2011 Audi R8 5.2L

I've spent a lot of time with all iterations of the R8 and it's one of my favorite road cars, particularly the 5.2 with the manual. I prefer automated manuals, but the R8's manual is wonderful. Both the 2011 Spyder and coupe are brilliant, but I ended up liking the coupe just a touch more than the convertible.

It's really an Audi sports car. Excellent interior just as you'd expect in any other Audi. Seats are great, comfortable and supportive for long distance driving. Very easy to live with. Both cars are a blast on track, though I'd prefer them with a slightly wider front tire for better on-limit balance.

If you have a specific questions, feel free to ask.

 

just drove the audis and it was even better than i expected. the v10 has great noise, the ride was comfortable, well made, etc.

i would have splurged for it as a cab but no roll hoops means no track days so wouldnt work out. the coupe looks even better with the side blades but i want a cab. so instead i went with gtr and will spend the difference on an xke convertible.

if i had a 430 spider i would keep it and wait for italia spider

 

I have a 2011 Spyder. Great car. Would have preferred the coupe, but I just don't love the sideblade, even painted body color - silly, probably. The car is a bargain IMO, very useable.

 

Have not driven one but my brother in law raced one in a straight line on his GSXR 1000 and was 2 cars behind the Audi. Thats some serious speed and from what Ive seen they are also great track cars.

 

I am curious how you found the V10 compared to the V8 in terms of handling, speed, etc.

 

If that car didn't have twin turbos, you brother in law is a terrible rider.

 

+1

Seriously though, keep the Ferrari.

 

The V10 is faster and certainly faster around a road course. It's good chunk more powerful, less a small weight penalty. It also sounds unique compared to the V8. Both cars need more front tire, far too pushy for my liking.

There are deals to be had in the used market and a V8 with a sound history would be a compelling argument, given some of the pricing I've seen.

 

Here are a couple of links for your reading enjoyment:

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/256915/audi_r8_spyder_v_porsche_911_turbo_v_jaguar_xkr_v_ferrari_california.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703989304575503893887298292.html (the author of this piece is the only automotive journalist ever to win a Pulitzer Prize.)

I've had 6 Ferraris, including a 430 F1 Spider. I currently own the V10 R8 Spyder. Honestly, had I been able to afford the 458 Italia I was offered, I would have bought it.

The R8 is the second quickest car I've ever owned (only the 599 was faster), handles brilliantly (will track it soon; likely May), and feels somehow less fragile than a Ferrari. It does not have the reflexes of the 430, but in my opinion handles far better than the 599; less body roll and understeer. Why anyone would spend $100K more for the Lamborghini version escapes me.

 

Dan Neil is for real.