The Audi R8 is equipped with a 4.2 L V8 developing 414 bhp (309 kW), the same engine seen in the Audi RS4. Pricing for the 414 bhp (309 kW) model starts from €104,400(€160,000 in Ireland) or £77,000. The base price in the US is $109,000 for the 6-speed manual. An R-Tronic equipped R8 will be priced at $118,000. The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension utilizes magneto rheological
front and wider 295/50/R19 at the rear.High horsepower and low quarter-mile times are great and all, but in an era when speed comes cheaper than ever, any manufacturer that expects to launch a successful six-figure sports car out of the blue had better bring something unique toThe Audi R8 is equipped with a 4.2 L V8 developing 414 bhp (309 kW), the same engine seen in the Audi RS4. Pricing for the 414 bhp (309 kW) model starts from €104,400(€160,000 in dampers.As Audi AG owns Lamborghini, 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis. The R8 is made further distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine and pricing.The European Audi R8 will also be the first production vehicle to feature all-LED headlights.The Audi R8 also features an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The 1,560kg Audi Space Frame aluminium-body Audi R8 is a mid-engined, all-wheel drive coupe, powered
by a 4.2 liter V8 producing 420PS at 7,800rpm, revving all the way up to a 8,250rpm redline. Torque peaks at 430Nm constant between 4,500rpm and 6,000rpm. The all-wheel drive system is of course Audi’s acclaimed quattro system, and the car has a pretty good weight balance of 44:56, not a perfect 50:50 but close. Wheels are either 5-spoke or 6-spoke 19 inch wheels fitted with 235/50/R19 tyres at Ireland) or £77,000. The base price in the US is $109,000 for the 6-speed manual. An R-Tronic equipped R8 will be priced at $118,000. The R8 has a dry weight of 1560 kg (3439 lb). Its suspension utilizes magneto rheological dampers.As Audi AG owns Lamborghini, 15% of the R8 is shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo, including the transmission and chassis. The R8 is made further distinct by its exterior styling, cabin, engine and pricing.The European Audi R8 will also be the first production vehicle to feature all-LED headlights.The Audi R8 also features an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The 1,560kg Audi Space Frame aluminium-body Audi R8 is a mid-engined, all-wheel drive coupe, powered
by a 4.2 liter V8 producing 420PS at 7,800rpm, revving all the way up to a 8,250rpm redline. Torque peaks at 430Nm constant between 4,500rpm and 6,000rpm. The all-wheel drive system is of course Audi’s acclaimed quattro system, and the car has a pretty good weight balance of 44:56, not a perfect 50:50 but close. Wheels are either 5-spoke or 6-spoke 19 inch wheels fitted with 235/50/R19 tyres at the table. The midengine 2008 Audi R8 could be just the thing.When one looks at what Audi has done with its R8 and the focus on performance and everyday comfort, it's pretty obvious that the intended target is Porsche's 911. Impressively, the 2008 Audi R8 stands tall in just about every possible measure, and it's more controllable at the limit than the rear-engined Porsche. However, pricing is such that the R8 competes against some true exotics, such as the 911 Turbo, the Aston Martin V8 and the new Maserati GranTurismo. Among this group, the R8's
the R8 stands as the obvious choice.The R8’s width and height don’t do practicality or ease of use any favours. And its packaging will force compromises; the nose boot totals only 100 litres, and although Audi claims that two golf bags can fit behind the seats, inserting them would block off what little rear visibility there is. drawbacks include less steering feel and a lack of possible customization through the factory. Still, to those who prefer the "middle ground" of driving sports cars, appreciate all-wheel drive and have an eye for Audi's innovative interiors, However, both occupants have plenty of space, and get to enjoy a really special cockpit. We’re not convinced by the curved centre console, nor seats that are a touch high. But in every other regard, the R8 is stunning. There’s no faulting the seats, material quality and assembly, flat-bottomed steering wheel, the dash layout, or the fact that it simply makes you feel so special. It’s a shame it isn’t better-equipped, though. Audi seems to be adopting Porsche’s policy of charging extra for everything; not even cruise control is standard, when it is on an A3 SE hatch. This will only push up the list price, which will make
running costs of nearly £2 per mile even higher. Needless to say, the R8 is thirsty as well, averaging 18mpg in our hands; but at least it has a large fuel tank, giving the fuel range a boost. Then there’s the small matter of the waiting list – which stretches for years!On the open road, the R8 is a serene machine. Despite low gearing, road and engine noise levels are subdued enough for the daily drudge. My tester was afflicted with a few squeaks and rattles; an indication of early build problems or journalists’ ability to abuse Audi’s horsepitality. Anyway, over any road surface, the R8’s ride quality is superb, even without the optional 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system.When pressing on, the R8's exhaust note morphs from metallic rasp to barrel chested roar to banshee wail. The endless mechanical aria is a welcome alternative to the standard-issue sound system, which is no better than an A4’s ICE. And while we’re here, the
R8’s armrests are poorly positioned for long term comfort and the cupholders are useless.Specification:
Type : mid-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe
Price : $110,000
Engine Type : DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 254 cu in, 4163cc
Power : 420 bhp @ 7800 rpm
Torque : 317 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Transmissions : 6-speed manual, 6-speed manual with automated shifting and clutch
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 174.4 in
Width: 74.8 in
Height: 49.2 in
Curb weight: 3450 lb
0 to 62 mph: 4.6 sec
Top speed : 185 mph
