2009 R8 4.2 FSI

The R8 is the Audi that wasn’t supposed to be, because of an unspoken agreement not to build a car that would compete with the venerable Porsche 911. Audi’s engineers based their high-calibre on the platform developed for the Gallardo (Audi is the owner of the Lamborghini nameplate). In terms of size, the R8 is 3 cm shorter and 5 cm lower than the 911, but its is 30 cm longer. Under the transparent engine cover, behind the cabin, is a 4.2-litre V8.

Interior and trunk

Since the R8 is very low and its doorsills are very wide, access can be problematic for people of average height or more. But the effort is worthwhile, and you quickly discover that the seats are very comfortable, with four-way power lumbar adjustment. The driving position is excellent, thanks to the telescoping steering column and generous legroom. Headroom is adequate for tall people.

The very small (100-litre capacity) front-end trunk gives new meaning to the expression “travelling light”.

Convenience and safety features

Cockpit finish is exemplary and the quality of materials is excellent. Unfortunately, road noise is very audible. You won’t find many cubbies, and total cabin storage is very limited.

Gauges and controls are well located, and everything is lighted at night. The air conditioner is very efficient, even though the fan isn’t all that powerful. A choice of intermediate air-distribution positions is always appreciated. Strangely, neither a smart key nor headlight washers are available, even as an option.

Photo: Audi Safety equipment includes dual front, side and knee airbags; two head restraints; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; stability control; and good headlights. Visibility is good in all directions except on a three-quarter-rear angle and to the rear when backing up. Additionally, the inside mirror, though small, creates a blind spot on a right angle. We noted that the outside mirrors are large, which isn’t always the case with sports cars.

Engine and transmission

The 4.2-litre direct-injection V8 develops 420 horsepower—a remarkable 100 horsepower per litre—and 317 pound-feet of torque. With all that power, acceleration and pickup are ultra rapid, linear, progressive and instantaneous. The engine is also so flexible, it will let you drive in sixth gear at 1200 rpm, with no backtalk. It’s such a driveable engine because it’s not a torquey engine. It emits a melodious sound every time you start up or apply the throttle a bit enthusiastically.

The six-speed manual transmission is relatively easy to operate but throws are a bit long. The metal shifter gets hot to the touch when the sun hits it. The transmission is well geared except for sixth, which should run the engine 1000 rpm slower. As you guide the shifter through the type metal grate, there’s a cheap sounding metal clink that some people may not appreciate in a car in this price range. The quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system distributes torque 10/90 between front and rear.

On the road

Hat’s off to the suspension tuners for delivering such a marvellously unctuous ride in a sports car of this calibre. And what road manners! Even in sport mode, the ride is comfortable, albeit a bit less unctuous. At times, the low-profile tires can set off a stiff reaction. Road holding is simply superb, with a touch of understeer at the limit. The centrally mounted engine allows a weight distribution of 44/56 front-to-rear and near-neutral comportment. You can only really exploit the extraordinary handling abilities of this fireball on a racetrack, yet it’s as easy to drive as an “ordinary” car.

The power steering is well tuned, stable, precise and quick. Unfortunately, it delivers little road sensation, which is a disappointment in a sports car, and it has a tendency to track road ruts. With four-wheel internally vented disc brakes (8-piston callipers in front and 4-piston in the rear), braking is extremely powerful and doesn’t fade quickly.

Inspection

In our inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical centre we saw that the R8’s platform and suspension are very sturdy. Corrosion protection is very good. The engine’s overhead camshafts are chain driven.

Conclusion

The R8 is a truly exceptional sports car. What impresses most about this Audi is its all-round balance and very, very civilized road manners. As much the V8 engine as the suspension are responsible for the R8’s civility, which may not please purists who like a more torquey sports car. For all those other sports car enthusiasts, this is an unctuous, high-performance cruiser they’re sure to love.

PROS: lively, flexible engine, smooth ride, powerful brakes, road holding, comfortable seats, very civilized car

CONS: difficult access, perfectible sound dampening, three-quarter-rear visibility, little steering feedback, gearshift grate and throws, sixth gear too short

2009 AUDI R8

Engine: 32-valve, 4.2-litre V8 Horsepower: 420 hp at 7,800 rpm Torque: 317 lb-ft from 4,500 to 6,000 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 265 cm Length: 443.1 cm Width: 190.4 cm (without mirrors) Height: 125.2 cm Weight: 1,635 kg Tires: front: 235/35R19; rear: 295/30R19 Maximum towing capacity: not allowed Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two for the knees

Fuel consumption with manual transmission: Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 17.1 L/100 km (17 mpg) Highway: 10.3 L/100 km (27 mpg) Test result: 12.8 L/100 km (22 mpg) Test temperature: 12°C to 22°C

CO2 emissions: 6,720 kg/20,000 km

Fuel tank capacity: 90 litres

Fuel requirement: premium grade gasoline

Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 4.9 seconds 60–100 km/h: 2.7 seconds (in 2nd gear); 3.7 seconds (in 3rd gear)

Competition: Aston Martin V8 Vantage, ZR1, Dodge Viper SRT10, , , Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911

Warranty: ‚ Full basic coverage: 4 years/60,000 km ‚ Powertrain: 4 years/80,000 km ‚ Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 km ‚ Perforation damage: 12 years/unlimited km ‚ Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system).

Factory replacement parts: ‚ Rear bumper: $1,469 ‚ Front brake disc: $476 ‚ Brake pads: $360 ‚ Muffler: $3,350 (with one catalytic converter) ‚ Front fender: $308

Price according to trim level: $141,000

Main options: ‚ Automatic transmission: $11,500 ‚ Premium package: $4,500 ‚ Leather package: $2,900 ‚ Enhanced leather package: $6,900 ‚ LED headlights: $3,500 ‚ Navigation system: $2,900

Price as tested: $168,500

Freight and preparation: $1,850

Dealers: Quebec: 7 Canada: 36

© July 2009. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec