The Audi R8 does what you expect from a high-performance sports car: it goes like Meat Loaf's second album title, changes direction like a K Street spin wizard and stops as well as it stops traffic and draws admiring stares. And it does so with daily livability, turn-key reliability, and perhaps in your style more than any other. You could drive it to the office in the rain, go parts shopping, then do a few laps at your favorite track all in one day, changing nothing more than the radio station or iPod track.
G.R. Whale filed this NewCarTestDrive.com report after his test drives of R8 Spyder and coupe models with V8s and V10s in Southern California.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Audi R8 Coupe 4.2 ($114,200); Spyder 4.2 ($127,700); Coupe 5.2 ($147,500); Spyder 5.2 ($161,000)
leather 10-way power, heated sport seats, climate control, tilt-telescoping flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius stereo, HomeLink, Bluetooth, cruise control, trip computer, bi-xenon headlamps, magnetorheological shocks, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, 465-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, navigation and rearview camera
Options as tested (MSRP):
none
Destination charge:
($1275)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$162,275
Layout:
all-wheel drive
Engine:
5.2-liter dohc 40-valve V10
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
525 @ 8000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
391 @ 6500
Transmission:
6-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
12/19 mpg
Wheelbase:
104.3 in.
Length/width/height:
174.6/75.0/49.0 in.
Track, f/r:
64.5/62.8 in.
Turning circle:
38.7 ft.
Seating capacity:
2
Head/hip/leg room, f:
37.7/NA/NA in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
N/A
Cargo volume:
3.5 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
N/A
Suspension, f:
independent, coil springs, antiroll bar
Suspension, r:
independent, coil springs, antiroll bar
Ground clearance:
N/A
Curb weight:
3950 lbs.
Tires:
235/35YR19 front, 295/30YR19 rear, Pirelli P Zero
Brakes, f/r:
vented drilled disc/vented drilled disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
23.8 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of October 10, 2010.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-367-2834 -
www.audiusa.com
