2008 Audi R8 V8 Manual

Highlights

• A mid-engined V8, enough said
• If you need any more persuasion, it has a gated shifter
• Tony Stark drives this spec R8 in Iron Man 2
• 420hp and a top speed of 190mph
• Extensive Audi service history with a new clutch fitted in 2022

Overview

A mid-engined V8, with a glass engine cover, and a gated gear shifter. If this car were Italian, you’d have to peel people away from it. But because it’s German it just quietly gets on with doing its thing, i.e. being a supercar. After all, don’t forget that it’s based on the Lamborghini Gallardo aluminium monocoque.

Film fans will appreciate that this particular R8 is the same spec as Tony Stark’s car in Iron Man 2, and it has only clocked up 51k miles in its sixteen years of existence. In this time it has been regularly serviced by Audi dealers and has even recently been treated to an expensive clutch change. And there are plenty of extra reasons to consider this R8, including a very swanky fitted luggage set, BOSE sound system with retro-fitted Bluetooth connectivity, and recently refurbished 19-inch alloy wheels.

And once you decide to explore the limits of this R8, the 420hp V8 engine will push the car all the way up to the heady heights of 190mph, but it’ll do this in a refined, reassuringly germanic manner.

History and Documentation

• First registered in March 2008
• Current ownership since February 2022
• Only four former keepers
• Current V5 on file
• Original book pack remains with the car
• The service book contains the following entries all stamped by Audi dealerships: April 2010 @ 3,868 miles, 2012 @ 4,429 miles, March 2014 @ 14,706 miles, April 2016 @ 30,936 miles, 36,439 miles, Jan 2019 @ 43,965 miles, May 2021 @ 46,365 miles
• The current owners have also had the car serviced by R8 specialists RE Performance in May 2022 at 48,207, which included changing fluids, filters, spark plugs, and a transmission service. RE Performance were chosen to service the car again in July 2023
• MOT valid until 25 May 2024
• Only 52k miles on the odometer
• HPI clear
• Two keys

Interior

• Black leather upholstery and matching carpets
• The leather is in great condition, with only light creasing to be found, especially on the driver’s seat bolsters
• Door cards clean and tidy The most significant feature of this R8’s interior is its gated gearshifter, which adds another layer of excitement every time you accelerate
• Premium BOSE stereo with upgraded Bluetooth connectivity
• The vendor reports that the air conditioning blows ice cold
• All interior functions are said to work. Note that aftermarket rear parking sensors have been fitted, but vendor reports them “a little enthusiastic” in operation
• Bold, clear analogue gauges Leather-clad multifunction steering wheel
• The headlining appears to be clean and secure
• Front luggage compartment carpeted, clean and tidy
• Comes with a three-piece set of fitted luggage

Exterior

• The silver paintwork appears to be in very good condition throughout
• The 19-inch alloy wheels have been refurbished under the current ownership, so are in exceptional condition, new centre caps were also fitted
• Front tyres said to be in good condition, but the rears are close to borderline on their inside edges, so will likely require replacement before next MOT
• There are a few age related scratches, including light scratching on right rear flank above wheel arch, which may polish out
• There are two very small paint bubbles: at the bottom of the passenger door, and on the right rear wing
• A set of spare side blades in the original silver colour are included LED headlights as standard from new

Mechanical

• 4,163cc mid-mounted V8 engine, proudly on display
• This beautiful engine is visible from outside the car under a glass cover
• Produced 420hp when new, and could reach 190mph
• The seller reports that the car starts on the button and sounds great It is said to drive fantastically, with a smooth gear change and positive brakes
• The only issue we’re aware of is that the front wheels ‘skip’ during low speed manoeuvring, but this is apparently an endearing feature of the model
• The vendor tells us that the clutch was replaced January 2022, by the previous owner using specialists AMD at a cost of over £3,500
• Front ‘magnetic ride’ shock absorbers have reportedly been replaced, while the rear units are now have a light misting of oil, so will need attention in due course

Summary

If you’re on the hunt for a sensible supercar you can justify to your accountant, then you need look no further than an R8. But you can also follow your heart towards this Audi, with its sonorous V8 rumbling away behind you, and six-speed manual box.

So for those looking for an easy entry into the world of everyday supercar motoring, then this R8 brings a lot to the table.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Thatcham, Berkshire.