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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
Funny you should say that. The R8 has the same aluminium spaceframe construction as the Gallardo from Audi’s Italian outpost, and it sends power to all four wheels, too. But the R8 is a very different beast. It’s 131mm longer overall, and the R8 is pitched as an everyday supercar, with heaps of space for two and no fear of claustrophobia. Visibility is unusually good for a sports car, too. And Audi claims there’s room for two sets of golf clubs between seat backs and bulkhead (although you might wish to take your set to the showroom before buying), and the undivided front boot is more practical than a Gallardo’s. The cockpit has neat design touches like asymmetric door handles and bright white instrument graphics, and the materials are fabulous. It’s certainly superior to its Lamborghini counterpart, despite an asking price some £30k cheaper.
Oh, it can be. First, hold down the stability control button for three seconds, and the system is deactivated. Second, find a slippery road surface – the dusty twisties of the Nevada desert (where the R8 was launched) were ideal. Third, swing the flat-bottomed wheel eagerly and boot the right pedal. The back end swings out of line, and the slide can be choreographed nicely with the throttle. It won’t endlessly powerslide like an M3, but it’s fun enough to bring out the devil in you. And how many Audis can you say that about?
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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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