The Audi R8 shares components with the Lamborghini Gallardo.
The R8 Coupe is available with the 386kW 5.2-litre V10, at $350,800, and the 309kW 4.2-litre V8, at $271.000.
The six-speed manual Spyder is $379,700; the six-speed single clutch R-Tronic is $395,800.
A new 4.2 V8 Spyder, with 316kW, is available to customer order at $299,900/$315,900.
The Spyder uses an aluminium space frame, double wishbones and adjustable magneto theological dampers like the coupe.
The roof takes about 20 seconds to raise or lower and you can do this at speeds up to 50km/h.
Peak torque of 530Nm kicks in at a high 6500rpm, so you have to administer the big stick to get the V10 really interested. At Phillip Island it felt like it could circulate ail day with the tacho sitting as close to 8000rpm as possible.
Some testers like the R-Tronic transmission, others loathe it. At low speeds ifs a clunker, but the quicker and harder you go, the better it gels.
It will be replaced by a smoother, faster dual clutch unit early in 2013.
Audi has calibrated the a 11-wheel-drive system to send 85 per cent to the rear. If you didn't know you were in an all-wheel-drive car you wouldn't pick it.
That's basically the way the R8 handles, too. It's the easiest supercar you'll ever drive and also the most comfortable, with a spacious, wrap-around style cabin that's beautifully designed and finished.
THINGSWE LIKE
✓ Occupies the top echelon of performance machinery
✓ Engine. R-tronic gearbox. handling and that V10 sound
✓ Gorgeous to look at. Inside and out
✓ Comfortable seats and logical control layout
✓ superb quality
THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE
X R-Tronic is an acquired laste
X Steering could use more road feel
X Resale values aren t in the Ferrari. Lamborghini. Aston Martin or Porsche 911 league
SPEX (Spyder 5.2 R-Tronic)
• Made in Germany
• 5.2-litre direct-injection V10/ six-speed automated manual/all-wheel drive
• 386kW of power at 8000rpm/530Nm of torque at é500rpm
• 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds Iclaimedl
• 9.9L/100km highway; 20.9L/100km city; 98 octane premium; C02 emissions are 332gkm
• Warranty: Three years/unlimited kilométrés
• Standard: Four airbags, stability control, Data Dot security, alarm, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera, xenon headlights, leather/Alcantara upholstery, 19-inch at toy wheels, satellite navigation, six-stack CD player and Bluetooth
• Redbook future values: 3yr: 54%; 5yr: 41 %
