V-10 TRULY PRICELESS
High-performing masterpiece of an engine in the Performance model pushes out 602 hp
“How much is an Audi R8?” is a fairly common search query. Odd, that. It’s probably easier just to go to Audi Canada’s website and check the price. And why the R8?
Granted, Audi’s apex sports car is a beautiful mid-engine creature that, when looking at its direct European competition — Ferrari’s 488 Pista and the Mclaren 570S, as well as the R8’s own kissing cousin, the Lamborghini Huracan — could be considered a bargain.
I spent a week behind the wheel of a very black, top-spec 2020 Audi R8 V10 Performance to conduct some scientific research. I took no pleasure in spinning the Lamborghini-derived, 5.2-litre normally aspirated V-10 to its howling 8,500 rpm redline at every opportunity.
Not!
Josh, 31, sales rep: “It’s classy, beautiful and elegant without being overly flamboyant.” His guess? “Under 200 grand. So, $180,000.”
For 2020, the second-generation R8 gets some visual tweaks. Up front we see a wider, more angular honeycomb grill flanked by larger side intakes, and above, three faux slit inlets. There are also new side skirts, a more aggressive rear diffuser, and a pair of cartoonishly huge oval exhaust outlets that had me checking for raccoons every morning. Wheel size jumps to 20 inches with this top Performance model, versus the 19s on base R8s.
Finished in Mythos Black and wearing black alloys, black carbon-fibre side blades and sporting the $350 black emblem option, this tester is about as black as black can get. It sucks in so much light it almost disappears. Almost.
Angela, 34, hair and makeup artist: “Wow, it’s a Darth Vader car. Looks like a Lamborghini.” Her guess? $120,000.
The Audi R8 is defined by its heroic V-10 engine that, despite its might and majesty, has one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel. This V-10 is an anachronistic, fuel-sucking, big-displacement dinosaur that bravely waves off turbocharging and electric assist for high-revving hijinks: 602 horsepower at 8,100 rpm and 413 pound-feet of torque at 6,400 rpm in the Performance model. Base models get 562 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Mary, late 50s, corporate director: “What’s that in the trunk? The engine! Who wants to see the engine? Not me.” Her guess? $75,000.
Ah, but there is so much more to the R8 than its opioid-grade thrust and epic exhaust note. Audi’s exotic is surprisingly comfortable and darned near cushy when dialing the drive mode down from Dynamic to Comfort. Equipped with the optional Magnetic Ride ($2,300), this is a supercar you can drive every day — assuming you don’t have to carry much more than an overnight bag.
In this age of digital everything, the R8 comes across as marvellously analog. With its rear-biased all-wheel drive, handling is razor-sharp, friendly and secure.
Mark, 47, production manager: “It’s the kind of car Batman would drive to his cottage.” His guess? $140,000.
Being an older platform, the R8’s cabin is mercifully spared of Audi’s latest touch screen madness. Hence, there is a large rotary controller on the console that keeps your eyes up when navigating most infotainment functions, and I’m loving the trio of functional and stylish climate controls. Audi’s impressive 12.3inch Virtual Cockpit handles all information duties, and of course, build quality and material choice are unparalleled.
Ross, 82, retired sales rep: $250,000.
The R8 Performance Coupe is a joy to drive, delivering both civility and thrilling brutality — your call.
Griffin, 16, high school student: “Totally rad!” His guess? $600,000.
The 2020 R8 V10 starts at $188,400 for the 562-hp coupe — and yes, that could be considered good value. This 602-hp Performance model, with its standard ceramic brakes, carbon fibre accoutrements, and other juicy bits, stickers at $220,400 if you don’t tick any option boxes, and $238,285 as tested.
All academic really, because that mid-mounted masterpiece of a V-10 is bloody priceless.