The Audi R8 Can Do It All

"Torque Affair" (torqueaffair)
12/07/2014 at 13:01 • Filed to: AUDI R8

Here is a car you don't see out on the road every day.

The first time I encountered an Audi R8 up close was at a local track in San Marcos, Texas. I rode along with the R8's owner who frequently comes here to not only race his R8 but also Miatas. He's quite good. Anyway, I digress.

The R8 experience on the track was exactly what you would expect out of a car like this.

The Audi mastered the track with such ease. With AWD, no turn was all that tricky and it had enough power and torque to carry the car around turns and accelerate down the straightaways. Don't take my word for it! See for yourself in this video.

The gated shifter for the manual version of the Audi R8 is too fantastic for words. The clanking of the shifter against the metal shift gate is something that makes the race track experience even better. Again, don't take my word for it. ..watch the video!

When the R8 was being pushed at the track, the 4.2L V8 sounded great. However, there is still a little too much insulation that muffles the sound of the exhaust. The R8 sounds a lot better from outside the car. That's the downside - it's just too quiet . I'm sure that can be fixed with an exhaust upgrade that may cost as much as the roof of your house.

The luxury and refinement in the R8 overpowers any animal-like quality the car might have that conceal its superior track capabilities.

The benefit of all this sophistication is that driving around in it is very comfortable. The interior is quite fancy.

Audi typically makes cars that look so plain and ordinary that you can hardly tell one apart from another because they tend to blend in together. You wouldn't expect Audi to come out with the R8 which is so staggering in the way it looks and different from anything in its lineup. The car draws attention like no other.

Sitting at a stoplight some guy yelled out.. " Hey, how fast is this car?? "

That was a tough question to answer in the few seconds that we were at the light. What do you say?

"Faster than some cars, not as fast as others?"

Aside from possessing all kinds of track prowess, this is a vehicle that you could easily turn into a daily driver and take road trips in - although you probably wouldn't want to considering how much the R8 costs. Not to mention the fact that everyone would be staring at you the whole time. Would you really want to drive this thing if you have the flu and all you want to do is go to Walgreens to pick up some drugs?

Audi even put in lights in the engine bay to highlight the beauty that is calmly resting behind the driver and passenger. Now that's an awesome idea - it looks terrific.

The Audi R8 is truly a magnificent blend of many things - a supercar, a track monster, a luxury cruiser, a head-turner, a very expensive purchase...etc.

In fact, this is such a great car that a 10-month old is already itching to drive it.

He took me for a spin around town.

In case you're wondering, the one at the track was a different R8 than this particular one. Experiencing them both made me realize that the R8 can not only provide you a thrilling experience at the track but also comfortably take you from Austin to Houston while listening to the "Serial" podcast.

Here are some quick clips of driving around in the "other" R8 at night. Like I mentioned before, the exhaust sounds much better outside the car.

Come to think of it - if I ever end up owning an R8, I would drive it every day..even if I have the flu.

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DISCUSSION (100)

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 13:09

I drove one and it is a great car. It didn't feel as nimble as I was hoping but such an easy car to drive fast. I've driven a DB9 in the past and the R8 felt much more comfortable and stable. Despite the sports/supercar looks the R8 is actually a very good GT car in my eyes.

Tom McParland > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 13:21

Kinja'd!!!

GATED SHIFTER!

Torque Affair > Tom McParland
12/07/2014 at 13:50

YES!

Torque Affair > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
12/07/2014 at 13:50

Definitely!

E92M3 > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 14:01

I know I'm the minority but I DO see at least one a day around here.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 14:03

That's the nice thing about the R8. It's still every bit a supercar, but because of the comfort, relative reliability, economy, and unpretentious badge it can be used every day. Even in a place like Omaha, where no one drives a Lamborghini even though tons of people could afford to (it's an image thing) there are quite a few people who DD R8's, because it's a less flashy Gallardo.

Torque Affair > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
12/07/2014 at 14:05

Yep, great point.

Torque Affair > E92M3
12/07/2014 at 14:05

Whoa, that's crazy. What city are you in?

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 14:23

Here is a car you don't see out on the road every day.

Actually, I do see one every day. There's a foreign student at my university with a dark grey one. It's absolutely stunning, but unfortunately doesn't have the gated shifter. I've actually met the owner once or twice. He seems like a nice kid. Way more level headed and normal than most of the absurdly wealthy foreign national students I know.

Would you really want to drive this thing if you have the flu and all you want to do is go to Walgreens to pick up some drugs?

Yes. Definitely. But my closest CVS is less than half a mile away so honestly driving anything wouldn't be bothersome. I drove my 2002 to CVS when I had pneumonia last winter, which sucked but only because doing anything with pneumonia sucks. That drive was actually the closest thing to fun I had during that week and a half.

As for that light in the engine bay, I have a strong urge to make it red. Yeah, I played Need For Speed Underground growing up... How did you know? Ahaha

Great write up, by the way! I absolutely love these cars. I got to drive one once for about half an hour and really enjoyed it. Much more civilized than my uncle's F430, but still a lot of fun and retains the feeling of being a proper supercar.

PS9 > Tom McParland
12/07/2014 at 14:30

Really sucks that Audi is killing the manual for this car soon.

Torque Affair > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O)
12/07/2014 at 15:07

Thanks for the compliment!

Hah! you're right. When you're sick, anything to get your mind off of your sickness might help.

jkm7680 > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 17:46

Great color also, not a very common combo either way.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 17:47

This is so true! The Audi R8 can also be a great alligator.

Kinja'd!!!

Treemendous > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 17:55

Timeless design. It looked futuristic in 2007 and it still looks completely modern now. I'd rather have a 997, but I have nothing but love and admiration for the R8.

Dick in a Lox > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 17:58

Come to LA. You will see plenty of Persians and Americans cutting you off in an R8 they can barely control.

Torque Affair > Treemendous
12/07/2014 at 18:00

Totally agree with you.

Axial > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:00

Sitting at a stoplight some guy yelled out.. " Hey, how fast is this car?? "

That was a tough question to answer in the few seconds that we were at the light. What do you say?

"She'll make point five past legal peed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've made a lot of special modifications myself."

Torque Affair > Doctor-G-and-the-wagen
12/07/2014 at 18:00

lol. That's too bad.

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:06

Kinja'd!!!

I am confused. What's going on here?

SirUno > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:07

"Here is a car you don't see out on the road every day."

California: actually, yes it is.

Iwaswonderofwonders > Tom McParland
12/07/2014 at 18:10

Calm down.

Put a cool towel on your head, relax and wait for it to depreciate.

CarMax will have one soon enough.

Kinja'd Again > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:11

The V8 is cool and all, but once you try the V10 you know you've been missing out on A LOT.

Torque Affair > saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars
12/07/2014 at 18:11

What do you mean?

Torque Affair > Kinja'd Again
12/07/2014 at 18:12

Yes, a V10 would be pretty cool.

Torque Affair > Axial
12/07/2014 at 18:12

Hah, I take it you own one?

FlatSixSam > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:17

There will be no more gated shifter come the next R8 iteration; what a travesty.

MentalJuggernaut > E92M3
12/07/2014 at 18:17

i see two a day.

My neighbors both own one lol

Torque Affair > FlatSixSam
12/07/2014 at 18:17

Oh man...that's no good

willmederski > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:19

when exhaust / engine sounds can be heard in a video, there is no need for music in a video.

actually, i'll just go ahead and request that people stop dubbing in whatever beats are keeping them up at 2am while they are doing video editing...

otherwise fun little piece. i've always loved the R8 for it's subtly. it's not really a car that gets immediate reactions from people. it's more a slow-burn: "Wait. Whoa. What is that thing...?"

Torque Affair > willmederski
12/07/2014 at 18:21

You know..I made that video a while back. At the time I thought I liked putting in music. But these days not so much. So I get what you're saying. Thanks for the feedback.

High Road > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:21

Aftermarket exhaust would be a must, although installation is major surgery

Kinja'd!!!

Here's what it sounds like:

https://t.co/Ee8Ez94jXK

Torque Affair > High Road
12/07/2014 at 18:27

oh yea, that seems like a pain

red014 > saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars
12/07/2014 at 18:35

Added heat dissipation, weight reduction. Usually seen on motorcycles. Not sure it adds much to cars, given the fact that it reduces braking contact area. I'm sure Audi wouldn't do it if it hurt though.

PttyBlue43 > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:41

I see one every couple of days...

anon-sxmcyecofnu1eocpqsk9iq > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:43

BMW profile pic.

Wampa > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:43

That is a car I see almost every day.

Dy-no-mite Jay > High Road
12/07/2014 at 18:50

That surgery is nuts!

ramajastang > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:50

I agree that the R8 is a good car. Please buy me one.

Jon-o > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:51

The AWD makes them pretty popular in Torontos financial district even on rainy days for daily drivers too. They are nice but you can sure hear the difference between the V8 and the V10's and can tell who dropped the most cash. Its a nice change from the sea of 911's of all models and years I still always take a look when one cruises by.

shirosake > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 18:53

Im another chime in for seeing these relatively regularly - even driving in the snow!

ssonsk > Iwaswonderofwonders
12/07/2014 at 18:58

Carmax sells exotic vehicles like these at wholesale auctions (must have dealer's license to purchase).

Iwaswonderofwonders > ssonsk
12/07/2014 at 19:01

Did not know that (or that CarMax does auctions). Very interesting.

Edit: learned something today

http://www.carmaxauctions.com/

G/O Sucks > Iwaswonderofwonders
12/07/2014 at 19:01

Nah, the problem with these is that they aren't depreciating much:

Some cars are a little too well-known as being a little too good to pass up.

lonestranger > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:02

In fact, this is such a great car that a 10-month old is already itching to drive it.

He took me for a spin around town.

The 10-month old did?

Spanielmander > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:11

I'm digging the body colored side duct panel (whatever you'd call it). Makes the car look more subtle.

factsonly1 > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:13

This blog didnt make it apparent until the very end that theres really no point to the story. Good job.

ssonsk > G/O Sucks
12/07/2014 at 19:14

I wonder if the fact that it had a manual option is helping it hold in price. We're possibly at the end of an era.

ssonsk > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:15

What are some other super cars you would consider everyday worthy?

Audistein > E92M3
12/07/2014 at 19:16

Yup. Less common then 911s or Conti GTs but not rare.

James Cannon > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:19

See a few almost everyday, not worth the price IMO

Audistein > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:19

In my experience in any costal city or suburb (NYC, SF, LA, BOS) you will see these every day. I can't speak for the center of the country but I would assume they're very popular in Texas too. They're not really that much more expensive than a 911 and frankly only slightly more rare than the more expensive Bentley Continental GT.

Neighbor two doors down had one but replaced it with a (bright red) GT3.

G/O Sucks > ssonsk
12/07/2014 at 19:23

Probably not. Most people opt for autos nowadays across the board and manuals are typically hard to sell. We jalops are not like most buyers, even those buyers of sports/GT cars.

A day is soon-coming when non-manual-driving Millenials and their successors will pass up some of the great cars of history *because* they are manuals.

RiseVbove > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:27

The R8 V8 is no sportscar let alone supercar.

Earnest Borgwarner > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:31

I do see these quite often in the PDX, including one that has a ROOF RACK....which, in my opinion is like one of the coolest and totally Jalop things ever.

Whatabouteggs > Tom McParland
12/07/2014 at 19:38

The R8 and the Gallardo were the last cars to have a gated shifter option. Now I don't think either offers it. As boring as the R8 seems to me (I called it the honda element of supercars when it came out), it would easily be the best supercar to live with on a day to day basis. It won't kill you, manual option, audi toys/options, and it doesn't even look crazy enough to cause random people to approach you.

ssonsk > G/O Sucks
12/07/2014 at 19:44

This is true. That's one of the reasons most M3s you see for sale are SMG/DCT. So what do you feel is the reason these aren't plummeting in price?

The World of Vee > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:47

star wars reference

punksmurph > E92M3
12/07/2014 at 19:48

I see them all the time, I commute to work and there are a couple that are regular commuter cars. At some point I may get one when they are cheap enough.

Torque Affair > Jon-o
12/07/2014 at 19:52

Yeah, I really need to experience the V10.

Torque Affair > Earnest Borgwarner
12/07/2014 at 19:52

That's awesome - never seen one with a roof rack.

Torque Affair > The World of Vee
12/07/2014 at 19:53

Ah, missed that one completely...obviously.

lmacnit > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 19:56

Nice video, but really annoying music. Why not let the engine speak?

Rand0nS > PS9
12/07/2014 at 19:57

Sucks as in awesome.

Torque Affair > Audistein
12/07/2014 at 19:57

That makes sense. From a lot of the commenters, it appears as though they're common but probably in the cities you mentioned. In Austin at least, I come across McLarens more often than I do R8s!

Torque Affair > lmacnit
12/07/2014 at 20:00

Yeah someone else made that comment - I should've left the music out. I created the video a while back and made the mistake of adding the music. Even when I play it now I wish I hadn't added the music. Oh well.

Torque Affair > Spanielmander
12/07/2014 at 20:02

Yeah, I really love the color and like you said the fact that it matches the rest of the body.

Torque Affair > lonestranger
12/07/2014 at 20:02

Haha, obviously I was just joking.

Torque Affair > ssonsk
12/07/2014 at 20:04

That's a great question! I really liked this Vantage S...actually drove this one too.

Torque Affair > shirosake
12/07/2014 at 20:05

Yes, it's clear to me now that these are apparently common in certain cities! I completely understand why...

JGutz164 > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:05

So hypothetically, you could also do all these things with a Gallardo?

Torque Affair > ramajastang
12/07/2014 at 20:06

Absolutely! I'll wire you the funds :)

FfsBurnerHowShallIRemember > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:07

well if you have 38000 € left: http://www.hgp-turbo.de/audi-r8-bi-tur…

631ps biturbo + it fits german tüv. which could mean way more power for usa...

making a r8 v8 a really great buy -> (around 45000€ in germany +38000€ tuning -> 83000€ with around 30000km on the clock. still a lot money but not too much if you ask me)

I for myself will stay with my mercedes slk 300 (r171) Edition 10 and hope it will serve me in the next years as great as in the past five, btw if you get the chance to drive a 300 with the sport suspension do yourself a favor and do it and if you are racetrack happy, start the diagnosis mode and have way more fun)

Earnest Borgwarner > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:08

What's funny is seemingly every time I see that car (usually around SE Hawthorne) I chuckle out loud, literally, and then have this urge to go high five the driver. Hey, R8 with the roof rack dude, high five to you buddy. You deserve one.

Stephen > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:13

Kinja'd!!!

..I saw one today.

Triborough > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:17

I have seen them in NYC on more than one occasion including one parked on the street in Fort Greene.

eliasmoose > Tom McParland
12/07/2014 at 20:18

I literally just sat in a parking lot shifting gears to hear the "clink, clink, clink, clink" when the shifter connects to the gate. Music.

theOppositeofSlow > Tom McParland
12/07/2014 at 20:22

Hearing the sound of the shifter hitting the gate gave me goosebumps

ramajastang > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:23

Awesome! I need them sent to the following account number in the Bahamas. 011369543786471

Shiftright > Whatabouteggs
12/07/2014 at 20:29

Boring how??!!

Captain_Spadaro > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:32

But can it see why kids love Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

slippedclutch > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:41

It's a truly amazing car. I spent a weekend with one, and the constant thumbs-up from people at intersections, guys in 911's, and even a police officer at a speed trap near New Hope PA, made me feel like I was in a car way more substantial than a $130k sports car powered by the same V8 found in a 2007 RS4 that costs "only" $70k. Then there was the geometry of the engine being behind your head and your butt being six inches from the ground that really amplifies the entire experience. If I were to spring for one of my own, I would be hard-pressed not to get the 5.2 engine. The 4.2 is awesome, but the 5.2 must be insane.

Maureen J. Buckley > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:44

Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail

———————————> http://www.jobs700.com

Robert Eppley > saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars
12/07/2014 at 20:46

It was actually thought up by one of the guys working in the R8 manufacturing plant. He rode motorcycles and proposed the idea and it went into production.

G/O Sucks > ssonsk
12/07/2014 at 20:49

IMHO, the SMG gearboxes have drawn the model's prices down as it is. The E46 M3 is one of the greats yet you can get them at a ridiculously low price all day, regardless of gearbox.

cazzyodo > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:51

i never saw one on the road until I traveled to Houston for work. Then I moved in August and there are two in this apartment complex. Absurd.

mosambro > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 20:56

"Here is a car you don't see out on the road every day."

You obviously don't live in Miami.

strongbad2112 > Tom McParland
12/07/2014 at 21:10

How long do you think it'll be until the prices for a base model drop to more attainable levels?

bombora444 > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 21:22

Could get a better feel for the feel of the car if you removed that annoying music. Can't hear the engine, or the pedals (although you allow us to hear that beautiful shift noise).

Whatabouteggs > Shiftright
12/07/2014 at 21:28

Really? It's a german interpretation of a mid engined italian sports car. What boring kid has an R8 poster? It's a TT in the next price bracket. When's the last time you heard of one of these burning to the ground at Imola, or losing it leaving a car show and getting intimate with a guard rail? These are always parked in the lot of the corporate headquarters of an insurance company next to the leased mercs and a fleet of lexuses.

Jonathan Harper > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 21:28

CLACK CLACK

Nauraushaun > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 21:37

It's my opinion that the big thing this car brought with its styling, which differentiates it from all the other Audis (other than the supercar profile of course) is those side blades. And so I think getting them body-color is a missed opportunity.

HRHKingRonjatheSaint > E92M3
12/07/2014 at 21:43

yeah, I'm in the pacific northwest...and they are a ton of these around actually...all those Amazonmicrosoft types...

JW > ssonsk
12/07/2014 at 21:54

I wouldn't call any of these super cars, exotics yes but super not quite. The V8 vantage is easy to live with and the prices are good in the used market. Get a manual and enjoy. I can't speak to the V8 in the R8 but i upgraded from the Vantage to the R8's V10 cousin and performance wise they can't compare, but the interior of the Vantage is nicer.

Reckless1966 > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 21:55

Yeah, unfortunately, that's the way things are going. Less and less manuals and no one to blame but drivers. Uptake is usually well below 5%. I remember reading less than 2% of most high performance cars are sold as manuals. With that low rate of sales, it makes no sense for manufacturers to devote development costs to manual versions. Plus, modern dual clutch autos are faster than manuals, unlike the old days when someone shifting their own could get better performance than an auto.

CPT Speedbump > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 21:56

I'm keeping a close eye on manual V10 prices, I'll be able to afford one in 4-6 years I'm sure

SquirrelyWrath > Torque Affair
12/07/2014 at 22:02

The Audi R8 can do it all!...except beat a GT-R, be reasonably priced, or try not to look like rolling venetian blinds.

Shiftright > Whatabouteggs
12/07/2014 at 22:09

Wow...you sound bitter and have a weird concept of boring. I'd say the NSX was kinda boring, perhaps the first McLaren MPwhatever, but I just don't see how the R8 can be called boring in the least, just because it's not as exciting as a Lambo, but OK sure

Torque Affair > FfsBurnerHowShallIRemember
12/07/2014 at 22:10

Interestingly enough one of the owners of the R8 that I hung out with was considering the biturbo..

Torque Affair > CPT Speedbump
12/07/2014 at 22:11

Yeah there should be a fair amount of depreciation on these..

MyNameIsZizou > E92M3
12/07/2014 at 22:13

Can't say I see 1/day, but I do see them frequently as well. Even saw a V10 yesterday!

More importantly, S65B40 FTW!!! Hope you're holding on to it.