The R8 has become the perfect halo for the Audi brand, one which has risen from 15 to 31 in the past 10 years. Success on the rally and race track has assisted in developing the sports side of the brand. Many will recall the all conquering rally cars, then came the sportscar racing, which still continues, many victories including those at Le Mans.
Now the R8 5.2 FSI Quattro joins the family and brings performance in the R8 line-up reaches a new level; a car which is going to be one of the most sought after in the market. With the looks of the original, the main difference lies beneath the skin with the impressive V10 engine.
Who will buy the new model? Audi reckon that the R8, in its latest guise will be 100% for men, aged between 48-50 years.
A mere 28 will be produced each working day and it is virtually hand built; with 150 being available in the UK market each year.
The lines of the original R8 enhanced with a few enhancements; the Audi designers keen to protect the gorgeous lines that made the first model such a hit.
The 4-branch exhaust system not only looks the part, but plays its part in delivering a real racy sound. The door mirrors are electrically operated and is now quite common with Audi, the LED daytime running lights.
Transported on chunky 5-arm double-spoke design 19 inch alloys, much wider fitment at the rear helps to give this Audi outstanding road presence.
Onboard, the interior delivers a contradictory 'motor racing ambience'; a fusion between two of the German manufacturer's strengths - the luxury that you've come to expect from its prestige saloons and a representation of success on the track.
The interior is very race-like, grip the 3-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel, which is leather covered and multi-function and with models equipped with the R tronic transmission, there are gear change paddles.
There is wide use of quality leather, fine Nappa on seats, door trim and door handles on passenger side. Inlays are in micrometallic grey, upper trim, on centre console, centre inlay and door inlay.
The seats are sports-style and very comfy with lots of grip and they also feature electric lumbar support.
Twelve speakers linked to a B7O sound system with a total output of 465 watts delivers tremendous sound quality. But we suspect that most will prefer to indulge in the glorious sound that this Audi conjures up.
'Electrifying but with no-fuss delivery' best describes performance. The dash from rest to 62mph comes up in a lightning 3.9 seconds and with the manual gearbox, top speed (where legal) is awesome - 197mph. Yet we are reliably informed that on the combined fuel cycle 20mpg is possible.
With the R-Tronic sequential-shift transmission, the response time is measured in milliseconds. Combine this performance with the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system and it is a true motoring experience.
Large brakes deliver the stopping power, after all you are in control of 525PS and this must be given a lot of respect.
Fuel economy is surprisingly good, but the emission figure is high; yet on pricing it undercuts its main rivals, with the Porsche 911 T on the top side of £100,000.
There is a practical side to this space frame 4-wheel drive supercar and as an example; two sets of golf clubs can be transported. So don‘t be at all surprised if you see one at your local golf club.
What price for this high performance, technology package? Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro/ £99,575 (manual); £104,665 (R tronic).
This Audi delivers thrill a minute driving; yet you could use it as an everyday form of transport; quite at ease in the urban environment; but be kind to this new Audi and find a road that does it justice.
Or better still – a race track.
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Paul Green
Bob Hume
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