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Audi models, news & reviews
5
Handling
Performance
Usability
4
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
3.5
By Phil Mcnamara
First Drives
18 January 2007 10:49
Make no mistake, this is a seminal motoring moment. The R8 is Audi’s first mid-engined supercar, designed to prove that Ingolstadt can mix it with pedigree sporting brands like BMW and Porsche. The launch version – running a V8 – costs £77k, a chunky price tag which illustrates Audi’s three-decade transformation into a true luxury car player. And with a 187mph top speed, it’s also the fastest production Audi. All very exciting – but does the driving experience live up to this billling… • READ OUR 17-PAGE DRIVE OF THE AUDI R8, SHOT ON LOCATION IN NEVADA, IN THE MARCH 2007 ISSUE OF CAR. CALL 0845 121 4000 FOR BACK ISSUES
Yes – better than any current Audi. With the 414bhp 4.2-litre mounted amidships in a beautiful carbonfibre cradle, the R8 eliminates Audi’s typically nose-heavy dynamics. Only 44 percent of weight is up front, although the massive overhang could fool some into thinking the lump hangs over the front axle. Until you peer into that glass display case up back, the trademark of an Italian exotic. • CAN AUDI CUT IT AS A TRUE SUPERCAR BRAND? Hit 'Add comment' to post your views
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jafh says
RE: Audi R8 CAR review
I have driven the R8 with e-gear, and--while the engine is indeed magnificient, the transmission is a let-down. The DSG gearbox in the humble TT is superior. Perhaps from the architectural perspective of a Koolhaas or a Gehry the body might seem sttractive. Personally I find my Cayman S much prettier, in practice very nearly as fast, possessing superior steering, an utterly sweet gearchange, and totally solid brakes. Let alone MUCH more luggage space. It is also 130kg lighter than an R8. So let's not get all wet behind the ears about the R8. It is nice, but overpriced for a car that is significanlty slower than a Gallardo, which can be bought in Tokyo-Yokohama for less than the newer R8. So, buy a Gallardo as an objet d'art, and a Cayman S for a far more practical daily drive--which always inspires one to take the long way home. I only hope Porsche go the mid-engined route with future models. An uber-Cayman with 450 hp abd PDK transmission would make the R8 look palin silly. (A side note: since the GTR came out in Japan, Gallardos with almost no miles can be had for a song.)
16 November 2008 02:50
divadsledniw says
R8
I drove a lot of nice cars, Porsche, Maserati, Jaguar XKR, but the R8 is the best car I've ever driven. It does everything everyday and it puts a smile on my face each time I drive it, it looks sensational too. Phil Mcnamara's verdict says it all really.
20 February 2008 21:16
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