Using Audi's trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the Audi R8 was first introduced to the world in 2006. The car was exclusively designed and developed by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company - quattro GmbH - and is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform.
It was only two years later when the R8 V10 was unveiled, using a bigger and more powerful 5.2-litre FSI engine that's similar to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Naturally, like most sports cars, the topless version - dubbed the Spyder - was formally revealed a year later at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Now, it's a mid-life refresh for the car, with a few upgrades that separate itself from the usual batch of R8s. The R8 V10 Plus, as Audi calls it, maintains the fundamentals of the hand-built machine - a two-seater supercar with a high-revving petrol engine.
Exterior
At a glance, the R8 V10 Plus looks identical to the any other R8 since its inception. The signature side blades, front spoiler, and rear diffuser are made from carbon fibre and so is the aggressive rear diffuser.
It was only two years later when the R8 V10 was unveiled, using a bigger and more powerful 5.2-litre FSI engine that's similar to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Naturally, like most sports cars, the topless version - dubbed the Spyder - was formally revealed a year later at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Now, it's a mid-life refresh for the car, with a few upgrades that separate itself from the usual batch of R8s. The R8 V10 Plus, as Audi calls it, maintains the fundamentals of the hand-built machine - a two-seater supercar with a high-revving petrol engine.
Exterior
At a glance, the R8 V10 Plus looks identical to the any other R8 since its inception. The signature side blades, front spoiler, and rear diffuser are made from carbon fibre and so is the aggressive rear diffuser.
The nose of the R8 has been facelifted with LED headlamps and the gills underneath have been restyled but it looks no different from the original car. And this is where we're on the fence. The R8 doesn't look bad, but it doesn't look great either. In our book, it's not a bedroom poster material. Then again, the iconic NSX was unconventionally styled too.
For those who like a bit of drama, there are the movable rear spoiler and wing mirrors that are cloaked in carbon fibre as well. But the party trick surely has to be the LED turn signal indicators - they don't flash but instead 'flow' outwards. It’s kind of geeky yet cool in a very subtle way.
For those who like a bit of drama, there are the movable rear spoiler and wing mirrors that are cloaked in carbon fibre as well. But the party trick surely has to be the LED turn signal indicators - they don't flash but instead 'flow' outwards. It’s kind of geeky yet cool in a very subtle way.
Interior
Little has changed. The interior is as business-like as ever. More function than form - combined with the tectonic build quality that Audi is known for. It's like the simple black t-shirt that the model is wearing from Hugo Boss. It's unassuming yet oozes style and quality.
From the flat bottom steering wheel that isn't too boy racer to the lovely metal shift levers - fit and finish is top notch. The instrumentation is bold and legible and the driving position is close to perfect. The seats, although aren't fancy-looking, are capable of holding one snugly while still able to accommodate more 'prosperous' towkays.
Little has changed. The interior is as business-like as ever. More function than form - combined with the tectonic build quality that Audi is known for. It's like the simple black t-shirt that the model is wearing from Hugo Boss. It's unassuming yet oozes style and quality.
From the flat bottom steering wheel that isn't too boy racer to the lovely metal shift levers - fit and finish is top notch. The instrumentation is bold and legible and the driving position is close to perfect. The seats, although aren't fancy-looking, are capable of holding one snugly while still able to accommodate more 'prosperous' towkays.
The Drive
Tweaks have been done to produce an additional 25bhp, making it 550bhp from the 5.2-litre V10 in the R8 V10 Plus. Not that one can feel the difference unless you're having a traffic light drag race with a 458 Italia.
The engine revs sweetly and with vigour to its 8,500rpm redline - producing the kind of noise your neighbours grumble about but secretly wish they had the chance to make with their cars. The century sprint is despatch is 3.5 seconds. Achieving that is a cinch, thanks to the all new S-tronic gearbox.
Tweaks have been done to produce an additional 25bhp, making it 550bhp from the 5.2-litre V10 in the R8 V10 Plus. Not that one can feel the difference unless you're having a traffic light drag race with a 458 Italia.
The engine revs sweetly and with vigour to its 8,500rpm redline - producing the kind of noise your neighbours grumble about but secretly wish they had the chance to make with their cars. The century sprint is despatch is 3.5 seconds. Achieving that is a cinch, thanks to the all new S-tronic gearbox.
Replacing the cumbersome automated manual, the all new seven-speed double-clutch transmission is as smooth as any automatic when tooling around town yet it shifts with authority when pressing on.
There's a sport mode that can be activated via a button behind the gear lever. Doing so totally transforms the car. The bypass valves in the exhaust system open, gears are held longer before shifting and the magnetic ride suspension - already firmer than regular V10 R8 - gets even firmer. Think Bruce Banner changing to The Hulk and you'll get the drift.
Talking about drift, with quattro four-wheel drive, there's little chance of that happening even when one is trying to provoke the tail out with the traction control switched off.
There's a sport mode that can be activated via a button behind the gear lever. Doing so totally transforms the car. The bypass valves in the exhaust system open, gears are held longer before shifting and the magnetic ride suspension - already firmer than regular V10 R8 - gets even firmer. Think Bruce Banner changing to The Hulk and you'll get the drift.
Talking about drift, with quattro four-wheel drive, there's little chance of that happening even when one is trying to provoke the tail out with the traction control switched off.
Steering feel is excellent and the car feels eager to change direction. Braking too is excellent thanks to the standard fit, large pizza sized ceramic brake discs. These are 12kg lighter than comparable steel items and help the R8 V10 Plus achieve a commendable kerb weight of 1,595kg.
Conclusion
The R8 V10 was already one of the more practical 'supercars' around. With four-wheel drive, and that powerful V10, it was easy to drive fast but the gearbox constantly prevented you from totally immersing yourself in the drive.
This Plus version with S-tronic endows the R8 with daily, usable supercar levels of performance without fuss. And that is worth lusting for…
Conclusion
The R8 V10 was already one of the more practical 'supercars' around. With four-wheel drive, and that powerful V10, it was easy to drive fast but the gearbox constantly prevented you from totally immersing yourself in the drive.
This Plus version with S-tronic endows the R8 with daily, usable supercar levels of performance without fuss. And that is worth lusting for…
