The first generation Audi R8 was Audi’s first attack on the supercar market but it meant that for the second-generation model the brand had some experience to draw upon. That’s why the styling, overall proportions and basic character of the Audi R8 Mk2 haven’t changed by a huge amount, although it is stuffed with the very latest technology.The R8’s predecessor came with a choice of V10 or V8 engines, but now only a V10 is available with either 533bhp in the standard model, or 602bhp in the V10 Plus. There’s no manual gearbox either, just a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch ‘box and an updated quattro four-wheel drive system. As a result the 0-62mph sprint takes just 3.2 seconds in the V10 Plus – and identical figure to its sister car that uses the same powertrain, the Lamborghini Huracan.
• Best supercars to buy now
Adaptive dampers are optional, the electromechanical steering system can be ordered with variable ratio
Find the limits and it feels playful with a little understeer initially and a few degrees of oversteer if you really bury your right foot – but it’s always perfectly balanced, accessible and pin sharp to drive. Of course, if you dial down the powertrain and dampers and go at a more sedate pace then the R8 is no harder to pilot than a TT around town.
software and a huge variety of driving modes let you tailor the car’s behaviour to suit the situation in hand. With maximum torque arriving at 6,500rpm the R8’s driving experience is dominated by the screaming V10 behind your head and rabid acceleration.
