Although it is a familiar model now, the Audi R8 created a huge stir when it arrived. The model broke new ground for Audi, which was, in the late 70s, a fairly obscure maker of dull but good cars that lacked the prestige of higher end German marques. Audi established an identity for itself via technical innovation via 5 cylinder engines, turbocharging, and all-wheel drive, all three of which converged for the first time in the iconic quattro coupe, which went on to become a rally legend. A decade later, Audi had a three model sedan lineup to match those from Mercedes-Benz and BMW and the R8 represented an effort to not just equal but surpass because neither of the other two companies offered a mid-engined sports car.
The hotly-anticipated R8 knocked on the door of both the Porsche 911 and also mid-engined exotics from Italy. To do so, it bristled with exciting technical details including aluminum spaceframe chassis and a high-revving naturally-aspirated dry-sump V8 making 100 hp per liter. This was backed by a 6-speed manual gated transmission (a two-pedal single clutch was an optional and wrong choice). Equipped with standard all-wheel drive, the R8 delivered 90% of its torque to the rear axle by default, and maxed front torque at 35%.
In the context of today’s cars, the R8 has aged in an exceptional way. This is likely a reflection of the “progress” of the last 15 years, which has come in the form of the almost complete disappearance of natural aspiration and manual transmissions. By that measure, the 8250 RPM V8 with gated shifter is from another era, offering an involving experience that may have seemed routine among exciting sports cars in 2008, but feels positively effervescent now. Short of the products from GMA, no cars remotely like this are available today.
This particular example has spent most of its life in California and has been well-maintained, having had a number of the common issues on these cars resolved, including the replacement of the magnetorheological shock absorbers in 2021 and air conditioning compressor in 2019. Additionally, the 35k service was completed in February 2024. A reversible rear view mounted dash cam and rear view camera have been installed as well.
The car’s original MSRP was $132,500 and it was equipped as follows: Daytona gray pearl effect paint, black interior, Alcantara headliner, Bang & Olufsen stereo, Nappa leather package, navigation with Audi Music Interface, Convenience package, 19” performance summer tires, titanium 5-arm wheels. The car was completed on 6 November 2010 and supplied to its first owner on 22 February 2011.
The car is in very nice driver condition, and runs and drives well. The R8 is effortless and flattering to drive, yet feels special, especially compared to modern cars, with a thrilling powertrain that reminds the driver precisely how much enthusiasts have lost in recent years. Yet it is also quite usable and given all these characteristics, the car possesses all the ingredients of a future icon.
