Audi R8 Road Test The moment I fixed my gaze on the new Audi R8 I was gripped by pure unadulterated all-consuming want. Predatory in its design this super car is poised at the ready to leap into action and I was all too eager to issue the command. Standing a mere 1.25 metres above the road surface with a width of 1.90 metres the Audi manages to produce handling that is both balanced and sporty with particular attention being paid to achieving low lift at the front and rear axles.

A unique feature of this super car’s harmonious design is the rear spoiler which extends automatically on attaining a predetermined speed of 100km/hour and retracts to lie flush with the body when speeds fall below the 35km/hour mark.

Beneath its aerodynamically designed exoskeleton lies the 309kw 4.2 Litre V8 FSI engine. This high revving naturally aspirated engine allows for enhanced power output, higher torque, lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions, with a throaty growl that will leave neighbouring motorists bristling with envy.

The R8 has incorporated the mid-engine concept, which adapted from racing technology and working hand in glove with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive affords the Audi its feline agility with traction that is truly outstanding giving the Audi a 0 - 100kph time of 4.6 seconds.

Clarity and distinction characterise with cockpit, with a melding of Carbon Sigma, leather and high-quality aluminium, which together create a veritable sensory pleasure-pit for those fortunate enough to slip behind the wheel. Bucket seats were decidedly comfortable and managed to conceal additional storage space to enhance everyday functionality.










Driver demands are few although care is needed over speed humps and driveway inclines due to the Audi’s road-hugging ride height. Fuel consumption is heavily dependent on your ability to restrain yourself; it will either come as a pleasant surprise or threaten to bankrupt you. I managed to keep it hovering around 15 litres/100km.

Safety features abound on the R8 and fortunately none of these feats of motoring ingenuity interfere with the performance and drivability of vehicle.

An absolutely superb car with which I would be hard-pressed to find fault, except that is for the slotted gear changing which I found quite tedious. The hugely desirable Audi R8 is nothing short of a motoring masterpiece.

Engine & GearboxAccel 0-100 4.6 SecondsBore x Stroke 84.5x92.8 mmCamshaft DOHCCompression Ratio 12.5:1Cylinders 8Engine CC 4163 cm3Engine Design Longitudinal VEngine Location Mid MountedFuel per 100km 14.6 LitresFuel Supply Electronic direct injectionFuel Type PetrolGearbox ManualGears 6Max Speed 300 KphPower KW 309 KWPower Revs 8250 rpmSupercharger NoTorque NM 430 NmTorque Revs 4500 RpmTurbo NoValves per Cyl 4 FeaturesAir Con YesAlloy Wheels YesAudio YesCentral Locking YesClimate Control YesPower Steering YesSeats 2 Safety & SecurityABS YesASC YesEBD YesImmobilizer &/ Alarm YesSRS Airbags Yes




DimensionsBoot Max 100 cm3Boot Min 100 cm3Dimensions 1904/1249/4431Doors 2Front Track 1632 mmKerb Weight 1560 KgRear Track 1595 mmTank Capacity 75 LitresTyre Size 235/50/R19 / 295/50/R19Wheelbase 2650 mm Suspension & DrivetrainBrakes Front Ventilated DiscsBrakes Rear Ventilated DiscsDrive Wheels 4Front Suspension double wishbone, option magnetic rideRear Suspension double wishbone, option magnetic ride Maintenance & WarrantyMaintenance Plan 60 MonthsWarranty Period 12 Months

The CF engine bay is awesome!

And interior trim