2016 Audi R8 Review: Performance Meets Luxury

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The Audi R8 has long been positioned as the thinking man’s supercar. Driven by Tony Stark in the Ironman franchise, it has raced into many hearts while building its impeccable reputation. Standing alongside the Porsche 911 Turbo S and Jaguar F-Type R, the Audi R8 is a marvelously understated supercar that annihilates its rivals, especially in V10 Plus garb.

Key Features

Exterior

A clear case of evolution as opposed to revolution, the Audi R8 2016 replaces the drooping contours of its predecessor with sharp, aggressive creases that lend it an intimidating stance. The fixed rear wing and gaping air inlets complement the carbon fiber paneling, heightening the German supercar’s terrorizing aura.

So much so, that even long-time residents of the fast lane community quickly flee at the sight of the R8 in their rear-view mirror.

Interior

Cocooning its occupants, the phenomenally built cabin is adorned with yellow stitching, carbon fiber inlays, quilted leather, and an abundance of Alcantara, making it look as impeccable as it feels. The aggressively bolstered sports seats and Ferrari-esque steering controls redefine conventions in the Audi R8 V10 Plus.

Following the mantra of creating more with less, the R8's cabin is neat and uncluttered, integrating several controls into just a few switches. Audi’s fully customizable Virtual Cockpit introduces a 12.3-inch TFT screen into the instrument cluster, making it both unique and highly impressive.

You might also be interested in: Audi S8 Plus 2016 Review

Safety & Features

Built to conquer race tracks while maintaining everyday usability, Audi has not compromised on the R8’s capability. Equipped with Laser Beam headlamps that illuminate twice as much as conventional LED headlamps, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and a powerful 550 Watts 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System, the R8 offers the best of both worlds.

However, what seems to be missing is a rather essential Blind Spot Monitoring system. With narrow side mirrors and limited outward visibility, performing in-car acrobatic stunts to gain a better view of the outside world is not only entertaining for passersby but also inevitable when behind the wheel.

You might also be interested in: Audi TTS 2016 Review

Drive

Tap the steering-mounted engine starter switch, and the guttural roar that follows is enough to put several supercars and their sporting pretentions in check. Open the exhaust flaps, and the rumble of the 5.2-liter V10 echoes the galloping melody of the 600 horses beneath the clamshell hood.

Head-spinning acceleration, courtesy of 560 Nm of torque, sees the German coupe dash from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds—a figure that puts the Jaguar F-Type R’s 4.1 seconds to shame. Equipped with a Race Mode that alters the engine mapping and restricts the traction control system, the R8 can be enjoyed by both amateur drivers and aspiring Prost's alike.

Mapped to an All-Wheel-Drive layout and coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Audi R8 offers paramount grip levels that allow for phenomenal speed to be carried into turns. Six-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx said the R8 is “the best handling road car today,” and quite frankly, there’s no reason to disagree.

With a mechanical clunk from the transmission and a sonorous snort from the exhaust system following every shift, it’s a scintillating auditory experience. One that could deliver over 600 kilometers on a full tank of fuel, but you'd much rather focus on the smiles per gallon than the miles per gallon.

Verdict

While the first-generation model of the Audi R8 felt a bit clinical, lacking character and personality, this isn’t the case with its successor. Far superior to its predecessor, the Audi R8 2016 is simply phenomenal and a sheer bargain at AED 687,000.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Long hold downshift; it pops into the right cog for urgency in impromptu drag races.
• Extremely fuel-efficient.

Cons:

• Pointless features include seat heaters and a Comfort drive mode.
• Lacking a Blind Spot Monitoring system.

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