Audi R8 Spyder V10 Performance RWD Edition S Tronic Review
The Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Spyder is smoother than a penguin in a tuxedo. It’s the epitome of automotive elegance, gliding along the streets with a grace that could make a swan jealous. If sophistication were a car, this Spyder variant would be leading the parade, turning heads and effortlessly oozing style like a catwalk model at a fashion show. And Spyder means that you get to enjoy the open sky as seen from the comfort of a supercar.
And what did we do with the Audi R8 Spyder supercar? We soared through the skies para-gliding over the breathtaking Sussex Downs, then casually dropped by the renowned two Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, A Wong, hailed as the finest in the Western world, nestled in London’s Victoria. Chef Andrew Wong is an Audi ambassador and hugely entertaining as well as a culinary master.
Renowned as a modern legend, the Audi R8 V10 embodies a timeless allure. Its iconic silhouette, high-performance, paired with a stylish and minimalist interior, and magnificent engine scream make it incredibly popular with sports car fans worldwide.
You first saw it in 2009 in the Iron Man 2 movie, driven by Robert Downey Junior as Tony Stark. And damn, it looked good on him. The R8’s roots trace back to the iconic Le Mans Quattro of 2003, paying homage to Audi’s winning streak at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race.
The initial impression of the Audi R8 is enthralling with its low profile. The elongated canvas roof gracefully descends toward striking, muscular contours. Your eye is drawn to the fluted waistline and prominent side vents, as well as the exquisite orchid-style forged 20″ aluminium wheels. The front exudes a sharp and menacing demeanour, seamlessly integrating the LED headlights into the bonnet. I particularly adore it in yellow; it really accentuates the car’s lines. The whole design feels like a perfect balance between elegance and racetrack aesthetics.
The Audi R8 Spyder V10 Performance boasts a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine, generating an impressive 419 kW, equivalent to 570 PS or 562 bhp. This powerhouse accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in a thrilling 3.8 seconds, effortlessly reaching a top speed of 327 km/h or 203 mph. Weighing a mere 1.7 tonnes and featuring rear-wheel drive, it’s a dream for enthusiasts keen on drifting.
Its combined fuel efficiency of 20 mpg is fair, due to innovative cylinder-on-demand technology. This groundbreaking system intelligently deactivates five cylinders when not all the power is needed, complemented by a start-stop system that enhances fuel efficiency and curtails emissions.
The Quattro variant boasts an impressive 612 bhp, catapulting from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds—key details to consider when choosing the model.
Sharing the performance engine and platform with the Lamborghini Gallardo and Huracan, the Audi R8 is an alluring choice. A mid-engine supercar equipped with a rumbling V10 engine that always puts a stupid expression on my face as the needle spins up the revs.
The Audi R8’s rear remains a highlight, broad and accommodating enough to house the ferocious V10 engine, a true powerhouse in such a sleek frame.
Inside, the design retains its purity and simplicity, staying ahead of the game despite minimal changes over the years. The tactile solidity of the knobs, equipped with a single digital console, maintains that blend of tradition and innovation.
The Audi R8 standard seats are the more comfortable option, supportive and lush in Nappa leather with contrast stitching. Plump for the bucket seats if you want a more daredevil look.
Free from turbochargers, the naturally aspirated V10 engine delivers an undiluted spluttering cacophony. I mean I could stop the review here, the engine chords are reason enough to buy this car.
The Audi R8’s standout feature is the razor-sharp steering, accurate and responsive to a hair’s breadth. Manoeuvring through corners is like wielding a scalpel—the front end reacts instantaneously, deftly handling that humongous rear-wheeled power. Turning on a dime seems almost an understatement—it pivots like a ballroom dancer.
There’s a slight tendency toward understeer, probably wise when harnessing such immense power in a rear-wheel-drive setup. This deliberate characteristic highlights the delicate balance between power delivery and handling prowess that defines Audi’s intelligent approach to power management.
The Audi R8 is equipped with an impeccable dual-clutch 7-speed S Tronic gearbox, seamlessly transitioning gears in automatic mode in a breathtaking 0.02 seconds. This gearbox operates with both clutches continuously engaged, allowing for lightning-fast gear changes.
If you’re the type who craves control more than a squirrel hoarding nuts, the paddle shifters give you the freedom to let that engine rip. With the revs singing high, it’s petrolhead heaven. In automatic, upshifts are swift to conserve fuel in Normal mode, but switching to Sports mode provides a highly gratifying drive.
Despite lacking a carbon tub, the chassis remains firm in the turns, with no tremors or vibrations on uneven roads. The torsional rigidity has been substantially improved from the previous model, ensuring exceptional stability and enhancing the overall ride.
Braking is a delightful contrast to the acceleration, perhaps even more exhilarating. As you decelerate, the engine crackles and pops like an explosion in a balloon factory—akin to nuclear pop rocks, creating a thrilling soundtrack.
While the suspension maintains a lovely smoothness, it keeps the wheels firmly grounded, so you can read the road. Negotiating speed bumps is a breeze, ensuring a seamless and comfortable ride that’s particularly impressive on long-distance tours.
In a world shifting towards electric power, the Audi R8 stands as a testament to raw power and engineering brilliance. It’s a must-have for collectors who appreciate automotive history, marking Audi’s legacy with an iconic roar before the electric era takes over.
Lowering the roof of the Spyder elevates the Audi R8 to a new level of joy. Although the interior space is reduced from the coupe version to accommodate the roof. With the top down, the world becomes your playground, it’s an adrenalin rush on every journey.
The roof is fast too, taking a mere 20 seconds to transform the coupe into an open-top marvel. So don’t stress if the weather changes rapidly, a feature of UK driving, you can pop the roof back up at the traffic lights with time to spare.
Plus the heated seats and interior fans will keep you warm with the roof down even in November.
You can also lower the middle rear window and get all the engine vibrations and sound in full 3D, just inches from your ears. Or keep that window up with the roof down and preserve your immaculate hairstyle.
The Audi R8 Spyder stands as the epitome of petrol-powered Audis, showcasing its mastery on the roads. Its compact design allows you to enjoy even the narrowest lanes, an issue with other, wider supercars.
Moreover, being an Audi, it carries the assurance of quality and durability. This beauty will last the distance giving pleasure for decades.
All in all, the Audi R8 Spyder is not just about thrills; it’s about the perfect blend of performance, luxury, and everyday usability. It’s a masterpiece that truly gives you more power, quality, and driving pleasure for the money than almost any other supercar.
RRP: 151,415.00 GBP
See here for all the R8 models:https://www.audi.co.uk/uk/web/en/models/r8/r8-cou…
