Audi R8 V10
March 7, 2009
Now that the credit crunch is hitting home, it does seem slightly misplaced to be talking about a new supercar. What can you do when faced the Audi R8′s big brother? How does a car get this beautiful? Despite the £100,000 price tag, Audi are betting this is a car you just want. Full stop. No arguing with that.
Hitting the motoring headlines are the use of LED lights – they are used for high and low beam settings, as well as daytime running indicators snaking across the bottom of the main headlights. The LED’s don’t stop there, they are used liberally on the inside lighting the footwells and engine compartment. Well, you need to be seen, don’t you?
The 5.2 litre V10, sourced from Lamborghini, will propel you from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The V10′s third gear hits its optimal power at 8000rpm, but you don’t need to shift for fourth until 8700rpm, giving the R8 V10 one of the broadest powerbands available. This 518bhp of power raises the bar on the R8 speed from 187 to 196mph. Reviewers are describing the drive as punchy, unthreatening, relentless, supple and civilised. All great adjectives to describe a supercar that gives you bags of power on tap, but never leaves you feeling out of control.
So, what provides the confidence when opening up the throttle? The Magnetic Ride system automatically adjusts the suspension settings for the road conditions, the Quattro four-wheel drive adds to the all-weather capability ensuring maximum grip on terra firma at all times. These systems provide accurate feedback and instant gratification, enhancing the feeling of being in charge.
The R8′s interior is comfortable and elegantly finished off. There is complete seat adjustments and good side support. The cabin is spacious and its not a task getting in and out. Luggage space? A reasonable amount behind the seats and a large boot under the bonnet. Extras? You can blow £1,565 on Nappa leather seats or £6,995 on the ceramic brakes. The optional extras make for scary reading.
All told, this supercar perfectly reflects Audi’s heritage. A drive with amazing performance, but with the comfort and safety to make it a pleasurable experience.