For now, enjoy the roar of the R8’s V10 while you can because its successor will be near silent
Now in the swansong of its life, the Audi R8 is still posing questions for those who seek to better its blend of everyday usability and outrageous point to point pace. And this ‘entry level’ rear-drive model is a case in point.
True, some aspects raise an eyebrow – the price, scruffy interior and anaemia-inducing fuel consumption – but otherwise it has aged well. The V10 remains one of the most viscerally thrilling motors to be found in any car, and anyone who says they’d want more performance on the public road is not seeing straight. It steers beautifully and has such a benign chassis balance up to and beyond its limits, which means at speeds you’ll almost certainly never manage on said public road, I can see little argument for spending extra on the more powerful all-wheel-drive version unless you want a heavier, less well-balanced car. I don’t.
It’s a shame that it’s destined for the chop because to me and with the only possible exception of the charming but far more rough and ready Aston Martin Vantage, the R8 is the only car that has convincingly answered the question of what usable supercar to buy for those who don’t want, or fancy a change from, a Porsche 911. I expect its successor will be all-electric, far faster, massively heavier and technologically bang up to date. But if it provides even half the fun of this car, I’ll be very impressed and not a little surprised. AF
Price £131,725
Engine 5.2 litres, 10 cylinders, petrol
Power 562bhp
Torque 406lb ft
Weight 1590kg
Power to weight 353bhp per tonne
Transmission Eight-speed double clutch, rear-wheel drive 0-60mph 3.7sec
Top speed 204mph
Economy 21.9mpg
CO2 295g/km
Verdict Credible 911 alternative.
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