AUDI R8 V10 vs AUDI R8 V8

A sports car that beat Porsche 12 years ago duels its 612bhp grandson

HAS THE AUDI R8 GROWN UP MUCH?

The recipe hasn’t changed, really: build the most user-friendly, easy-to-drive supercar on the planet. But the numbers have been rocket-boosted into orbit. Now packing a V10 with 612bhp, it monsters ye olde R8’s 414bhp, from an RS4-pinched non-turbo V8.

WHY WAS THE OLD R8 A LANDMARK?

Because it made us take Audi seriously, beyond repmobiles. The R8 was a driver’s car. An anti-understeer device. Basically an entry-level Lambo Gallardo with an engine swap, smarter interior and ultra-crisp V8/open-gate manual combo taking centre stage. Like the Honda NSX, it shifted the needle for everyday-liveable exotica, and it gave the Porsche 911 a much sexier rival to chew on. Later on, Audi added a 5.2-litre V10, a terrible paddleshift gearbox (R tronic) a way better dual-clutch auto (S tronic), and roofless Spyder versions. There was even a lighter, rarer R8 GT: all 333 of ’em. But the base £77k R8 V8 remained the sweetest fruit from the R8 tree. This grey example featured on TG telly, no less.

THE NEW ONE LOOKS A BIT...PLASTICKY

Ah, that’s the facelift. Audi obviously over-ordered its infamous grilles last year, and threw a big box of mesh at the new R8 V10 Performance. Too many of those intakes are fake. We’re suckers for the huge new mineshaft exhausts, though. And what a noise...

DOES THE OLD-TIMER STILL HOLD UP IN 2019?

Oh, lawd yes. Just bear in mind, it ain’t supposed to be a supercar, even though it’s a super car. It was a Porsche Carrera and Aston V8 Vantage rival, so it’s not mega quick. What is does have is a fabulously responsive motor, and a gearchange you have to really think about, and luxuriate in. It’s not a hyperfast insta-steer land missile. Slow down. Enjoy it. Revel in the V8 bark and sense of connection that’s slightly been lost in the ballistic successor.

SO, WHERE’S THE PROGRESS BEEN MADE?

Much as we prefer the manual, the new car’s flappy-paddle ‘box is unflappably good. The fleet of cameras and sensors makes life easier too. It’s a cleverer, faster machine, the new R8, but on the road, it’s a licence-loser. Crucially, it’s not as much old-school fun.

WHICH SHOULD I PUT ON THE LOTTERY LIST?

Ideally, both. R8 MkIII (if it happens) might be an electric e-tron flagship. This is the last of the big atmospheric V10s. It’s a magical, baleful engine, and stomps all over the case for twin-turboing every other supercar. This V10 is musical, characterful, and world-class to use: a future classic. Meanwhile, the original 4.2 V8 has that gearbox, the cleanest looks, and right now they’re swapping hands for less than £40k. It’s one of the sports car bargains of the moment. But the world will catch on.