Yannis

The all-new R8 takes Audi into territory it's never been before - somewhere between Porsche and Ferrari. It's a bold move, and one that not even bigger, more experienced rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW have managed to achieve successfully, despite a number of serious attempts with cars like the McLaren SLR and M1. So what makes Audi think it can do it?

The answer, in part, is dramatic design and advanced technology. The R8's cab-forward stance, aggressive graphics, taut surfacing, and jewel-like detailing are a thoroughly contemporary take on the sports car theme that make both the Porsche 911 and Ferrari's F430 look old fashioned. Under the skin is an aluminum space frame, a mid-mounted 4.2-liter V-8 that delivers 100hp-per-liter without supercharging, all-wheel drive, and sophisticated aerodynamics. This car was the pet project of former Audi boss Martin Winterkorn - newly promoted to head of the entire VW Group - and it shows....

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RICHBOY

WoooooW!! They clocked the R8 at 4.1! That's alot quicker than Audi's 4.6, great find Yannis thanks.

Bruce

"Audi sources claim that with a lap time of 7min 55sec, the R8 is only 11 seconds slower around the legendary 14 mile Nurburgring Nordschliefe than the Lamborghini Gallardo, which of course has 100hp more."



Can't wait for the official time. Thanks Yannis

Yannis

I don't care mush about 0-100 km/h times when i read comments like this:

"The all-new R8 takes Audi into territory it's never been before - somewhere between Porsche and Ferrari.
The R8's cab-forward stance, aggressive graphics, taut surfacing, and jewel-like detailing are a thoroughly contemporary take on the sports car theme that make both the Porsche 911 and Ferrari's F430 look old fashioned."

RICHBOY

True, and they also said something about Audi being able to achieve what Mercedes and BMW wasn't able to the SLR
and etc....etc....

PC Valkyrie

This quote from the last paragraph of the article is a nice summary:

"It needs better steering, and a DSG transmission, but overall the R8 is an intriguing ride. It's not as raw as the 911, nor as surgical as the F430; if anything, it comes across as a mid-engine GT you can use 24/7 like a Porsche, with a user-friendliness that recalls an Acura NSX."

NarutoRamen

Well I honestly don't know what the hell they're talking about. SLR is not even that much slower than the Carrera GT or even the Enzo and it's a car that everyone has praised as offering the best comfort for a supercar. I mean c'mon can you carry your luggage in the Carrera GT or the Enzo? No you can't. So for what the SLR has achieved I don't think any supercar ever has. The M1 was way ahead of it's time and unfortunately it was too ahead of it's time. It came out BMW had to create it's own series because it was allowed in the others. I for one would never compare this car to the SLR. While this car is great it doesn't compare to the SLR.

Lets not forget, this car is not a supercar, it's only at the Porsche carrera level...not the carrera GT level.

either way...hot car and that 4.1sec is an amazing time. Looks like that Quattro is actually helping it rather than bog it down with weight.

Tumbo

Now this is what we've been waiting for!

Damn, 4.1 seconds is A LOT faster then 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h!!

And under 8 minutes would be a superb time for the R8!

It really looks like the R8 is not only a looker, it's also a performer. !

Just_me

when I read the 4.1 number I see MT mentioned estimated. What do they mean, is what they think or did they actually meassure the time?

NarutoRamen

Just me...I don't think they tested this car. That just means that it is the estimated time not the time that they actually clocked. So I'm guessing the MT guys just got to drive the car around on public roads and didn't really get a chance to test it properly. Still waiting for an actual on track test!

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