MAY 8, 2007. Copyright 2007, Graphic News. All rights reserved

A race-bred stunner, Audi R8 set to storm supercar sector

By Neil Winton

LONDON, MAY 8, Graphic News:  AudiÕs new R8 mid-engined, four-wheel drive, supercar flagship is a head-turner as well as an amazing performer.

The race-bred R8 coupe is built on a light-weight aluminium space-frame, and brings together much ground-braking technology. The six-speed automatic gearbox uses Òshift-by-wireÓ to provide exceptionally rapid gear changes. The Òmagnetic rideÓ suspension system uses a fluid containing minute magnetic particles for inducing lightning fast changes to the suspension, which absorbs bumps and flattens out the ride much quicker than conventional methods. An electronically controlled rear spoiler deploys when the carÕs computer detects that composure at higher speeds would benefit from more downforce. Other supercars merely deploy spoilers when higher speeds are reached. And when you override the automatic gearbox to change down manually, the computer will induce a little blip of the engine to make your driving sound more professional.

The R8 is powered by a 4.2 litre V8 direct injection petrol engine, developing 420 bhp to slingshot the car from rest to 62mph (100km/h) in 4.6 seconds, and on to a 187mph (300km/h) top speed. The engine, which spins to 8,250 revolutions per minute, is mounted behind the front seats. This provides what Audi says is a near perfect 44 percent front/56 percent rear weight distribution for optimum handling balance. If you ever wonder exactly where the engine is, Audi has thoughtfully provided a glass, see-through cover.

This phenomenal performance comes at breathtaking prices. The base manual model costs 113,000 euros (£76,825). The automatic gearbox with shift-by-wire adds 7,600 euros (£5,200). But Audi insists that the R8 provides a broad set of superlatives -- the most powerful engine in its class, with the highest revving engine, highest maximum speed, best acceleration, and best power to weight ratio. Cheekily, perhaps sensing that these attributes will not please environmentalists and politicians seeking to curb automotive carbon dioxide emissions, Audi talks of the engineÕs Òhigh economyÓ. The average fuel consumption for the manual version is claimed to be 19.3mpg, or 14.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

Handling is exemplary, with four-wheel drive, wide stance, and low centre of gravity. It has every known electronic aid for stability and traction control to kick in if dangerous limits are approached. The carÕs low profile produces minimal wind resistance and the front and rear double wishbone suspension, aided by Òmagnetic rideÓ, makes for quiet, comfortable progress.

All superlatives aside, it is the carÕs sleek, futuristic looks which make it such a notable presence on the road, exaggerated by the dazzling LED day-time running lights and brake lights. On the highways and byways around Le Castellet, 15 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean naval port city of Toulon in the heart of Provence where the car was launched to the media, other motorists were pointing and taking pictures.

But nothing is perfect. For all that money you only get two, admittedly spacious and comfortable, seats with a little storage shelf behind. The weird-shaped boot, under the bonnet, will take the equivalent of a large, ten-pin bowling bag.

ÒIncredibly, there is room behind the front seats for two golf bags,Ó says Audi. Unfortunately, thereÕs no room for the clubs.
/ENDS