FIRST DRIVE
Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro - Test Drive
With the arrival of the 5.2 FSI Quattro, performance in the R8 reaches a new level; a car which is going to be one of the most sought after in the market. With the looks of the original, the main difference lies beneath the skin with the impressive power unit.
Audi reckon that the R8 in its latest guise will be 100% for the men, aged between 48-50 years and after having driven this car it all adds up to a lot of fun. Believe it or not you could happily take it to Sainsburys; mind you, a lot of looks would fall your way.
A mere 28 will be produced each working day and it is virtually hand built; with 150 being available in the UK market each year.
STYLING
Eye-catching, the lines of the original R8 enhanced with a few enhancements; the Audi designers keen to protect the wonderful lines that made the first model such a hit.
The 4-branch exhaust system not only looks the business, but plays its part in delivering a real racy sound. The door mirrors are electrically operated and is now quite common with Audi, the LED daytime running lights.
Riding on chunky 5-arm double-spoke design 19 inch alloys, much wider fitment at the rear helps to give this Audi outstanding road presence.
INTERIOR
Once you climb onboard, the interior delivers a motor racing ambience, which comes as no surprise really; when you consider the success Audi has had on the race track.
Yes the interior is very race-like, grip the 3-soke flat-bottomed steering wheel, which is leather covered and multi-function and with models equipped with the R tronic transmission, there are gear change paddles.
There is wide use of quality leather, fine Nappa on seats, door trim and door handles on passenger side. Inlays are in micrometallic grey, upper trim, on centre console, centre inlay and door inlay.
The seats are sports-style and very comfy with lots of grip and they also feature electric lumbar support.
Twelve speakers linked to a B&O sound system with a total output of 465 watts delivers tremendous sound quality. But we suspect that most will prefer to indulge in the glorious sound that this Audi conjures up.
PERFORMANCE
No disappointment on this front, electrifying and with such no fuss delivery. The sprint from rest to 62mph comes up in a lightning 3.9 seconds and with the manual gearbox, top speed (where legal) is awesome- 197mph. Yet we are reliably informed that on the combined fuel cycle 20mpg is possible.
With the R tronic sequential shift transmission, the response time is measured in milliseconds. Combine this performance with the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system and it is a true motoring experience.
Large brakes deliver the stopping power, after all you are in control of 525PS and this must be given a lot of respect.
The price for the manual version starts from £99,575; while the R tronic version starts from £104,665.
OWNERSHIP
Such a car is never going to be cheap to run; fuel economy is surprisingly good, but the emission figure is high; yet on pricing it undercuts its main rivals, with the Porsche 911 T on the top side of £100,000.
There is a practical side to this space frame 4-wheel drive supercar and as an example; two sets of golf clubs can be transported.
AT A GLANCE
| Name/Price: | Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro/ £99,575 (manual); £104,665 (R tronic) |
| Engine/power: | V10 5,204cc/525PS |
| Co2 emissions: | 351g/km (manual); 327g/km (R tronic) |
| Official Combined fuel economy: | 19.2mpg (manual); 20.6mpg (R tronic) |
IMN VERDICT
Blistering performance delivered with ease and grace, one capable of taking on such rivals as the DB9, Porsche 911T and the Mercedes SL 63 AMG and it comes with a host of technology related onboard goodies and all wheel drive.
Ian Lynas