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Review: Audi R8

When the Audi R8 was first introduced in 2007, many
observers argued a more powerful motor might be
needed to unlock the true potential of the car. Fastforward a few years, and a considerably more powerful R8 is a reality.

Powered by a Lamborghini-sourced V10, the latest R8 sends 525 horsepower to all four wheels thanks to a sophisticated Quattro all-wheeldrive system.

Though sporting two more cylinders and a little more grunt mid-ship, the V10-powered R8 doesn’t feature too many visual differences from its V8 sibling.

More air is fed to the ten-cylinder through larger side scoops, which jut out sharply from the bodyside, adding a more aggressive stance to go with its increased power. The lower side sill also get an extra flare which runs along the wheelbase, adding further visual cues that this is the true uber-Audi. The changes are subtle enough to be obvious only to those in-the-know, thus keeping the R8’s clean lines as uncluttered as possible.

However, some subtle changes from the standard R8 will include dual oval exhaust outlets, bigger side air intakes, a revised front and rear fascias and larger brakes. The V10 version also sports unique LED headlights and a rear diffuser.

The V10 is the same 5.2L FSI power plant found in the new Lamborghini LP560-4, albeit detuned to 525 horsepower and 390 pound-feet or torque to keep the R8 out of the Gallardo's territory. But despite being down a bit on grunt, the R8 V10 can still rocket from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 196 mph.

Passers-by in Marbella are as automotively jaded as they come, thanks to the endless stream of exotic sports cars roaring down the city’s numerous streets. The 2009 Audi R8, however, is the perfect antidote to their indifference. Maybe it’s the relative scarcity of these mid engine all-wheel-drive supercars, or maybe the distinctive low-slung design is just that sexy. Whatever the case, the R8 attracts more than its fair share of stares. That kind of curb appeal is exactly what many buyers in this rarefied segment are looking for - but they’d better be prepared to pay dearly. With a base price well over 130,000 euro, the R8 is tens of thousands of euro more expensive than such highperformance luminaries as the BMW M3, the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911. What’s more, while the Audi’s sonorous V8 makes it thrillingly quick, the GT-R and Z06 are quicker still, as is the competitively priced 911 GT3. Only when one considers that the R8 is based on the exclusive Lamborghini Gallardo does its price tag seem somewhat reasonable.

Considered on its own merits, though, the R8 is an awesome car. It all starts with that 4.2-litre 420- horsepower V8. Power is sent to all four wheels in typical Audi fashion, and it’s supported by communicative steering and brilliant handling. Inside, the R8 is impressively roomy for such a squat car, and the nicely shaped seats afford rideall- day comfort. Along with its tolerable ride quality, this makes the R8 an exotic sports car you can genuinely live with every day.

The 2009 Audi R8’s shortcomings are few. Most glaringly, the optional automated manual R tronic transmission sucks too much joy out of the driving experience, delivering delayed, clunky up shifts. Also, there’s an engine under the hatch and not much space in the nose-mounted boot, so good luck carrying any cargo. And finally, there’s that price tag - for the same price as an R8, you could buy a GT-R or a Z06 and an Audi S5 coupe, which is powered by a lesser version of the R8’s V8. But this doesn't change the fact that the R8 is one of the world's most desirable cars.

>> Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2009 Audi R8 is a two-door mid engine AWD exotic sports car. Standard equipment includes 19- inch wheels, a retractable rear spoiler, xenon headlights, LED brake lights and turn signals, leather and Alcantara upholstery, power-adjustable sport seats, aluminium trim, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a seven-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer.

Optional are carbon-fiber ‘‘sideblade’’ exterior styling panels, a Bang & Olufsen premium stereo, a navigation system and upgraded Napa leather upholstery. There’s also the Convenience Package, which contains parking sensors, auto-dimming rearview mirrors and a ‘‘hill-holder’’ feature for models equipped with the conventional manual transmission.

>> Performance The R8 sports a mid mounted 4.2-liter V8 - clearly visible through the R8’s distinctive transparent engine cover - that churns out 420 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque. Power flows to all four wheels (56 percent to the rears by default) through either a traditional six-speed manual transmission or Audi’s six-speed R tronic automated manual. The latter features a computer-controlled clutch and can be shifted using either the console-mounted shift lever or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The R tronic also offers a fully automatic mode.

>> Interior Design and Special Features The 2009 Audi R8 features an attractive interior with high-quality materials, although there are a few cheap-feeling bits, such as the hard plastic on the center console and the substandard emergency brake handle. The center stack swoops elegantly toward the windshield; however, this design requires the driver to lean forward in order to adjust certain controls. Also awkward is the race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel - it may not telescope out far enough for those with long legs. The seats are superbly contoured for both hard driving and long-distance cruising.

Unlike in most newer Audis, the R8’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) controls are mounted below the LCD screen on the centre stack, which is less convenient than their typical location on the center console. Audi claims there’s room behind the seats for two golf bags - your results may vary. There are also 3.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the boot; in practice, however, this less-than-optimally shaped cargo hold can’t swallow much more than a duffel bag and some odds and ends.

>> Driving Impressions The 2009 Audi R8 won’t let you forget that it’s an exotic sports car -- you'll feel every bump, and road noise is pronounced relative to most other Audis. But the ride quality is certainly livable, and there’s surprisingly good visibility in all directions. On back roads, the R8’s prodigious power, razor-sharp reflexes and heroic grip make this AWD exotic feel almost as tossable as a lightweight roadster, albeit one with handling limits beyond the reach of all but the most skilled (or foolhardy) drivers!