Audi R8

Expert Review by Maxabout

Main

Dashboard

Colors

Interior

Exterior

Audi R8 is one of the rarest sports cars available in India. The car was globally launched five years back and since then it has been quite popular worldwide. Now, the German auto giant has re-launched the up-graded version of their most expensive car. Let’s check out this racing machine in detail.

Exterior

Give it a look and you just can’t take your eyes off this car. It looks extremely mesmerizing and with new changes, things have even become much better. The most noticeable changes are made at its front. The new stretched LED headlights now act as the eyes of this car while a restyled hexagonal front grille forms the face of Audi R8. The black colored air-inlets also complement the look of this car and it makes it look extremely aerodynamic when seen from the front. The low positioned bonnet with Audi logo adds premium touch to this car. The lower bumper extensions further enhances the appearance of this car. The car retains its wide front windshield, large chromed alloy wheels and side doors. The side air-inlets and noticeable lines add sporty character to this car. R8 also gets new LED tail lights which go well with its rear air-inlets and bumper with sharp lines. Audi has also incorporated the new car with twin circular exhaust pipes which differentiates it from the outgoing model.

Interior

Step inside the car and it surely feels like a premium sports car. It looks far more up-market than its own younger siblings. The all black color theme inside adds fresh feel to the cabin of this car. The chrome and aluminium finishing also complement the interior styling. With top quality of plastics and fabrics in R8, Audi has achieved new heights of sophistication. The leather stitched steering wheel and seats feels quite soft to touch. They provide you utmost comfort inside. It’s a two seater sports car with air-cooled seats. There is huge amount of legroom and shoulder room in this car.

Comfort and Convenience

There is a long list of comfort features in this car. The car has keyless entry, start/stop button, power windows and wing mirrors, foldable roof, adjustable seats and steering wheel and many more.

Dashboard and Storage

Audi R8 features an up-market black colored dashboard integrated with central and instrument console. The big circular dials in its instrument console offers you clear vision while its central console comes equipped with a big multimedia touch screen. The plastic buttons being placed on its central console are easy to use and feel quite soft to touch. Apart from a spacious air-cooled glove box in its dashboard, R8 features many cubbyholes inside it. The bonnet acts as the boot of this car and can easily take a full size bag.

Music System

The central console comes integrated with a fully touch screen music system and satellite navigation system. This audio system comes with power speakers as well. It allows you to connect i-phone, iPod and other musical gadgets via Aux input. Bluetooth connectivity is also a vital feature in this car. All Bluetooth and audio controls are mounted on its steering wheel.

Engine and Gearbox

The new R8 is powered by two powerful petrol engines. These engines have been carried over from the previous generation R8. The smaller V8 cylinder, 4163cc direct fuel injected engine churns out a maximum power of 425 bhp at 7900 rpm while the maximum torque output of this 32 valves engine is of 430 Nm which ranges from 4500-6000 rpm. The second petrol unit in R8 is Lamborghini sourced 5.2L V10 cylinders engine which generates a maximum power output of 517 bhp at 8000 rpm. The torque output of this engine arrives at 6500rpm. These both engines are placed in the middle and features Audi Quattro technology. Audi has now equipped this car with all new 7-speed dual clutch S-tronic automatic transmission.

Acceleration and Performance

The light weight of R8 helps this car to become a speed ripper. The car is certainly not appropriate for our crowded roads as it’s quite difficult to control the immense power of this car. The smaller unit reaches 0-100km/hr in less than 5.7 seconds and if pushed hard, it can cross the speed of 300km/hr. The 5.2L V10 engine has become even more powerful with the help of new dual clutch gearbox. The car reaches the speed of 100km/hr from standstill in less than 4.5 seconds. It can easily go pass the speed of 310km/hr.

Mileage and Safety Features

The smaller engine returns an overall fuel economy of around 7km/ltr while its 5.2L engine returns a mileage of around 6km/ltr. The car comes with many safety features like dual stage airbags at front, central locking, engine immobilizer and ESP.

Suspension and Brakes

R8 features multi-settings suspension system at its both ends which enhances your riding comfort in this car. All wheels of R8 come equipped with ventilated petal disc brakes with four piston callipers. ABS with EBD and Brake assist further helps you to stop this racing monster accurately.

Ride and Handling

R8 shares its platform with Gallardo and feels equally confident in this department. The long wheelbase of 2649mm, wide 259 section tyres and Quattro drive system makes this car incredibly stable at high speeds. The cornering abilities further improve with accurate handling and superior quality of suspension system. The electronic steering keeps you connected to roads and its positive feedback boosts your confidence at high speeds. The light handling of this car allows you to drive it easily in city traffic like any other luxury saloon which gives it a big advantage over other sports cars. The braking system ensures your safety while driving such car on our crowded Indian roads.

Shades, Variants and Warranty

Five variants of R8 are available in nine different shades. The car comes with a warranty of 2years/unlimited kilometres.

Verdict

The expensive price tag clearly defines the high class of this sports car. Usually, there is hardly any practical reason for anyone to buy any sports car but we certainly feel that it makes sense to buy R8. Despite sharing its frame and performance with Lamborghini Gallardo, it’s far cheaper than that car. It’s a perfect choice for those who look for a reputed sports car at an economical price; not economical for everyone though.