Top 10 Performance AUDIs: 10) R8 (2006+)

R8 (2006+)

HOW COULD WE complete a list of the top-10 enthusiast Audis without including the R8? Designed, developed and manufactured by Audi subsidiary quattro Gmbh, and introduced at the Paris Show in September 2006, named after the successful le mans racer, the mid-engined all-wheel-drive two-seater supercar was an instant success as an alternative to cars like the Porsche 911. Initially equipped with the high-revving 420 PS / 439 Nm naturallyaspirated 4.2-litre V8 engine from the B7 RS4, but modified to use dry sump lubrication, and with the permanent four-wheel drive system biased 30:70 towards the rear it was capable of a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph. The choice of transmission was between a 6-speed manual with a distinctive ‘Ferrari-style’ open-gate shifter, and the 6-speed R tronic automatic, essentially an automated manual, with steering wheel paddles. The R8 V10 followed in 2008, using the naturally-aspirated 5.2 V10 unit from the Gallardo / C6 S6 / D3 S8, developing 532 PS / 530 Nm and capable of 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 196 mph. It also had a more aggressive styling along with LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen sound system, bigger brakes and different wheels. Soft-top Spyder versions followed in 2010 and 2011, without the distinctive sideblades but with its clean lines enhanced by the soft top hood being stored neatly under the rear bodywork when not in use, and the lack of visible roll-over hoops. Hidden in the rear bulkhead these would deploy automatically in the event of a rollover. Mid-2010 saw the release of the limited edition (only 333 worldwide, with 35 for the UK) lightweight R8 GT. With the power of the V10 increased to 560 PS and 100 kg reduced from the unladen weight by using lightweight seats and a fixed wing rather than hydraulic rear spoiler, it clocked 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds and could achieve a top speed of 199 mph. The 2010 V8 also saw the 4.2 V8 increased in power to 430 PS, also available in the Spyder, while a GT version of the V10 Spyder came with 560 PS, giving 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph.
An R8 V8 Limited Edition (just 100) followed in October 2011, with titanium-effect wheel and special colours plus red brake callipers, built to celebrate the 10th win for Audi at Le Mans. In July 2012 Audi revised and facelifted the R8 range, most notably replacing the clunky R tronic auto gearbox with its superior 7-speed S-tronic double clutch transmission, giving the V8 a 0-62 mph time of 4.3 seconds and the V10 3.6 seconds. Also released at the same time was the R8 V10 Plus, only available as a Coupe, with 550 PS / 540 Nm and capable of 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph. The second generation, sharing its platform with the Lamborghini Huracán, was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015. No longer available with the 4.2 V8 (although there are rumours that a 5-cylinder 2.5 TFSI version might one day be available) there are now three versions, the standard 540 PS V10 and the more powerful 610 PS V10 Plus as well as the full electric e-tron (456 PS / 920 Nm) capable of 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and an all-electric range of over 280 miles. Whichever R8 you choose, it will provide virtually race car performance and handling along with everyday usability, although with only two seats and very limited luggage capacity you’d probably only want to be driving it to the nearest race circuit rather than engaging in a week-long European road trip…