Larger than life and even better than expected
The Basics:
Audi doesn't have the track record of Ferrari, Lamborghini or even the Corvette, but with the R8 it's rapidly building its own reputation.
The R8 is nothing less than a supercar with a pure, clear German spirit. The ballsy, blatty Corvette and the sensual, rippling Italia have met their match in the Audi's swelling fenders and roofline, in those spot-on styling parentheses down the Coupe's sides, in its nearly faultless handling. Even if the V-10 option has roots in Italy, it's a perfect fit for the R8's subtle, suave demeanor.
The R8 pleases drivers in lots of small ways, too. It's amply big inside, so tall drivers who get cramped in a Maserati will fit with ease. The controls feel light and accurate, like those on the way-back machine of all time, the Acura NSX. Fuel economy, by supercar standards, is excellent.
Whether you opt for the R8 hardtop and its engine-under-glass voyeurism, or the Spyder's sunny demeanor, you'll get incredible handling and real supercar authority. it didn't exist five years ago at Audi, and we doubt any other brand in history has gone from zero to amazing quite so fast.
Likes:
- Stunning from every angle
- The most practical supercar we know
- V-10's thrills
- Museum-quality details
- Near-faultless handling
Dislikes:
- Visibility is bad
- Tough to enter and exit
- Cargo space is minimal
