Auto Trends

Some folks are indeed calling the new Audi R8 the best sports car of the year and while there may be many who would disagree with this call, there is just no denying its 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds time (with a German engineer at the helm), or 3.9 seconds (with a Motor Trends professional driver at the controls). its 317 lb balanced torque curve that gives way to 420 bhp at a screaming 7800 rpm. Its LeManns winning heritage. Its estimated top speed of around 190 mph, or how about its mid chassis engine set-up that easily rivals the Porsche 911.

Any way you look at it, Audi has a winner on its hands, which is nice to see after the TT was such a disappointment for most. With what could be best described as a Volkswagen Beetle on a sugar high, the meager 1.8 turbo TT was no more than a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder with a K04 turbo. As we approach the new decade of Audi sports car, we can’t help to notice that they have taken the cue of so many other sports cars of today and are using engines that fit the old motto, “There is no replacement for displacement.”

The Audi R8 has a very healthy 254 cubic inch V-8 with a more complex FSI injection system. The FSI system is a beautifully designed system that includes four valves per cylinder and instead of injecting fuel into the intake ports, it injects it directly into the cylinders themselves. When done properly, this combination has been shown to translate into more torque, more horsepower, and a lower fuel consumption. Sounds like a dream come true, and in many ways… it is.

The interior of the R8 is a mixture of luxury and race car convenience. A tight six speed coupled with the traditional paddle shifter on the steering wheel offer the driver complete control of their driving experience. With all of this praise you would think that the R8 could do not wrong, but as in many dreams that we have, there is an element of nightmare somewhere in the mix.

For one, the R8 has absolutely very little room. Some would even say that there is barely enough room for the driver in many ways. Let’s just say that a diet of fast food would not be conducive to a comfortable relationship with your new Audi. Once you get yourself snuggly fit in the cockpit, forget about bringing much anything else with you. Another drawback with the compact size is the lack of visibility around the car, especially the rear, but what else could you expect from a V-8 mid engined car, besides speed & exhilaration… yup, that’s just about it!