Overview

The R8 is Audi’s flagship performance car. This version has been around since 2015 and during that time it’s earned itself a reputation as the bonkers fast supercar you can actually live with day-to-day.

At low rpm it feels like any other Audi to use. It’s simple to drive, easy to park, and reliable too. It’s even reasonably economical on a long run. Well, for a 5.2-litre V10.

The Audi comes up against some major machinery in this serious money bracket. First up is the Porsche 911, another crazy speedy car that’s easy to live with day-to-day. Then there’s the Mercedes-AMG GT, Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin Vantage.

It’s about time we got to some figures. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) models pump out 570hp and achieve a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.7 seconds. Four-wheel drive (4WD) models (quattro in Audi speak) receive a 50hp power hike which brings the 0-62mph sprint time down to 3.1seconds.

In terms of trim levels, Audi keeps things simple. Both RWD and 4WD models come in standard and Edition spec, the latter costing more and coming with more bits.

You can read more about the driving in the engine section, but rest assured that the R8 feels as fast as the figures suggest. It’s really rapid and has an engine and exhaust note to die for. You’ll not grow tired of the deep rumble from the engine that transitions into a high wail as you explore the upper extremes of the rev range.

For a supercar it has reasonable storage space, but remember that means it’s hugely impractical compared with most other cars. There’s a small front boot, seating for two and a couple of cup holders, and not much else.

Over the next five pages we’ll be reviewing the Audi R8 in detail. You’ll find out what it’s like to drive, how comfortable it is and how practical it is, as well as whether we’d recommend buying one.