2008 Audi R8

Audi Leaps Into the Supercar Stratosphere

The new mid-engine R8 aims squarely at Porsche's venerable 911 and offers up solid competition.

Audi has proven it can turn out impeccably designed, high-performing sedans like the RS 4, S6 and S8. But a $109,000 supercar is new for this brand and pits it against rivals, such as Porsche, that are much more experienced in this space.

After putting the R8 through its paces at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and in the surrounding desert roads, we found the car’s stirring performance and stand-alone style do justify the price — at least for buyers who can look beyond the logo on the hood.

The R8 shares some components — and its mid-engine, aluminum-intensive structure — with the Audi-based Lamborghini Gallardo. The car’s 425-hp V8 puts up solid numbers: 4.6 seconds from zero to 60 mph and a 186-mph top speed.

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But the R8’s most impressive qualities may be how effortless it is to drive fast, and how well it will work as a daily commuter. That’s certainly true of the R8’s main rival, the all-wheel-drive Porsche 911 Carrera 4 S, but not so true for some other sports cars with this kind of performance.

Of course not everyone shopping in this lofty price range is buying on performance alone. Aside from the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Porsche 911, some people will surely cross-shop the R8 against powerful luxury coupes like the BMW M6, Jaguar XKR or the Mercedes SL550 hardtop convertible.

Audi execs acknowledged that some people who aspire to those high-prestige brands may not give an Audi a second glance. That’s why the company has been ramping up major publicity efforts, including recently opening its first Audi Forum — a brand showcase of sorts — in Manhattan, and giving R8s to celebrities and high-profile high rollers like Donald Trump to help generate buzz and clout.

Click here to read more about Audi's efforts to step into the spotlight.

The company plans to offer about 1,000 R8s in the U.S. each year; Porsche sold 12 times that many 911s in 2006. Certainly, there are enthusiasts who want nothing more than to stand out from the herds of Benzes, Bimmers and Porsches. Those independent-minded types may find that the Audi makes exactly the statement they’re looking for.

Exterior

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The R8’s styling was heralded by the Le Mans Quattro concept shown way back in 2003. And we’ll allow that the R8, at first glance, looked awkward from some angles, drawing comparisons to a stretched, exotically styled TT. Its signature design feature — the so-called “side blade” panel in a contrasting shade — seemed incongruous, especially paired with certain body colors.

But during our Nevada test-drive, the car’s low-slung presence became more convincing. In a pack of journalists, none dared to call the R8 beautiful, preferring words like striking, high-tech and dramatic. And to the average person, the R8 did prove a literal traffic-stopper, with car after car pulling off the road to snap photos whenever we stopped for a break.

In true Audi fashion, there’s terrific detailing here. The engine is exotically exposed under glass, surrounded by optional carbon-fiber trim and ambient lighting. An element inside the headlamps looks like a high-tech dentist’s mirror, and naturally there’s Audi’s jaunty front grille. Most dramatically, a cool row of LED lights, like silvery eyeliner drawn around the headlamps, makes the R8 a ghostly, unmistakable presence in one’s rearview mirror.

The side blade in carbon fiber (silver and black metal are also available) looked best on an R8 with dark gray paint, while a silver blade contrasted nicely with paler shades. But for buyers who just can’t abide the two-tone effect, Audi will offer the panel in a matching body color.

Interior

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No quibbles with the interior: The R8’s cabin is minimalist and no-nonsense, yet it’s comfortable and exquisitely finished. A generous selection of interior leathers, colors and trims lets owners add a bespoke touch.

The feel is intimate yet airy, with especially good headroom for a slinky two-seat coupe. During our test, a 6-foot-5-inch driver fit comfortably behind the wheel. Generous side mirrors offered excellent visibility, though the small back glass produces three-quarter blind spots. The Audi navigation system, with its relatively easy programming and scalable views, remains notably superior to frustrating systems from its German rivals at BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

Audi claims that two golf bags can fit behind the seats, but they’re certainly not talking the fat bags seen on pro golf tours. Give Porsche the advantage here, with its two jump seats that can even hold small humans in an emergency.