May 2007
The supercar club is a pretty exclusive one, and its members
are not only the usual suspects but also car makers steeped in
motorsport history. Audi has done more than dabble in motorsport in
recent years, but until the arrival of its R8, it didn't have a
standalone supercar to act as a halo model.
Whatever you say about Audi's R8, don't say that it's just a
Lamborghini with a different badge. A lot of the R8 is unmistakably
Audi - inside and out. The car's cabin is pure Audi, from the column
stalks to the excellent sat-nav and MMI controller. There's also the
small matter of the car's engine, which is the already proven 4.2-litre
V8 from the well-received RS4 family of cars.
With the engine behind the driver and
the inclusion of four-wheel drive, all the basic ingredients are there
in the R8 for it to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. The
cabin is spacious and well appointed. In fact, the cockpit puts a lot
of existing supercars to shame. Traditional Audi values - sound
ergonomics, quality components - are most obvious.
But it's the driving experience that's
going to be under the most scrutiny. In recent years there's been
criticism over uncommunicative steering and an over-hard ride on Audi's
mainstream products. The firm has done much to rectify this, and the
current crop is much improved. This achievement has been magnified
tenfold with the R8.
Blisteringly fast yet composed and
unruffled at speed, the R8 aims to flatter the enthusiast yet won't
patronise the expert driver. The V8 engine sounds fantastic at any
speed, while the level of grip available in the dry promotes a high
level of confidence. In keeping with the trend for racecar-like
gearboxes, the R8 can be had with a semi-auto 'box called R-tronic.
Aimed at serous enthusiasts, it demands more finesse from the driver
but the rewards are worth it if you plan to regularly exploit the R8's
potential.
R8's rakish exterior helps it stand out from the supercar crowd
Ratings
Overall Rating
Value for money
Costs
Space and Practicality
Controls and display
Comfort
Security
Safety
Likes
Rakish looks afford the R8 tremendous kerb appeal
High quality cockpit and wide range of optional trims
Powerful and flexible V8 engine makes an incredible noise
Thanks to four-wheel drive, handling and grip levels are impressive
Gripes
Although useful, space in the R8's front 'boot' is only modest
R-tronic semi auto gearbox is an acquired taste and requires a smooth touch
The R8's outgoing exterior commands attention - make sure you're ready for it
Rear three-quarter vision is poor, which can make parking tricky
Our Verdict
With an exterior that's like no other in what is
already a brash and outgoing sector of the market, Audi's R8 is a
classic example of a true 'head turner'. But for all the glamour, this
car really can walk the walk in terms of delivering an experience to
rival that from a Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lamborghini.
Thankfully you don't have to go flat out to enjoy the R8, as its
flexible nature means it can be used daily. Just watch out for those
speed humps.
Costs
By regular standards the R8 isn't a
cheap car, but viewed within its market and its very good value for
money. However, along with the car's considerable performance will be
supercar bills for fuel, insurance and tyres. You'll also pay dear for
any current and future taxes linked to CO2 output.
Space and Practicality
The only exterior luggage compartment is the space in the R8's nose,
which is rated at 100 litres. Deep rather than wide, it'll take a
couple of soft overnight bags. In the cabin there's space behind the
seats from some oddments, but in real terms that's about it. The R8's
door pockets aren't map-friendly, but they'll hold an average-size
water bottle and your mobile phone. The glove box is a good size, also.
Controls and Display
The majority of the R8's controls will be
familiar to any Audi driver. Everything is close to hand, and the
all-important main dials are large and easy to read at a glance. Placed
low in the central fascia, the ventilation controls are also easy to
use, and the same goes for the column stalks. The large colour display
works well, and is the focal point for the audio, car status and
sat-nav - when fitted.
Underneath the clear cover lies Audi's acclaimed 4.2-litre petrol engine
Comfort
Supportive seats, a comfortable and adjustable driving position and a
surprisingly spacious cabin all contribute to a pleasant driving
experience. When you're not pushing the car hard, wind, road and engine
noise is pleasingly minimal, and the car's suspension does an excellent
job of soaking up road imperfections - more so than you'd expect from a
car in this class.
Security
The usual combination of remote
locking and immobiliser are present. For extra peace of mind it would
be worth investigating in a tracking device. Not only would it help
protect your investment but no doubt make securing a sensible insurance
quote easier.
Safety
You get all the airbags you need plus
the usual array of electronic stability and traction features.
Thankfully the latter only intervene when absolutely necessary, meaning
you're not robbed of enjoyment when driving hard. Of course, the R8's
four-wheel drive system is both a performance aid and safety net, and
proves very useful in wet conditions.
Driver Appeal
This is what it's all about with the
R8, and the car doesn't disappoint. The 4.2-litre V8 engine is
powerful, torquey, responsive and makes all the right noises. The
steering is direct and pleasingly communicative, while the brakes are
progressive and powerful. The whole package is incredibly entertaining
and, unlike some rivals, not at all intimidating. Driven slowly the R8
is at home around town, although the real fun is away from urban areas.
Rapid acceleration is achievable without the usual supercar dramas, and
cornering is impressive thanks to the car's four-wheel drive and
suspension set-up. Standard fit is a six-speed manual gearbox with a
Ferrari-style gated shift, plus there's a semi-auto (R-tronic) option.
The latter requires a more sympathetic approach to gear changes at low
speeds but proves devastatingly quick at higher speeds, especially with
the added bonus of steering wheel paddle shift levers.
Family Appeal
In a word, no. Certainly not as the sole car
in the garage, anyway. Older children will be better able to appreciate
the car's abilities, which increases its appeal if part of a multi-car
household. And unless you want the butter to melt, putting perishable
shopping in the front boot isn't a good idea as it can get hot in there.
Wraparound fascia feels special and houses some of the best quality switchgear in this market sector
First Car Appeal
It's a big no for this category, and for all the obvious reasons. The
R8 is hugely powerful and not the easiest car to park - two aspects
that usually cause problems for novice drivers. And all this is without
considering the predictably costly insurance premium.
Quality and image
It couldn't be better for Audi in the
image department; a high profile road presence, popular range of cars
and success in motorsport are the key factors. The latter in particular
won't hurt the R8's success, while the German firm has built up an
enviable reputation for producing high quality cars - and the R8
continues this trend.
Accessibility
For a low-slung car the R8 is
reasonably good. The doors open nice and wide, although it's best not
to park too close to other cars. Getting in is, predictably, easier
than getting out, but so long as you're pretty agile you'll be fine.
Access to the engine is straightforward thanks to its mid-engined
position. The same is true of the forward luggage compartment.
Stereo and ICE
The standard fit audio unit is of
good quality - just like you'd find in other Audis. The steering wheel
controls are especially welcome on a car of this calibre. Operation is
made easy thanks to the dominant colour screen located in the fascia,
which comes into its own when the sat-nav option is selected. Also
optional is a superb-sounding Bose stereo system, an increasingly
common sight on high-end cars.
Colours and Trim
You're not short of customisation options with
the R8. In standard trim the car is pretty good, but opting for carbon
or coloured 'blades' - the side panels - is a popular one. Inside, the
standard leather is good, and that can be extended to the doors and
fascia. Alternative trim panels are also possible, with the carbon
fibre selection particularly attractive.
The R8's V8 motor sounds fantastic when pushed hard and is surprisingly flexible at low revs
Parking
The R8's parking sensors are absolutely essential, thanks in part to
the car's deceptive overhangs, low ride height and poor rear
three-quarter vision. The former two attributes are to be expected with
such a car, but the over the shoulder view is disappointing. The R8's
wide stance is rarely an issue, and the car's power steering offers
plenty of low speed assistance. Patience is required when switching
between forward and reverse with the semi-auto R-tronic gearbox,
though.
Spare Wheel
Standard fit is a 'tyre mobility system' or mousse inflation kit.
Range information
Petrol engine option - 4.2-litre V8
(420PS).Transmission options: six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed
R-tronic sequential manual gearbox. No specific trim levels but
generous range of optional equipment available.
Alternatives
Porsche 911 Modest 911 hides its talents well. Some might think it's too common though
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Elegant Aston is deceptively quick yet is refined and comfortable with it
Ferrari F430 Fashionable alternative is not short of talent but is expensive in this company
Lamborghini Gallardo Baby Lambo is hugely entertaining, but isn't cheap and not always practical for daily use
