Audi R8: Rival in the making

Source: Exec Digital UK

Date :10/03/2008 17:05:12

Created from 70 years of motorsport innovation, the Audi R8 boasts a stronger performance than even the Porsche 911. Exec gives it a spin

A supermodel with a complex, unorthodox shape and an unconventional beauty, the R8 has a stretched and yet muscular appearance. Some of the design features are incongruous, including its ridged broad side panels which are reminiscent of the shell of a Smart Car, of all things. Fortunately, this can be justified as more than a design gimmick. It captures air, flowing along the contoured doors, and directs it into the engine bay. Visually, it also has the effect of separating the engine area from the passenger compartment, where degrees of separation are also evident.

The general consensus was that the R8 was best viewed from the rear – hardly surprising as its compact V8 engine is clearly visible through its glass cover. But it takes a couple of moves around the car to fully appreciate its shape as it changes and improves with front and rear three quarter moves. Low and wide, the R8 crouches on the road - it’s a car that you can’t wait to see spring into action.

Performance

With key rivals such as Porsche 911 C4S, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Maserati GranSport, Jaguar XKR, BMW M6 this is a car that aims to encompass everything you could possibly desire. In our December issue, I wrote about the Porsche 911 and loved it, but this car tops even that.

And it’s not just in appearance where it has the edge. In its higher lateral acceleration of 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds (with a top speed of 187mph), it actually betters the 911’s 179mph and 4.8 seconds respectively.

However, it’s all too easy to get lost in the moment and discard the practicalities, and there is a drawback. So let’s get this out of the way - this car is shockingly thirsty, with fuel consumption of 19.3mpg in the combined cycle.

Audi has avoided the temptation to go for a variable power steering system, leaving the steering pleasingly direct and weighty. The chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel rim ultimately lacks the fine precision of the Porsche’s 911, but it’s not far off. Impressive as that is, changing gear is another pleasurable experience. The open-gate six-speed manual has a crisp mechanical feel to its action, clicking satisfyingly across its gate, with each new ratio bringing more linear thrust. The R8’s other controls deliver a similar confidence inspiring response and the standard steel brakes deliver excellent performance and respectable pedal feel. The throttle response is also impressive.

Inspired by the same engine technology that won Le Mans, the Audi R8’s mid-mounted V8 4.2 FSI engine delivers a blisteringly impressive 420PS. It has all the agility and reponsiveness of a racing car, but inside you will still find the Audi signatures of comfort and finish.

Interior

Ok, I said that there was one draw back. I appear to have made a mistake - there are two. Audi’s claims that two sets of golf clubs will fit behind the seats are ambitious to say the least – it’s a little pokey on the inside. But I would like to turn this into a positive. After all, why would you want to risk driving this stunning car onto the mean gravel of the golf course entrance, chipping the paint work as you go, never mind the risk of a golf ball flying through the windscreen?

Overall, Audi has got the R8 almost spot on. Its power and performance often betters its rivals in an unintimidating package. It looks and sounds sensational too, inside and out. This is Audi’s first attempt at the upper end of the sports car market and it’s hugely impressive. With great looks and excellent performance, this car doesn’t disappoint. And we still have the V10 engine version to look forward to. DH

For more information:

Audi

Click here to read the full review of the Audi R8