Audi R8: Quick Test

Audi is world-renowned for its sensible all-wheel drive sedans and wagons. That the venerable German manufacturer has managed to deliver such an impressively capable, mid-engined supercar on its first try is almost shocking.

In all respects, Audi's new R8 is simply stunning.

With a customer waiting list as long as its string of accolades, the desirability of the sculpted-aluminum-bodied supercar is undisputable. A 2003 concept car that went to production all-but unchanged three years later, function plays a major role in the R8's sensuous appearance, its clean shape owing as much to great aerodynamics as it does to great design.

The R8 amazed early testers with its flexible and great-sounding 4.2-liter, direct-injected and dry-sumped V8. It also blew everyone away with its drop-dead-gorgeous all-aluminum, supermodel body. But what really moved the R8 to the top of everyone's wish list was its handling: It is completely benign, letting even the least skilled access its full range of talents without embarrassment.

The R8 redefines the supercar genre, trading intimidation for a simple invitation to come out and play.

What makes the car's handling so special? Two things: a spaceframe mid-engine chassis, based to a large degree on the Audi-owned Italian company Lamborghini's striking Gallardo; and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The latter's role in the sure-footed handling dynamic involved distributing power variably, on the fly, front to rear. With a maximum of only 35 percent of its power sent forward, the R8 maintains a rear-drive feel while still providing enough drive to the front to save you from your own foolishness.

Consistent with the safety net that is Quattro, the braking system's massive eight-piston front calipers and four-piston rears provide serious speed-killing deceleration.

If you want the full-on racing fantasy/experience, the R-Tronic gearbox is the one to get, as it's basically the same system you'd find in the racing R8: a single-clutch sequential manual transmission with electro-hydraulic actuation for the gear changes.

Along with plenty of space for two, the R8's rigid space frame aluminum chassis let Audi engineers keep the door sills low and narrow. Result? It's easier to get into and out of than other super-sportscars. The R8 has "real-world usability" that carries over inside with all the features you'd expect of an everyday driver: An incredible Bang & Olufsen sound system; a navigation system; parking sensors with a rear-view camera; comfortable and supportive seats; height-and reach-adjustable steering wheel; and, of course, power everything.

All the controls have a light yet positive action, and even the electromechanical steering seems perfectly judged for its dual role as capable daily driver and confident supercar.

Audi's mid-engine masterpiece will cost you $109,000 before you start checking option boxes. Fully loaded up, you're looking at $140,000 or so. While there are faster cars out there for the money, none give you the combination of accessible performance, show-stopper styling and everyday usability that you find in the R8.

As Mohammad Ali would say, "The R8 floats like a butterfly, and stings like an angry 420 horsepower bee."

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
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