The Audi R8 is a spectacular sports car. This coupe really revs up our motors with its screaming V10 engine. That’s serious firepower. It’s a 5,2 litre – which, really, is perfect for suddenly taking off on that coastal highway as the scenery becomes a blur. (We’re not saying you should break any speed laws, though.)
Face-lift.
The 2019 V10 has been given a slight face-lift from the previous year’s model. You can see by the grill. For us, it gives it more of a defined shark-like appearance. There’s something killer hot about it. Especially if you pick a model spray-painted slightly off-white.
The body isn’t just about aesthetics. From reviews coming from abroad, this improves its aerodynamic flow on the roads. Less air resistance and all that. You could say it is on land as a shark is in water.
It’s also a bit lighter than the previous model. Audi have fitted a new carbon anti-roll bar, giving a significant 40% “discount” off the weight of the previous one, which was made with steel. As we’ve seen in recent years, carbon fibre is the new black when it comes to automobiles.
In terms of actual driving, other sports car rivals are more fun, in that super car kind of way, to pedal. We mean the pure exhilaration of the performance.
But not everyone interested in a sports car is looking at one simply for Saturday and Sunday drives. They’re looking for a primary vehicle, and this is where the Audi R8 shines. It gives you both worlds. Sports car and urban, everyday car. You’ll enjoy it for both weekend away trips and through navigating the traffic.
It certainly is said to be super car enough that navigating traffic thicker than the dunce kid in class is a breeze. You’ll be able to weave through it with ease.
The only frustrating thing, we imagine from experiences with other sports cars, is when you’re stuck behind slow moving vehicles. It feels like a leopard bound with chains when it really wants – nay, needs – to bound fast as a flash down the savanna.
In any case, you’ll find the optional adaptive suspension a helpful feature. It softens the experience of urban driving, with all its figurative and literal potholes, making everything more pleasant.
As can be expected with an Audi, it has a very exquisite interior, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, and comfortable trimmings. You’ll find the layout of the controls for running the car to be completely intuitive. If you’ve never driven an Audi before, it won’t take long before you’re literally sitting comfortably in the driver’s seat.
The previously optional reverse cam now comes standard. It’ll add peace of mind when you need to go into reverse. And the virtual display is crisp, easy to read, and the way info is displayed is very well thought out. The user-interface team deserve medals, according to the sentiment of reviewers like the Top Gear team.
This certainly is a vehicle you’ll want to test drive. And since it’s very urban for a super car, you won’t have to go far to fully appreciate it.