The new R8 with its 5.2-litre V10 engine is just plain radical. Not only does the R8’s monster, naturally aspirated engine attain the Holy Grail of more than 100 horsepower per litre of engine displacement, it only has to motivate 3.1 kilograms of automobile for each of the stallions it develops. It is a wickedly fast automobile.
The V10 is a work of art, delivering 525 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, 80 per cent of which is ready to run at 1,000 rpm. The engine also uses dry sump lubrication, which prevents the precious internal components from starving for oil when the car is pulling its mind-numbing maximum lateral 1.2 g force.
Power is fired to the road through a six-speed manual transmission or Audi’s optional R tronic box. The manual’s gate is easy to live with and the clutch pedal action is pleasantly light. The sequential R tronic has paddle shifters and accomplishes what’s needed.
From the transmission the power reaches the massive P235/35R19 front and P295/30R19 rear tires through Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. In this case, the system sends 85 per cent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, which imparts a rear-drive feel to the road-ready race car.
When it comes to handling, the R8 is nothing short of amazing. The two-mode system (comfort and sport) delivers the right amount of damping. When loafing along, the ride comfort is commendable. Yes, it is firm, but it does not rattle your fillings loose. Drop the hammer and the lot firms up to banish body roll. Factor in the razor-sharp steering and a massive set of brakes (optional ceramics on the test car) and the R8 can be driven into a corner at alarming speeds without fear of fade.
When not thrashing around a race track, the R8 V10 does an impeccable impersonation of a full-on luxury car. The wingback seats are wrapped in buttery-soft Nappa leather, there’s a full-on navigation system, power everything and a delightful 425-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers.
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