Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi R8

Will the Audi R8 supercar prove to be a better performer than the mighty Porsche 911?

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your Audi R8
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

There's no doubt that climbing behind the wheel of the Audi R8 and heading for the horizon is a pretty special event. The car has character oozing from virtually every inch of its sleek bodywork. And as with its Porsche 911 rival, it has one of the best engines in its class. Audi has also performed wonders with the four-wheel-drive system. Its rear bias means it rewards enthusiastic drivers, rather than hinders them.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Moments of truth don’t get much bigger than this... As tall orders go, Audi’s sensational new R8 faces the very tallest of them all. And it all comes down to one big question. Is the mid-engined two-seater better than a Porsche 911? Specifically, is it more exciting to drive and easier to live with than its German rival – regarded as one of the greatest sports cars of all-time?

It might sound a bit melodramatic, but there’s plenty at stake. If Audi has got the R8 wrong, it could reverse the excellent progress it has made with cars such as the TT and A4 Cabriolet.

This is the daring position the firm has put itself in, and as we climbed behind the wheel for our exclusive first drive, we could swear that at least two members of Audi’s top brass were exchanging worried glances.

First impressions, however, are very good. Not only does the car have great road presence, but the V8 engine is a work of art and sounds spectacular. The 4.2-litre FSI unit sits behind the driver’s head in a carbon fibre nest, and as the revs climb, you can almost hear its 420bhp, 187mph potential.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

ZS ELECTRIC

2020 MG

ZS ELECTRIC

33,000 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £10,961
View ZS ELECTRIC
GV70

2024 Genesis

GV70

286 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £38,950
View GV70
Electrified GV70

2024 Genesis

Electrified GV70

8,159 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £51,650
View Electrified GV70
GV80

2021 Genesis

GV80

6,330 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £36,550
View GV80

Select first gear, and the open-gate, six-speed box clicks noisily as the lever hits the end of its travel. Shifts are millimetre precise, and the cogs prove easy to engage. Accel­eration is relent­less, and the 0-60mph dash is completed in less than 4.5 seconds. Wheelspin is minimised by the four-wheel-drive transmission.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In fact, our only criticism is aimed at the clutch, which can prove tricky to use smoothly at very low speeds, even though our car was fitted with an electronic anti-stall device, which as an £80 option is probably not worth it.

Predictably, the suspension is firm, particularly on the first version of the R8 that we tried, which did not feature Audi’s magnetic ride suspension system. You can feel every crease in the tarmac in a car which appears nothing less than 100 per cent ready for the racetrack. As a result, the loss of comfort is traded for high-speed stability and huge amounts of grip.

The steering is incredibly responsive, and even the slightest turn causes the R8 to change direction. On the downside, the system does lack the delicacy and feel of the 911’s.

However, when equipped with the £1,350 optional magnetic ride, the R8 deals with small bumps more effectively. The system boasts two modes, comfort and sport, but even in the latter it is more forgiving than the standard set-up. Impressively, magnetic ride has little effect on the steering quality, or the amount of grip on offer.

The brakes are another story. Both steel and ceramic set-ups will be offered, although the latter won’t be available in the UK until next year. But while the ceramic units are massively powerful, pedal progression has an on/off feel, and they clearly need fine tuning. The steel brakes are much more user-friendly. While lacking the ceramic system’s ultimate power, they are more than capable of slowing the car while driving on the road.

So if you want the very best that Audi’s R8 has to offer right now, plump for the magnetic ride suspension and steel brakes, and avoid the automatic R tronic gearbox; the manual is simply delightful.
At this early stage, we would have to say this car doesn’t quite beat the 911. However, that shouldn’t leave Audi’s engineers crying into their Ger­man beer. The motor has the character and ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its rival, an achievement that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025