A Closer Look at the R8

May 27, 2011

Audi R8 is the latest sporty sensation that comes with mid-engine, and makes use of the brand’s everlasting all-wheel drive system.

The car is entirely designed and developed by Audi AG’s private subsidiary company – the Quattro GmbH.

Fundamental construction of R8 completely uses aluminum monocoque, and it’s also based on Gallardo platform.

Under the Hood

2011 R8 is powered by 4.2 V8 engine, mounted behind compartment that delivers 430 hp and torque around 317 pound-feet, coupled to 6-speed manual transmission mated to a gated metal shifter.

The Good Bad and Ugly

The mammoth V10 engine can deliver a whopping 525-horsepower, which can take you high big time! It offers Sporty ride, and is comfortable enough for driving long distances at one go.

It has spacious cabin, sophisticated interiors, and supportive seats for the two passengers, who’re sure to have one hell of an enjoyable ride in the new R8.

However, looking at the not-so-good part, transmission in the vehicle received mixed reviews from customers. Exterior side blades are not liked by everyone, and it has got some ergonomic quirks and even the cargo space is quite small.

Turn Offs

Fuel economy of the vehicle is a big turn off. It has got the herky-jerky R tronic transmission, unintuitive electronics interface, and also it has got limited storage space.

It achieves 12 miles per gallon in the city, and 19 miles per gallon on the highways.

The ugly part of the story is that the rear visibility is also hampered.

Pricing

The base MSRP of the new R8 starts at $114,200 and goes up to $155,100, and the average invoice price is around $144,243.

Why Is R8 Worth Your Money?

Audi R8 is definitely worth your money with potent engine choices, comfortable cabin, slick manual shifter, and it is easy to drive.

The vehicle costs almost as much as its predecessor, though 2010 Audi R8 is quite quicker off the line.

It also has comfortable sports handling and silky smooth transmission, no wonder it has received performance, interior, and exterior ratings of 9/10 by most reviewers including Edmunds, TheCarConnection and Automotive.com

Bottom Line

Even though several high-performance exotics are there in the car market that are challenging to drive, Audi took effort to make R8 as comfortable as its rivals, loaded with all luxury amenities, and a hunky V10 that doesn’t fail to impress anybody who gets his hand on the car even once!

The R8 really stands out with its plush, roomy interiors, and its modern design flair, as well as plentiful power-punch give you every reason to put your money on it.

R8 is considered as a dignified sports car, and the vehicle doesn’t have 6-footers and goofy scissor doors that fit the room pretty comfortably.