AUDI R8 2010 : OVERVIEW

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2010 Audi R8 lineup gains a new, more-powerful model. This exotic car is an all-wheel drive, two-seat coupe with a mid-mounted engine. The entry-level 4.2 has a 420-hp 4.2-liter V8 engine. New for 2010 is the 5.2, which has a 525-hp 5.2-liter V10. Both models are available with a manual transmission or Audi’s R tronic automated manual. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, side airbags, and knee airbags. Standard features on all R8 models include leather upholstery, heated seats, and wireless cell-phone link. A hill-holder clutch, front- and rear-obstacle detection, rearview camera, navigation system, and high-end Bang and Olufsen audio system are standard on the 5.2 and optional on the 4.2.

ACCELERATION

Audi claims 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds with either transmission, and our manual test car felt at least that fast. The torquey V8 delivers forceful but drama-free takeoffs–aided by the all-wheel drive and traction control–plus ample highway passing punch. And it will loaf happily at town speeds without frequent shifting. No 5.2 or R8s with the automated manual transmission have been made available for testing.

RIDE QUALITY

Surprisingly comfortable despite an obviously firm suspension, 19-inch wheels, and wide, low-profile tires. Still, the R8 gets restless on patchy pavement and can jolt over potholes and sharp bumps, though we’ve endured worse. At least the test car showed no structural shudder or rattles.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

Prodigious dry-road grip and virtually no body lean make cornering racer-sharp. Quick, crisp steering with just-right weighting combines with ample engine power to allow precise path adjustments. However, wide tires tend to follow road grooves, and fast mid-corner bumps can cause an unwanted sidestep despite the stability control (which can be switched off). Powerful brakes erase speed quickly via firm, progressive pedal action.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

The R8 offers head-turning style, pulse-quickening performance, and superb build quality, yet is quiet and comfortable enough for daily commuting. It’s as thirsty as any high-power car, and aluminum-intensive construction makes it more costly than some rivals with equal or better speed and handling. Still, most buyers in the R8’s price class can afford a more practical second or third car, and low production–some 800 per year for the U.S.–insures the exclusivity such people expect. Overall, the R8 is an impressive supercar achievement and a great drive.