Audi's gR8 supercar
12-14-2007, 09:15 AM
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Audi's gR8 supercar
What is it?
A Porsche beater. Yes, really! Audi's first supercar attempt has caused a serious upset in the world of high performance cars. When Audi announced it was aiming at the 911 as a potential rival people thought it was being a touch ambitious. Sure, the R8 promised to look fantastic, the interior would be sensational and it might even make a rousing noise, but no way could Audi upset the established sports and supercar hierarchy with driver appeal. It does though, the R8 being something of a revelation, driving with the sort of ease we expect from Audi, with the incisive precision we'd expect from the likes of Porsche and Ferrari.
The looks alone make it hot property, Audi proud that it can't build them quick enough for demand. Many hundreds of R8s have already been ordered by eager customers, so if you want one now, today, then you'd better be prepared to pay a premium, as there's a lengthy waiting list. Being an Audi it's got quattro four-wheel drive, but it's tuned to feel rear-driven. The engine powering it comes from the now defunct, but much-loved RS4. It's a glorious 4.2-litre V8 with 414bhp and a rousing soundtrack, though it's actually quite hushed from inside. Typically, the cockpit is superbly finished, the R8 bearing all Audi's usual interior hallmarks of fantastic quality, excellent ergonomics and design integrity.
Is it any good?
The R8 has really surprised people, winning numerous awards not just for the way it looks, but for the way it drives. That's a huge compliment for Audi, as it's never really been touted as a manufacturer of driver-focussed cars. Fast cars? Yes. Beautifully built and styled cars? Certainly. But those two have rarely combined with cars that really thrill on the road. The RS4, which donates its engine, proved that Audi had it in it to make fun-to-drive cars, and the R8 is the perfect model to drive the message home. The steering is light yet crisp; the ride smooth despite its focus - optional magnetic dampers make it even more capable - and the engine is always willing to deliver.
It feels like the real-deal supercar experience, as the 4.6 second 0-62mph time and 187mph top speed demonstrate. But there are differences. They're good differences though, the R8 blending that supercar thrill with day-to-day usability. Visibility for such a low-slung car is excellent, the controls all work easily, the R8 the antithesis of supercars in this respect. It's not all perfect though; opt for the R tronic paddle-shift transmission and you're in for a jerky ride, those LED front lights are a bit over the top and from some angles, particularly in profile, the R8's proportions look a touch odd. It'd also be great to hear that magnificent engine in the cabin a bit more.
Should I call the bank manager?
Given how long it's likely to take between ordering and actually getting it you might well have the time to save up and not bother the bank. If you are lucky enough to be one of the early customers then you've a rock-solid investment on your hands, the R8 certain to be worth more than you paid for it for a while. So enjoy it for a few months then cash it in. You might find that tricky though, as it's a rather appealing ownership proposition. It's easy to drive, but rewarding on the right roads, undemanding yet not boring and it never fails to get you noticed, which after all, is what most people buy cars like this for.
Summary
Audi has created something really special with the R8, so it is hardly surprising that customers are fighting to get their hands on them. And this is only just the start as there's a V10 version on the way that promises to be even more special. Rival manufacturers must be very worried indeed.
A Porsche beater. Yes, really! Audi's first supercar attempt has caused a serious upset in the world of high performance cars. When Audi announced it was aiming at the 911 as a potential rival people thought it was being a touch ambitious. Sure, the R8 promised to look fantastic, the interior would be sensational and it might even make a rousing noise, but no way could Audi upset the established sports and supercar hierarchy with driver appeal. It does though, the R8 being something of a revelation, driving with the sort of ease we expect from Audi, with the incisive precision we'd expect from the likes of Porsche and Ferrari.
The looks alone make it hot property, Audi proud that it can't build them quick enough for demand. Many hundreds of R8s have already been ordered by eager customers, so if you want one now, today, then you'd better be prepared to pay a premium, as there's a lengthy waiting list. Being an Audi it's got quattro four-wheel drive, but it's tuned to feel rear-driven. The engine powering it comes from the now defunct, but much-loved RS4. It's a glorious 4.2-litre V8 with 414bhp and a rousing soundtrack, though it's actually quite hushed from inside. Typically, the cockpit is superbly finished, the R8 bearing all Audi's usual interior hallmarks of fantastic quality, excellent ergonomics and design integrity.
Is it any good?
The R8 has really surprised people, winning numerous awards not just for the way it looks, but for the way it drives. That's a huge compliment for Audi, as it's never really been touted as a manufacturer of driver-focussed cars. Fast cars? Yes. Beautifully built and styled cars? Certainly. But those two have rarely combined with cars that really thrill on the road. The RS4, which donates its engine, proved that Audi had it in it to make fun-to-drive cars, and the R8 is the perfect model to drive the message home. The steering is light yet crisp; the ride smooth despite its focus - optional magnetic dampers make it even more capable - and the engine is always willing to deliver.
It feels like the real-deal supercar experience, as the 4.6 second 0-62mph time and 187mph top speed demonstrate. But there are differences. They're good differences though, the R8 blending that supercar thrill with day-to-day usability. Visibility for such a low-slung car is excellent, the controls all work easily, the R8 the antithesis of supercars in this respect. It's not all perfect though; opt for the R tronic paddle-shift transmission and you're in for a jerky ride, those LED front lights are a bit over the top and from some angles, particularly in profile, the R8's proportions look a touch odd. It'd also be great to hear that magnificent engine in the cabin a bit more.
Should I call the bank manager?
Given how long it's likely to take between ordering and actually getting it you might well have the time to save up and not bother the bank. If you are lucky enough to be one of the early customers then you've a rock-solid investment on your hands, the R8 certain to be worth more than you paid for it for a while. So enjoy it for a few months then cash it in. You might find that tricky though, as it's a rather appealing ownership proposition. It's easy to drive, but rewarding on the right roads, undemanding yet not boring and it never fails to get you noticed, which after all, is what most people buy cars like this for.
Summary
Audi has created something really special with the R8, so it is hardly surprising that customers are fighting to get their hands on them. And this is only just the start as there's a V10 version on the way that promises to be even more special. Rival manufacturers must be very worried indeed.
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