The beautiful and legendary Audi R8 has little left. A shame. A new generation of electric sports cars will replace it. It is the sign of the times we live in. In addition, with the R8 the wonderful naturally aspirated V10 gasoline engine of this version will also be discontinued. By the way, a V10 engine that is also used by the Lamborghini Huracán, brand under the control of Audi. Be that as it may, the R8 continues to be the sports car par excellence of the brand with the four rings, an exceptional car since its birth in 2006.
In any case, the R8 V10 in question is not new, and we have already said that its life cycle is ending, but that does not mean that it is not an extraordinary car, an iconic coupe that will go down in history for what it has represented for Audi and for its owners.
The R8 V10 performance does not have the ECO label from the DGT, it is only two seats, it has a small trunk capacity and, in addition, it is expensive. And this is all the negative things we are going to say about this magnificent car. If these are defects in a sports car with this philosophy.
To drive this mechanical beauty you have to abstract yourself a little from the prevailing reality. A current situation dominated by electrification. We know it, but we like to think that there is still room for the pleasure of driving a fast, exciting vehicle, with a lot of technology and full of high-level details.
The R8 with a 620 HP V10 engine and the famous quattro drive is probably the easiest sports car in this category to drive on the market. And also the one that best adapts to daily use. We do not want to say that it is the ideal car for every day, but it is more usable than one imagines when looking at its powerful appearance.
Largely, because of electronics. That is, the Audi drive select program allows you to choose between comfort, auto, dynamic and individual modes. In addition to the sportiest mode of all, Performance (with snow, wet and dry grades), which is more suitable for the track. Or for situations or environments where the car’s potential can be enjoyed without compromising safety.
Well, we assure you that with the comfort mode and the automatic transmission in position D, the R8 V10 can be as civilized as we want, walking around the city or driving on any type of road. Traveling, even. Because, in addition, it is also quite comfortable. It is not perceived at any time as radical as other vehicles in this very special segment.
But of course, it is a very serious sports car, full of technology, such as the V10 engine that is perfectly visible for the greater enjoyment of fans of these gems. A fantastic, special engine that seduces from the first moment it is started and that is right behind the driver.
The R8 is a two-seater, but there is plenty of room in the front seats. Behind the seats there is no room for almost anything, simply a small space for a piece of clothing or a bag. And a small glass to see the V10 engine, as if it were a painting from the Prado Museum. The trunk is a square hole in the front hood (the engine is at the back) with a capacity of 112 liters that can be opened from inside the car or with the key.
And its interior is inspired by Audi Sport competition models with the “Monoposto” design for the Audi virtual cockpit instrumentation that takes the form of a 12.3-inch screen. Also included are a perforated leather sports steering wheel, leather-covered power-adjustable sports seats, and aluminum pedals.
But the Audi exclusive customization program can satisfy practically any request of its customers, being able to configure almost unique cars. The equipment is completed with a smart key system, Bang premium audio system
In the driving position we find a perfect steering wheel and everything is within reach and view of the driver. The gear shift paddles, however, could be somewhat larger. Behind the wheel we have already mentioned that there is the Audi virtual cockpit digital instrument panel that allows a configuration to have the tachometer in the foreground, alone and in large size. A platform for wireless charging of a smartphone is also included.
When you start the engine, the sound invades the entire cabin. It is an unmistakable melody, a suggestive prelude to what comes next. A naturally aspirated V10, without a turbo, with a displacement of 5.2 liters, with 620 HP and 580 Nm of torque, has a lot to offer to whoever wants to receive it.
Top speed is an obscene 331 km/h and acceleration is set at 3.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Big words. Let’s remember that the house’s trademark quattro traction effectively contributes to making its grip capacity simply enormous.
Driving the R8 V10 performance is addictive. It is a sports car that captivates its driver, both for its performance and its ease of driving. And it’s very difficult not to feel special behind the wheel of this magnificent car. We must insist on it. Not in vain, it is manufactured by hand in Böllinger Höfe, where Audi racing cars are born.
The driving position is perfect, with a sports seat that supports the body very well. The driver integrates naturally into a sporty and highly ergonomic environment.
On the road it transmits a very high, brutal confidence; It generates the feeling that something unwanted will hardly happen, no matter how strong the pace of marching is. It is so stable and noble in its reactions that it allows driving errors such as imperfect lines or excesses with the accelerator.
Now, the performance, power and thrust of the engine make everything happen very quickly. And, obviously, you have to pay a lot of attention to dynamic driving. It runs, accelerates and brakes in an exceptional way. And he does everything with unusual solvency.
The engine roars and revs up to 8,500 rpm, something rare. Pure adrenaline. Especially with the Performance mode that is activated with a button (decorated with a checkered flag) to the left of the steering wheel.
In short, a supercar with superlative performance on any terrain. A competition car, but tuned for any type of driver. And usable, even, for every day. That said, it’s a shame that this supercar’s days are numbered. And there is no doubt that it will become a cult and collector’s car.
