Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi R8 V10

Can our Performance Car of the Year hold on to its crown?

Even though it’s a relative newcomer to the supercar class, Audi hit the spot with its first attempt. It’s now three years since the R8 arrived, but it still attracts more attention than almost anything else on the road.

The V10-engined model joined the V8 in 2009, and is the most expensive road car Audi as ever produced – at least until the open-topped Spyder lands in showrooms later this year. And with its unique styling and beautiful detailing, it certainly lives up to its six-figure price tag.

Advertisement - Article continues below

You’ll need to be an Audi expert to tell the V10 flagship apart from the lesser car. It gets wider side blades, which channel more air to the engine, as well as a gloss black rear number plate surround, subtle badges on the flanks and unique 19-inch wheels.    

The cabin is beautifully crafted and the driving position flawless. As you would expect from an Audi, all the switchgear and materials are first-class and owners are able to personalise their car with a raft of options, just as they can with the Porsche.  

Under all the glitz and glamour, the R8 is thoroughly engineered. The aluminium spaceframe chassis and mid-mounted engine are perfect for a performance car, while the 5.2-litre V10 revs to a heady 8,700rpm. It has more power than the 911, at 518bhp, although the normally aspirated Audi trails in terms of torque output – it delivers 530Nm to its rival’s 700Nm.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

ZS

2023 MG

ZS

25,930 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,000
View ZS
Qashqai

2020 Nissan

Qashqai

22,093 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £17,000
View Qashqai
Kuga

2020 Ford

Kuga

52,429 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £16,387
View Kuga
HS

2022 MG

HS

27,337 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £13,400
View HS

Don’t be fooled into thinking the R8 wants for performance, however. While it’s not as ferocious as the Porsche, the silky-smooth V10 thrives on revs and produces an irresistable, distinctive howl when you work it hard.

The Audi is the heavier car, and it proved to be fractionally slower in our in-gear tests. It couldn’t match the Turbo’s staggering launch control-assisted 0-60mph times, either, although owners won’t feel short-changed – and few buyers will feel it needs to be faster.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Unfortunately, the R tronic automated manual gearbox will disappoint driving enthusiasts, because in Sport and Normal modes upchanges are jerky and there’s a frustrating hesitation between shifts. Some compensation comes in the form of the perfectly judged blip of the throttle on downshifts, but it still takes the edge off the otherwise stunning experience.

What the R8 lacks is the ruthless dynamic focus and grip of the 911 Turbo, although its quattro drivetrain does ensure excellent traction. The 4WD set-up is superb, and you can feel the power being transferred to the rear wheels as you accelerate out of corners. Plus, with the traction control turned off, you can indulge in wonderfully controllable powerslides when you hit the track.

Few four-wheel drive cars feel as alive as the Audi, and even fewer mid-engined models are as well balanced at the limit. The R8’s real genius lies in the fact it can please owners of all abilities. It is involving and adjustable enough for experienced drivers, yet for those who are less confident it’s still incredibly reassuring. And thanks to the magnetic damper system, fitted as standard, ride comfort is impressive, too.

This is one of the finest driving cars money can buy. The question is whether it’s held back by its less involving gearbox.

In detail:
* Price: £118,665
* Power: 518bhp
* 0-60mph: 4.8s
* Top speed: 197mph
 

Details

Chart position: 2

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £15,297
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £12,800
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,290
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range
Leapmotor badge

Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range

The Stellantis-backed brand will launch a Volkswagen ID.3-rivalling small car with almost 20 per cent more range
News
23 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025