Audi R8 Review

When Audi introduced their R8 supercar onto the roads back in 2007 it became popular because of its day to day usability, so it was no surprise that they would produce an all-new second generation.

The new R8 has its underpinnings from the Audi race car, the R8 LMS GT3 which has already been successful on track by winning the famous Nurburgring 24 Hours race but how does this new road-going version fare?

The car we tested was the R8 V10 plus, the 5.2-litre producing a whopping 610PS with increased torque at 560 Nm, so you can be sure of a thrilling ride. All-wheel-drive takes you to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds and onto 124mph in 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 205mph. Not for the faint-hearted of drivers.

Using a quick shifting seamless seven-speed S-Tronic ‘box you can feel every bit of power as you push it to its full capabilities. And does it go. Steering wheel paddles are obviously there for your inner racer to be explored.

We can’t fail to mention the engine noise either, switch it on and it booms into life - driving through villages in the South of France had people of all ages stopping to take a look.

If you’re looking for a fun, engaging drive then look no further than the R8. For a sportscar the ride isn’t too bad, it’s quite firm but isn’t too unruly on rough roads. It feels very solid, has phenomenal levels of grip from the new quattro drivetrain and you won’t have that niggling feeling of it biting at you if you get over confident with it, even when we experienced it in a torrential downpour.

The R8 is lighter, lower and wider than its predecessor, the mid-mounted position of the engine at the rear of the model gives it a low centre of gravity too. To make the most of the driving dynamics it is possible to use the Audi Drive Select system to adjust it according to how you want to experience the R8 in terms of steering, throttle response and for the first time this works with the quattro system so you can adapt that too.

If you’re expecting a cabin free of noise then this isn’t the car for you. The beautiful engine accompaniment echoes through the cabin, press the exhaust button on the steering wheel and it’ll adjust the exhaust system’s adjustable flaps making the V10 even louder. Brilliant for causing a stir around sleepy villages when the locals were just putting their heads down for their afternoon ‘sieste’. You’ll also just want to sit in the car with the engine running and rev it to hear the V10 burble.

Getting into the car at first can be tricky, the integrated door handles can be hard to spot, but slide into the comfortable Nappa leather sports seats and you’re met by the spectacular, racy looking performance steering wheel.

What grabs your attention are the control buttons that operate the engine, drive select, the exhaust system and the performance mode. You feel like a kid in a sweet shop when you see them.

Visibility isn’t that great especially when you’re reversing, good job there is a reversing camera, but it is a very driver focussed cabin and even after a long journey you won’t have that often back breaking stance as you climb out as the seats are so comfy.

The Audi Virtual Cockpit display comes as standard, expect stunning graphics, lots of car information and high resolution maps, although if you’re a passenger you do end up leaning over to look at it as there is no centre screen.

MMI Touch is on the R8, the clever system lets you use the top of a rotary wheel as a touch-sensitive pad when inputting commands on the Virtual Cockpit.

If this was a survey then the answer to space would be ‘not applicable’. It’s a supercar, they aren’t really spacious or practical, well for normal day to day usage.

The boot, which remember is at the front holds 112-litres, we managed to fit in two average sized bags and a couple of coats, and although deep, the space available isn’t very wide.

There is double the capacity behind the seats but it’s a struggle to try and get items in there.

There is a deep armrest which holds an optional four-ring emblazoned Audi smoking tray and there is more storage in the centre stack which houses the USB socket.

Now if you’re going to have an R8 then it is likely that money is nearly no object. The Audi R8 is priced from £119,500 and the R8 V10 plus is £134,500. Compare it to the McLaren 540C it is nearly £7,000 cheaper but as with all Audi models options can ramp up the cost and it’s disappointing what does cost extra.

The Audi Laser Light technology, which is mightily impressive as it’s so much brighter than LEDs and gives an even greater field of vision; rabbits will be caught in the headlights about a mile away, costs £3,000, the sport exhaust system £1,800 and a reversing camera is £600. Avoid splashing out on options as you’ll end up paying a fortune.

Unsurprisingly running costs won’t be low. The R8 V10 plus can achieve 23 mpg and emits 287g/km of CO2 so the VED will cost £1,100 for the first year, then £505 annually.

The R8 is much like their other models in the range, quality is superb. The interior has an optional Alcantara padded roof and the carbon on the rear spoiler screams quality, this material also features on the mirrors, rear diffuser, sideblades and front spoiler lip.

Everything feels solid and well built and there are extra touches like the illuminated engine bay, covered by glass it lights up when you unlock the car. Visually it is stunning to see the V10 all lit up.

The previous generation R8 was very reliable and with Audi improving with customer satisfaction then this new model should keep owners happy.

This second generation R8 has a chassis built from aluminium which makes it a lot stronger and safer, there are airbags for both driver and passenger and options include a front and rear parking system, cruise control and light and rain sensors. With ceramic brakes as standard on the R8 V10 plus then expect to stop in a heartbeat if the occasion arises.