2008 AUDI R8 Test Drive

ALL NEW 2008 AUDI R8
‘STREET RACER PAR EXCELANCE’

Audi has incorporated the name and genes of its five-time Le Mans winner, the
R8 prototype race car, into a spectacular, limited production, two seat sports car that is equally at home on the street and the track. It is a fascinating driving machine and the sporty pinnacle of the Audi brand. The mid-mounted 420hp V8 FSI engine, Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with a sport mode for more aggressive driving, giant 15in. front/14in. slotted vented disc brakes, and Audi’s light and stiff aluminum Space Frame body form the basis for a truly outstanding driving experience.

It is the superb Audi styling that wets the appetite for more and that is only an appetizer on the menu after you sit back behind the steering wheel and fire up the magnificent engine.

Even at first glance, the caliber of the car is plain to see. The R8 sits wide and low on the road, with its strongly accentuated rear end appearing to flex its muscles like a sprinter ready to leave the starting block.

The characteristic proportions of the vehicle are dictated by the location of the engine behind the cockpit, where it’s also found in race cars. This central position of the engine is a boon to the driving dynamics, with a weight distribution of 44% front and 56% rear.
The perfectly sculpted body is highly compact in appearance with the front end and the gently curved roof arc drawn in a sweeping line that immediately marks the two-seater as an Audi.

The low and wide front end is characterized by the trapezoidal styling of the Audi single-frame grille, flanked on the sides by additional large-dimensional air intakes. For the first time the Audi four-ring badge is positioned on the hood, above the grille. The LED running lights, with their clear-glass covers, join flush to the tops of the air intakes.

At 75in. wide but just 174.5in.long, and 49.3 inches high, these are the proportions of a true sports car. The 104.3 inch wheelbase offers you room for the astonishing spacious cabin and the longitudinally-mounted engine behind it. Behind the doors, a large-surface ‘sideblade’ air deflector sweeps between the wheel arch and the roof section, delivering air for the V8 to breathe and to cool. The paint finish of the sideblade is contrasted with the body color, or it can be ordered to match the body color.

The rear is almost as enticing as the front fascia with large air extractor openings illustrating how the R8’s styling is dictated by aerodynamics. Two pairs of circular twin chrome plated exhaust pipes sit above the lower right and left diffusers. Uniquely designed LED brake lights, and a third brake light strip that runs across virtually the full wide of the roof, make all eyes focus on the all-new R8.

The flared fenders are stuffed with 19X9in. front, and 19X11in. alloy wheels wrapped with low-profile, ultra-high-performance tires for enhanced traction and grip.
The rear spoiler deploys automatically at 65mph, or you can push a console mounted button to raise or lower it at slower speeds. It provides additional downforce to boost the suction effect produced by the aerodynamic styling of the underbody and by the diffusers.
The cabin is pushed far forward-typical of a mid-engine sports car-and a visual cue of the R8 race car. Behind the cabin, positioned in front of the rear axle, is the V8 FSI engine, a sculpted piece of engineering visible both through the large, shield-shaped rear window and from the inside.

The sporty and luxurious cabin is dominated by a driver-oriented cockpit architecture called ‘Monoposto’ that positions you between the dashboard and the high center console. The instrument cluster above the console is angled slightly towards you and features a large 220mph speedometer, 9,000rpm tachometer, surrounded by smaller oil pressure, volts, engine coolant temperature and fuel gauges. The leather wrapped steering wheel is flat-bottomed that is typical of Audi’s sportiest models, and it also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit. With a tilt and telescoping column you get the perfect reach and angle for precise steering. You have a choice between the standard, smooth shifting 6-speed manual with a terrific shift gate, and the R-tronic 6-speed sequential automatic with paddle shifters. Either one is fun and easy to use and helps blast the R8 to 60mph from a standstill in just 4.4sec., and a top speed of 187mph.

At high speeds on the straights or during hard cornering, you’ll really appreciate the custom, leather sport bucket seats that are deeply cut to keep you firmly in place as you pilot the R8.

The styling and placement of all dials, switches and levers are perfect in this driving machine mimic of the R8 race car. They are all focused on the essentials that make the driver the center point. There is plenty of room for two with comfort levels well beyond the norm of ultra-high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment up front has a capacity of 3.5cu.ft.

Standard equipment includes heated, 10-way powered bucket seats, aluminum pedals, dials, automatic climate control, power express windows and door locks, aluminum fuel filler door, Driver Information system with on-board computer, ABS brakes, electronic stability program, a 7-speaker, 140-watt sound system, SIRIUS satellite radio, Bi-Xenon headlamps, power-remote side mirrors, electronic cruise control and remote keyless entry.

Options include Audi Parking Assist with TV camera, self-dimming rearview mirror, Audi Navigation System, and a 6-CD changer.

Audi has taken what it has learned on the track with the championship winning R8 and successfully transferred that experience to the street with superb styling and an ultra-high-performing machine under the skin that doesn’t lack for any interior comforts or amenities.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ