Apr 29 2009 Stewart Smith
Stunning - that's Audi's sublime supercar
THE title Supercar is all too often used to describe motors which really don't live up to the name.
But, in the cast of the new Audi R8 V10, it's spot on.
This amazing machine is a super car in every way.
It has stunning power, sublime looks and a price to match.
At £99,575 the R8 V10 is an option for only the very rich, and even if you have that amount of cash you might have to wait for a couple of years or more to get behind the wheel.
Only 150 V10s will be up for grabs in the UK in a year and there are already 1,000 keen potential buyers on Audi's order books.
But, believe me, the wait will be well worth it.
I thought the R8 V8 which was launched in 2006, was the business, but this is a step up.
With 525bhp under its skin the V10 can hit 196mph (so I'm told) and from a standing start fires rocket-like to 62mph in a mind-blowing 3.9 seconds. It is the fastest Audi production car to date.
Audi claims you could achieve around 19mpg from its latest speed machine on a combined run. That's if you drive it like a wimp. The temptation to put the foot down will reduce that considerably - I know I couldn't resist it.
It is a sleek, sexy beast but if you don't want to give it the gun it is perfectly docile at lower speeds and around town.
Unlike some other super sports cars, the V10's clever suspension set-up irons out any bumps or potholes, leaving the driver relaxed and composed.
The new mid-mounted engine, which is in view through a glass hatch, is mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox, or you can choose a seven-speed R-tronic sequential automatic box.
The R-tronic version, which will probably be the biggest seller, costs £104,665.
But for me the manual version is the best for ultimate driving fun.
Shod with 19-inch alloys, the Audi two-seater has superb grip and when coping with the colossal power from the V10 the massive ventilated disc brakes supply plenty of stopping power. Ceramic discs are an extra cost option.
Ride and handling are exceptionally good. The aluminium-bodied car corners superbly with absolutely no body roll and flows effortlessly round the tightest bends.
Audi engineers have managed to give the new car almost perfect balance with 44 per cent front / 56 per cent rear weight distribution.
In outward appearance the new V10 is only slightly different from the V8 version. Changes include a high gloss finish for the grille and front air intakes, more pronounced side sills, wider side cooling vents, high gloss rear air outlets, oval exhaust tailpipes and a new rear diffuser.
The roomy interior is a class act and isn't overdone with unnecessary or complicated controls.
Seating is very comfortable and there is reasonable stowage space behind the front seats. Under the curvy bonnet there is enough additional space to take a couple of weekend bags.
In the most powerful R8 to date, electric adjustment and heating is added to the sports seats and DVD satellite navigation and a CD changer playable through a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system is available. An interior light package including LED footwell lighting, light and rain sensors and LED engine compartment lighting also comes as standard.
Audi says the main competition for the R8 V10 comes from the Aston Martin DB9, Jaguar XKR, Mercedes SL 63 AMG or the Porsche 911 Turbo.
That's stiff competition indeed, but the performance, style and quality of the V10 is good enough to ensure that Audi will get its fair share of those lucky enough to be able to afford such luxury motors.
Any bad points about the V10?
Only one. I can't afford it.
Click
No comments:
Post a Comment