High on the steroids with the booming horsepower and very low quarter-mile times are enormous and all, but in an era when speed comes less pricey than ever, any manufacturer that predicts to launch a successful 6-figure sports car out of the blue had better bring impressively unique to the table. The mid-engine 2008 Audi R8 could be just the right thing for any manufacturer.
Certain design features of the R8 might convey to mind a Porsche, a Corvette or the late released Acura NSX, but because the R8 carries a punchier 4.2-liter V8 in its mid rib, It sends reaping out 420 hp to all 4 wheels, It offers 2 transmissions and hugs it all in an aluminum space frame enclosing, this Audi clearly has its own thoughts and is definitely attitude loaded. The only car coming closer to that depiction wears the badge Lamborghini Gallardo no surprise, as that mid-engine is exotic and provides the indispensable blueprints for this one. Audi’s $70 grand lower price tag takes care that the competition will be minimal.
Yet the R8 is indisputably fast. 60 miles per hour comes up right in mere 4.4 seconds, a quoted top end speed of 187 mph arrives never anytime later, and tire grip approaches a full grip all par for this highly potent ripper of a performance class car. Among the larger differences: the R8 lets its driver take advantage of that speed through a 6-speed manual or “R-tronic” transmission (Audi’s newest take on the clutch-less manual); Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive leaves the hard driving with an extra loaded degree of shoot of confidence; and perhaps above all, the R8 packs together Audi’s accustomed concessions to comfort rather than mere raw performance. Consider its advanced, ride-friendly electromagnetic shock absorbers, for instance.
