Audi R8 V10

Even though it’s a relative newcomer to the supercar class, Audi hit the spot with its first attempt. It’s now three years since the R8 arrived, but it still attracts more attention than almost anything else on the road.

The V10-engined model joined the V8 in 2009, and is the most expensive road car Audi as ever produced – at least until the open-topped Spyder lands in showrooms later this year. And with its unique styling and beautiful detailing, it certainly lives up to its six-figure price tag.

You’ll need to be an Audi expert to tell the V10 flagship apart from the lesser car. It gets wider side blades, which channel more air to the engine, as well as a gloss black rear number plate surround, subtle badges on the flanks and unique 19-inch wheels.    

The cabin is beautifully crafted and the driving position flawless. As you would expect from an Audi, all the switchgear and materials are first-class and owners are able to personalise their car with a raft of options, just as they can with the Porsche.  

Under all the glitz and glamour, the R8 is thoroughly engineered. The aluminium spaceframe chassis and mid-mounted engine are perfect for a performance car, while the 5.2-litre V10 revs to a heady 8,700rpm. It has more power than the 911, at 518bhp, although the normally aspirated Audi trails in terms of torque output – it delivers 530Nm to its rival’s 700Nm.

Don’t be fooled into thinking the R8 wants for performance, however. While it’s not as ferocious as the Porsche, the silky-smooth V10 thrives on revs and produces an irresistable, distinctive howl when you work it hard.

The Audi is the heavier car, and it proved to be fractionally slower in our in-gear tests. It couldn’t match the Turbo’s staggering launch control-assisted 0-60mph times, either, although owners won’t feel short-changed – and few buyers will feel it needs to be faster.

Unfortunately, the R tronic automated manual gearbox will disappoint driving enthusiasts, because in Sport and Normal modes upchanges are jerky and there’s a frustrating hesitation between shifts. Some compensation comes in the form of the perfectly judged blip of the throttle on downshifts, but it still takes the edge off the otherwise stunning experience.

What the R8 lacks is the ruthless dynamic focus and grip of the 911 Turbo, although its quattro drivetrain does ensure excellent traction. The 4WD set-up is superb, and you can feel the power being transferred to the rear wheels as you accelerate out of corners. Plus, with the traction control turned off, you can indulge in wonderfully controllable powerslides when you hit the track.

Few four-wheel drive cars feel as alive as the Audi, and even fewer mid-engined models are as well balanced at the limit. The R8’s real genius lies in the fact it can please owners of all abilities. It is involving and adjustable enough for experienced drivers, yet for those who are less confident it’s still incredibly reassuring. And thanks to the magnetic damper system, fitted as standard, ride comfort is impressive, too.

This is one of the finest driving cars money can buy. The question is whether it’s held back by its less involving gearbox.

In detail:
* Price: £118,665
* Power: 518bhp
* 0-60mph: 4.8s
* Top speed: 197mph
 

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