R8: An Engineering JewelAudi’s first true sportscar is an engineering jewel--and it owes some inspiration, if not mechanical pieces, to the Gallardo. Audi is in charge of Lamborghini these days in the VW empire, and the R8 shares a lot of the Gallardo’s attitude, from its mid-engine layout to its snug cockpit.
But they’re only remotely related. While the Gallardo gets a massive 530-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-10 and a $240,000 pricetag, the R8 makes do with only eight cylinders and “only” 420 horsepower, and a sticker of $109,000. Quelle bargain! (If you’re comparing to the 911, it makes about 355 horsepower in non-turbo versions.)
Pity, no? Don’t worry about the R8. With the 4.2-liter V-8, a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automated transmissions, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, the Audi R8 will blast alongside the Porsche 911 without a problem--at a price of less than half its Italian brother.
The other killer applications in the Audi R8 portfolio will make you veer away from the Porsche 911, too. There’s standard all-wheel drive, which gives it secure and stable handling. Audi also fits an optional magnetic ride control on the suspension, which softens up the R8 just a bit for city driving. Don’t think limousine, think unbruised kidneys--the R8’s a stiff ride no matter how much you prepare for it. The variable-rate steering responds with neural precision, as if your brain ran the steering pump. And huge wheels, tires and brakes gives it the grip of a champion wrestler (and now that we think about it, some of the bulges, too).
The R8 also comes with fancy-schmancy things aplenty like those you’d find on a Porsche 911, like LED running lights, automatic climate control, heated power seats, and a navigation system coupled with a media-center controller and Sirius satellite radio--all standard features.
If you ever decide to turn down the engine note, and turn up the music, do us a favor. Turn over the keys and back away from the vehicle, ma’am. We’re already a little heartsick for more seat time.
We don’t need a big Powerball win either--the Audi R8 is no Lamborghini Gallardo in terms of price, but it’s damn close to being one on the road.
2008 Audi R8: The Competition
Porsche 911: Comes in normally aspirated and Turbo versions. The Audi R8 fits between the Porsche models, and is substantially more expensive than the base 911.
Lamborghini Gallardo: Far more expensive than the R8, the Lambo Gallardo isn't much faster than the R8 and costs more than twice as much.
