight for us: The deconstructed Audi R8 V10 driven by Marvel superhero Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War. We love it, 3000.

“We’re proud to highlight Audi and Marvel Studios’ connection in ’Hollywood Dream Machines,’” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “This exhibit is a love letter to the science fiction and fantasy vehicles that spark our imaginations and the amazing technology of both Audi and Iron Man are a perfect example of this.”

The Audi R8 V10 installation features an “exploded view” of the actual vehicle by suspending the car’s many components in midair on wires. Inspired by the work of famed Swiss artist Fabian Oefner, it gives visitors a unique and dynamic view of the vehicle.

Of course, staged alongside the car is one of the red and gold armored Iron Man costumes worn by Robert Downey Jr.’s character in the many films.

The display also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Audi R8’s 5.2 FSI V10 engine.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the V10 engine, a limited edition Audi R8 V10 Decennium will be released this year to mark Audi’s heritage. The last 50 units of the special edition, numbers 173 to 222, will be available in the U.S. from of a limited global production of 222.

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the collaboration between Audi and Marvel Studios, the installation shows the similarities in the cutting-edge technology used by Iron Man and the innovative engineering developed by Audi.

“Just as Audi celebrates 10 years of collaboration with Marvel, the V10 engine powering the Audi R8, the halo vehicle of our brand, celebrates its 10th anniversary, as well,” said Loren Angelo, vice president of marketing, Audi of America. “This installation is a great way to pay homage to the iconic ‘supercar for superheroes’ and for our brand to continue to inspire and delight our fans.”

Other notable vehicles on display include the Audi RSQ concept from I, Robot, Back to the Future‘s DeLorean, several Batmobiles, the Lexus LC 500 from Black Panther‘s battle-damaged Lexus LC 500, and many more.

The exhibit runs until March 2020, and you can get information at the Petersen website.

Photos for 6 Speed Online by David Ciminelli 

Join 6 Speed Online now!

S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.