Audi R8

It’s difficult to make an impression on the affluent inhabitants of the South of France where chauffeur driven performance cars pull up outside million pound villas and huge yachts with their own gardens on board are moored alongside the quay. However the launch of Audi’s race inspired performance car brought traffic to a standstill even on a roundabout! Everyone wanted a good look at the R8, developed with knowledge gleaned from thousands of gruelling Le Mans laps. I stopped at a junction in the middle of nowhere and there was a man pointing a camera. Five minutes before he would have heard the bellowing roar of its 4.2 litre powerplant as it thundered towards him.

And after such an ear splitting announcement as it edges to a rev limit of 8,250rpm, you wouldn’t be disappointed when the sex on four wheels zoomed up beside you. It has looks to die for. In the rear view mirror what would instantly attract attention are the unique daytime running lights comprising twelve light emitting diodes. Get behind it in traffic, because that’s the only way to catch it up for a good look and you’d see very fat squat haunches and four round tailpipes.

It sits very low to the ground so it’s not the easiest of cars to get in and out of but hey who cares. Just to sit in and be seen in this beast, you’ll think you’ve gone to heaven.

The luxurious quality interior has piano black trim or chrome on a very innovative door handle which helps to open the very wide heavy doors. The steering wheel which is reach and rake and adjusts electronically has a flat bottom. The seats hug and fit perfectly and they need to hold a body secure if you drive at the peak of performance. The way to experience its power to the full is on the race track and at its launch motoring journalists were taken on the Paul Ricard Circuit by world class racing driver Allan McNish to try out the Launch Control function and Sport mode.

I found it an eye opener to read the digitally displayed speed in the driver information system display which also contains a lap timer.

With two on board, there isn’t much storage space but Audi says there is plenty of room to store two sets of golf bags behind the two front seats. Everything else goes in the 100 litre boot which sits beneath the front lid.

Behind is the rumbling throbbing powerplant which is visible through a glazed area that lights up at night. The engine will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and goes on says Audi to a top speed of 187 mph.

There is a 6 speed manual with sporty H gate or R tronic automatic transmission. I found the automatic gearbox a little jerky because of the high revving engine and much preferred the manual. However, if the new owner is going to use the R8 for everyday commuting or touring then the automatic transmission would be a good choice. Audi’s optional magnetic ride system first seen in the new TT coupe, is great for cruising. It monitors road conditions and driving style and reacts accordingly, firming or softening the suspension.

The enthusiast driver who might want to take his new highly prized possession on the track, to experience the firm suspension which feels as stretched as a taut elastic band, can do so in the safe knowledge that the four wheel drive has excellent road holding.

This muscle car likes to be handled aggressively which is why it will be bought by 95% of men. The clutch is heavy and the manual gearbox is firm and solid. Steering is very precise and with the engine positioned almost centre achieves the perfect balance.

Brakes too are superb which is a good thing as there seemed to be an interminable number of lycra clad cyclists around every corner of my road route which took me through the mountainous wine growing region of Bandol.

Sadly at £76,825, otr the Audi R8 is beyond my buying powers and for those who can afford it you’ll have to wait until 2009 because Audi has already sold its allocation for the next two years.

By Sue Cooke