Spotted: Audi R8 V10 manual
The last proper supercar with a manual gearbox? Might well be and reason enough to pounce says Harris
No, it isn't. Allow me to explain, because the Audi R8 range is a minefield. Every R8 is a talented machine. We're now so accustomed to Audi entering new segments and enjoying instant success that we take it for granted, but what the R8 managed in 2007 remains remarkable. Only the Ferrari 458 spoilt its claim to being the best mid-engined super-sports car on sale.
Clickety-clack manual is a delight
The V8 versus V10 argument is much like the old 205 GTi 1.6 versus 1.9 situation: common consensus asserted that smaller was sweeter. I just never saw it that way with the 205, and I certainly don't with the R8. The V8 is fast and agile. The V10 will lay-down 200 yards of rubber in third gear. It's an animal.
The V10 is the most underrated car of its type, but it simply has to be fitted with the manual gearbox, because then it is the most complete driving experience imaginable. Yes the extra weight out back makes it a little keener to rotate and the increased spring rate takes a little comfort away, but the R8 always had some ride comfort to spare. But the key is that manual gearbox - what other car offers over 500hp, perfect weight distribution and the chance to shift yourself? And it's one of the great shifts too, much sweeter than a Gallardo's.
Conservatively it's lost £10/mile in depreciation!
Interestingly, the website www.howmanyleft.co.uk lists more manual V10 coupes than R tronics sold in the UK, but the stick-shifters seem to come-to-market far less frequently. The owners must want to hang onto them.
AUDI R8 V10 Manual
Engine: 5,204 V10
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Power (hp): 525@8,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 390@6,500rpm
MPG: 20.3mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 326g/km
First registered: 2011 (61-plate)
Recorded mileage: 1,600
Price new: £109,120
Yours for: £89,950
See the original advert here
On the same day I drove several other much more expensive cars but the R8 stood out for me as much more the drivers car.
I can only imagine the V10 one is even more exciting.. would love to have one for a weekend!
I've only driven the flappy paddle versions, but I must prefer the single clutch boxes to the dual clutch boxes as it at least leaves you, to a small degree, as part of the gear change.
As for laying down 200 yards of rubber in 3rd... I'm not one to argue but you'd have to really set the car up to do that, it's not a simple case of rolling on the throttle as the article implies.
Still, great cars, and having tracks the V8 and the V10 back to back all I can say is if you can't afford a V10, don't drive one as they're so much better than the V8s.
And you can get a purer, RWD only version.
But most of all, the Audi is never going to be a Lamborghini, and anyone who has petrol in their veins aspires to Italian supercar ownership.
To some people not having everyone stare at you all the time is a good thing.
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