Audi R8 Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Audi's R8 mid-engine sportscar has been praised by the automotive media since its inception as the Le Mans Quattro concept car. Initially, it was good looks alone that drew the accolades. But as soon as journalists started putting it through its paces on the track, the rave reviews really began to flow. As great as the R8 is on the race course however, its primary mission is to be a daily-driven streetcar, and in that role it's perhaps even more impressive.

Similar in size to its most obvious competitor - the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S - the R8's cabin feels more spacious than its competitor from Stuttgart thanks in part to its extra width. Along with plenty of space for two, the Audi Space Frame aluminum construction, which provides the R8 with its extremely rigid chassis, allowed Audi engineers to keep the door sills low and narrow. The result is that the car is easier to get into and out of than other super sportscars, adding more depth to the Audi's real-world usability.

While the R8's chassis is based on that of the Lamborghini Gallardo, it has been significantly altered in the interest of everyday practicality. The longer wheelbase of the R8 results in not only more space, but also in a more comfortable, less choppy ride. Coupled with an overall less hard-core focus than its Italian cousin, the uber Audi represents a more user-friendly and practical car.

Great ride comfort is an unexpected surprise in the R8, thanks in no small part to magneto rheological dampers - or Audi magnetic ride suspension for short. The system features magnetic particles within the shock fluid that react when an electrical current is applied. The particles align and in essence change the viscosity of the fluid within the shock, thereby stiffening the shock. It's continuously variable depending on the driving situation, providing the R8 with its supple, compliant ride, as well as its great on-track manners.

Beyond its great ride and handling balance, the R8 also has all of the features you\'d expect of an everyday driver. There's an incredible Bang & Olufsen sound system, a Navigation system, parking sensors with a rear-view camera, comfortable and supportive seats, a steering wheel with adjustment for height and reach and, of course, power everything. The controls have a light yet positive action to them and even the electromechanical steering seems perfectly judged for its dual role as everyday street car and extremely capable supercar.

If you want the full-on racing fantasy/experience, the R-Tronic gearbox may be the one to get, as it's basically the same concept you'd find in the racing R8 - a single clutch, sequential manual with electro-hydraulic actuation for the gear changes. But if you want the purest experience, without question, go for the sweet shifting manual gearbox with its brilliant "click-click" sound track as you move the lever through its gates. Working the manual gearbox of an R8 has got to be one of the true joys in the automotive world.

While it may be difficult to argue that a car costing between $109,000 and $140,000 represents a good value, when you consider the R8's competition, the argument starts to make some sense. Based on price, its natural competitors are the Porsche 911 and its many variants and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. But you could also match the Audi up against a couple of Italians costing significantly more money. From a performance standpoint, the R8 gives you a large percentage of what you get in its $200,000+ cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo, and in that mid-engine car from Maranello, the Ferrari F430. And while it's not quite as hard-core a performer as the two Italians, neither does it suffer the compromises necessary to be so focused.

It may not have the badge to impress the valet quite as much as the Italians, but it certainly has the presence. And with its 300+ mile range, great outward visibility, plenty of space for two, excellent build quality and mid-engine dynamics, the Audi R8 combines everyday usability and driver involvement with amazing performance better than any other car on the planet. It's not a car that sacrifices everything in the name of performance. Instead, it's one of those rare cars that's not only a jack of all trades, but a master of most.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Audi R8

Performance
- Acceleration: Great Quattro traction produces good acceleration numbers - amazing soundtrack - R-Tronic gearbox not as fast as other similar systems
- Handling: The single most entertaining aspect of the R8 - extremely rewarding - rear-biased Quattro willing to play hooligan when the mood strikes
- Braking: Quattro system and mid-engine layout provide impressive braking performance... massive brakes help too

Design - Exterior: Best looking Audi since the TT - can look a little awkward from some angles - lovely detailing
- Interior: Rich materials, great fit and finish and a driver-focused design equals a great interior - optional carbon fiber interior a must-have

Utility - Comfort: Great seats and ergonomics - aluminum construction allows for low and narrow sills which help ingress/egress
- Space: Quite spacious for a mid-engined exotic - front trunk is deep, but will melt anything you place within it

Safety - Dynamics: Quattro system keeps you out of trouble and provides great stability, even in inclement weather
- Technology: Two stage stability control system provides a welcome safety net along with four airbags and, of course, Quattro all-wheel drive

Value - Price: Based on the price of its most obvious competitors, an incredible value - options add up quickly though
- Mileage: If you remember that you're in an exotic supercar, the numbers are pretty satisfying 

Emotional Appeal - Heart thumpin' factor: Just looking at it makes you contemplate selling a kidney (and maybe a limb) to get one
- Fun to spank: Willing partner in hooliganism - happy to play the fool, or to cut through corners with precision and poise

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Mid engine / All wheel drive
Engine: 4.2 liter, direct-injected V8
Power (SAE): 420 hp @ 7800 rpm
Torque: 317 lbs-ft @ 4500 - 6000 rpm
Redline: 8250 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed sequential manual
Curb Weight: 3580 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.3 sec.
1/4 mile: 12.7 sec. @ 112 mph 
Top Speed: 187 mph 
Mileage: 15 city / 22 highway
Base Price: $109,000
Competitors: Porsche 911 Turbo, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1