Audi’s everyday supercar
The Audi R8 is considered understated by supercar standards, says Andrew English in The Daily Telegraph. “So ground-hugging aerodynamics, air intakes big enough to post small children into and a spine-chilling exhaust note are just the meat and veg of normal Audi motoring, then?”
This new R8 GT Spyder has had its naturally aspirated V10 engine’s output upped from 525bhp to 552bhp, its cabin stripped out, and body parts replaced with lighter materials, saving about 187lb. And “gadzooks it’s quick, with 5,000rpm sending tingles down your spine, and there’s still another 3,000rpm before time out”.
While you get none of the sense of occasion of, say, a Lamborghini or Ferrari, above 4,000rpm, a “gorgeous sonorous timbre fills the cabin, like being trapped in the cupboard with a couple of runaway Quattros”.
It’s expensive for an R8, says Matt Saunders in Autocar. The car is lacking a little in terms of sporting and supercar pedigree. But then, there’s a lot to like about it too: it is an “approachable, usable” sportscar and “still genuinely exhilarating”. It’s uncompromised, easy to drive every day, friendly on the limit – and rarer than most supersports cars at this price level. We can’t think of a good reason not to have one.”
Price: £158,145.
Engine: 5,204cc, V10 petrol, four-wheel drive.
Power: 552bhp @ 8,000rpm.
Top speed: 197mph.
0-62mph: 3.8 secs.
Fuel economy: 13.1/19.9mpg (EU urban/combined)