4 minute read
Audi R8
FORECOURT AUDI R8
Power
The R8 might be on borrowed time, but what’s it like to live with at the moment? Jack Evans went for a spin.
WHAT IS IT?
The days of the big-capacity supercar are numbered but the plucky V10-powered R8 lives on – for now at least. Updated to bring even more power than before, we’re testing it here in RWD form with power being sent to the rear wheels rather than the more traditional four.
WHAT’S NEW?
As well as more power than its predecessor, you can also get it in hard-top coupe and droptop Spyder layouts, with a lightweight aluminium body there to try to keep weight down. Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics take these weight-saving efforts one step further, too.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The R8’s appeal has always centred around the glorious 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10. As before, power is sent to the wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It’s remarkably easy to drive, while on longer jaunts the R8’s well-sorted suspension ensures the miles breeze by. That engine continues to shine through, although emissions regulations have made it a little more muted than before. Even so, its performance is superb, with instant response and savage acceleration. The steering feels even sharper in this lighter RWD version, and although it might not be the last word in feedback, it’s plenty accurate enough.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
The R8 continues to be a great-looking car – to our eyes at least – with excellent proportions and some real presence. Our particular car came in a striking Tango Red colour with contrasting bronze-coloured wheels; it’s one of the nicest R8 specifications that we’ve seen.
Although some might like the huge wing that you get on quattro Performance models, the more understated looks of the RWD are still very appealing. It’s by no means a wallflower, mind you – this is still a car that turns heads wherever it goes – but the gloss-black accents and more streamlined appearance make it feel just a little bit more undercover.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD
Price (as tested): £150,075 Engine: 5.2-litre V10
Power: 562bhp
Torque: 550Nm
Max speed:
204mph
O-60mph:
3.5 seconds
MPG (combined):
22.2
Emissions:
291g/km CO2
Style
The R8 is still great looking, and with the Tango Red paint plus bronze-coloured wheels it makes for a very striking car.
The cabin is starting to show its age but there’s still plenty of space for two occupants.
Inside TARGET BUYERS:
People who want the most handling-focused R8 around.
THE RIVALS:
Porsche 911 BMW M5 CS Mercedes SL
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Rock-solid interior 2. One of the best engines on sale today 3. Everyday usability
DEAL CLINCHER:
The R8 RWD is Audi’s famous supercar distilled. It’s focused but still retains that excellent all-round everyday comfort.
The R8 might be entering its final years but this RWD version shows that this is a car to be enjoyed while it’s still here.
screen and Virtual Cockpit setup ensuring the driver was free of distractions. And although that still remains the case, the cabin of the R8 is just starting to feel its age somewhat. It’s nice to have physical controls for the heating and ventilation, but the whole affair feels a tiny bit off the pace when compared with rivals.
The cabin offers a surprising amount of space for two, while there’s enough room for a weekend’s worth of luggage, thanks to the 112 litres of volume within the nose of the car.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
As we’ve mentioned, the R8’s Virtual Cockpit setup felt pretty next-level when it first arrived but these days it’s starting to creak a little. The navigation system isn’t all that detailed, while moving around the separate menus is tricky. Apple CarPlay is included, but again, this is a system that thrives on being operated through a touchscreen, so using it via a rotary controller is hard. During our time with the car, the Apple CarPlay could connect a phone call, but for some reason the microphone in the vehicle wouldn’t pick up our voice.
At just over £150,000, the R8 RWD certainly isn’t cheap, but what you’re really paying for is all that engineering and theatre. It’s a bit of a shame, though, that the in-car tech feels a little bit behind that of others.
WHAT DOES THE PRESS SAY?
Auto Express said: ‘The R8 RWD feels just a little too powerful for its own good, and that’s half the appeal. The other half comes in how it behaves in the corners – ditching drive to the front wheels makes for a pointier, more lively-feeling car, even with the electronic aids fully engaged.’ Autocar said: ‘It is and will remain one of the best advertisements going for high-performance road car engines powered by petrol.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
The R8 might be entering its final years – and it’s predicted that a fully electric successor is on the cards – but this RWD version shows that this is a car to be enjoyed while it’s still here. The cabin might be showing signs of its many years in existence, but this is a thoroughly enjoyable and usable supercar that really can dive into daily duties without any hesitation.
The V10 might’ve been quietened by regulations, but it remains one of the all-time greats. With the push for downsizing and electrification, it’s something to celebrate while we can.
