Looking like an alien descending from the heavens, the low-slung silver bullet’s V8 rumbled up my block. The Audi R8 had arrived.
Source: rp
Editing: Caroline D'Angola
It is quite possibly the coolest, contemporary automotive design that has graced the industry’s presence in some time. But, let us define cool. The R8 has a real different feel to it than other supercars. Perhaps it is the 24 LEDs that are encrusted below the Xenon bulbs? Maybe it is the side blade – which is a genius device in making the R8 appear shorter. Wrong again.
Source: rp
Editing: Caroline D'Angola
What makes the R8 set apart from other mid-engined exotics is the futuristic look to it. Rather than a 2009 model year, it appears as though it is from
2050 when cars should be flying.
The R8’s design is like a
Prada sneaker. An ultra contemporary take on something that is put to use everyday. Thankfully, it is not a disaster like some of those
cars from the 80s.
Whatever the case, the R8 does not have a pretentious air to it. Simply, it bleeds unique and extraordinary.
This translates into a vehicle which does not draw disdain from spectators. Jaws drop, fingers point, heads turn and “What the...” is muttered. And, I am not speaking solely of gear heads. This includes fanciful, high fashion women, prepubescent boys and girls, and minivan driving dads. Essentially, everyone’s attention became drawn on the silver Audi during my tenure.
Finding myself behind the race inspired, flat-rimmed steering wheel I realized the car was actually quite roomy. Being nearly seven feet tall, this is impressive. One would expect headroom to be a commodity but Audi had some magic up its sleeve when it carved out the roofline. Considering the R8 is does not break 50 inches tall, the cabin remains quite airy.
Source: rp
Editing: Caroline D'Angola
If you have claustrophobia, have no fear. You only realize how low you are when driving behind an economy car and it is apparent that you are no taller than the boot lid.
Looking around the interior, you see that every piece seems to be tailored to the car. The
chunky shifter, that proudly displays “R8,” appears to have been carved from a single hunk of metal. Thanks to the enhanced leather option, the dash, doors and anything else you can imagine is stitched in hide. An aroma fills the cabin that can be likened to a leather shop.
Source: rp
Editing: Caroline D'Angola
The dark headliner is Alcantara, yet again, another option. Buttons and dials adorn the center stack and feel first-rate.
One misgiving is the navigation system. If the scroll-to-find-a-letter dial was not annoying enough and time consuming, the lagginess of the software certainly is. When the system would stumble, I felt as though I had been transported back into the early 2000s when
Microsoft ME was around – what an awful OS.
But, the Bang & Olufsen sound system makes up for it, greatly. With 465 watts and 12 speakers it manages to deliver crisp sound while replicating bass spot on. I only wish it could go a bit louder. Songs I have heard hundreds of times sounded completely different.
Enough on buttons and suede headliners, let’s get to the driving experience.
Source: rpUpon start-up you wonder if you have awakened a sleeping lion. Optioned with the R-tronic transmission, the car slips into gear and I angle the R8 out of my steep driveway. For such a practical exotic, Audi should really have a lift-system – a la Gallardo – for the front of this car. The overhang is far too long and low to maneuver; many inclines require angling in.
Gentle pressure produces a low, V8 burble. Shifts are relatively harsh in automatic mode. After getting jerky during low speeds, I decide this test is over. Manual mode for the remainder of the time. A cool facet of the transmission is that although it is a sequential transmission, when you double downshift in Sport mode it responds fast enough you would think it skipped a gear.
Opening it up a bit higher on the rev band you start to hear the 4.2 liter grumble morph into a shriek. With 420 horsepower, 317 lb-ft of torque and an 8,250 redline, there is plenty of pull along a good portion of the rev. Passing is effortless, even in sixth gear because the motor revs around 3,000 rpm while cruising. No downshift required.
Source: rp0-60 comes in a quick 4.4 seconds and the R8’s top speed is a claimed 187 MPH. On the highway, the silver bullet is as easy to drive over triple digits as it is at 35 MPH. And, boy it is quiet. Make sure to keep an eye on the speedometer because this car can land you in jail pretty quick.
With all of this power, it is only right to equip the vehicle with massive brakes. The front rotors measure 15 inches and are clamped by eight piston calipers. The rear brakes measure up with 14 inch rotors, suppressed by four piston calipers. Wrapping the 19 inch wheels are 8.5 inch wide tires in the front and staggeringly broad 11 inchers in the rear.
Source: rpTapping the brake brings the car to a halt, stomping on the left pedal brings your stomach into your throat.
Set up with massive tires and its legendary all-wheel drive system, Quattro, the Audi corners like a dream. Putting the pedal down through the corners is addicting because the R8 grips for days. Instead of feeling the rear end lose it, I found the car begging for more. A prime example of this was seen on the Merritt Parkway where the road bends left and has a pronounced bank. Downshifting from the left lane I felt like I was
Jeff Gordon taking on a NASCAR turn.
Steering is heavily weighted and sharp but it does not become a nuisance like earlier German imports, thanks to Servotronic. No more sore shoulders after a day on meandering back roads. At high speeds, steering feel remains stiff and nimble making it nearly identical to driving at low, city speeds.
Road feel is there but not as apparent as I would like; granted, the R8 has the most road feel of any Audi I have piloted.
Turning on the magnetic damping system sharpens up the movements of the car and makes the already ultra rigid R8 even more surefooted. Personally, I found the standard, comfort mode already well enough tuned to have to avoid usage of the magnetics. Plus, it can make for a jarring ride over poor road surfaces.
Easily the biggest drawback of the New York metropolitan area.
Source: rp
Editing: Caroline D'Angola
What makes the R8 so desirable is its relative practicality. Armed with decent luggage space, I could fit a backpack and large duffle bag in the boot, and Quattro this car can double as a GT car.
Upon return from a road trip to Boston, I came face to face with an onslaught of rain; the R8 remained grounded and did not encounter any issues. I was stunned to find the Audi planted and not getting squirrely even at high speeds.
Adding to this, the silver monster is equipped with a large fuel tank. Achieving over 300 miles on a tank is easily done.
During my week with the R8, I managed to get nearly 14 MPG while stuck in gridlock, Manhattan traffic for approximately two hours and I eek’d out 16 MPG on the trip to Boston. I would love to see what a
diesel, TDI variant would be capable of.
Although my test vehicle was nudging the $140,000 mark, an R8 stripper can be had for approximately $115,000 with a six-speed manual.
I can bet there are a number of naysayers saying that the
Porsche 997 Turbo can be had for a marginal difference at $130,000 and you get the greater speed.
But, at the end of the day the Porsche remains bland and a figment of its
dated silhouette where as the R8 is exciting and a crowd pleaser.
Source: rp
Editing: Caroline D'Angola
And, when you thought Audi was finished, they recently unveiled the
latest iteration of the R8; it boasts a 525 horsepower V10 motor.
To quote Ferris Bueller “if you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”
rp
Source: AutoSpies.com
Source: AutoSpies.com
Source: AutoSpies.com
Source: AutoSpies.com
Source: AutoSpies.com
Source: AutoSpies.com
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