Tuesday 13th June 2017

Audi R8 V10 Plus: Spotted

Probably the best R8 that ever there was, and with a manual gearbox too

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While it may seem an obvious point to make, manual supercars really are disappearing rather fast. There's not a single manual Ferrari or Lamborghini offered now where there was a few years ago, and the really fast Porsches are typically moving towards automatics as well - look at the new GT2 RS, for example.

Looks like any other R8...

Now although this has made certain cars more accessible to more people, there will remain a core of enthusiasts for whom the lack of a manual transmission is a disappointment. Of course it's hard to make the business case with an option that sells in such small numbers - and it's tricky to justify as cars get even quicker - but, still, it's upsetting in certain cases.

Take the Audi R8. There's no longer a manual option, which is a crying shame given a) that it was so good before b), that models more powerful than the current car were previously offered with it and c), however good the dual-clutch is - and it is excellent - the old manual was even more enjoyable.

The V10 Plus is that first-gen R8 that you could have as a manual and which is more powerful - just - than the current 540hp R8 V10. It was introduced nearly five years ago as part of the original car's final facelift before the current model was launched; along with the additional power, the Plus also got reworked springs, dampers and suspension geometry. A unique wheel design sat in front of standard carbon ceramic brakes for the Plus as well.

And it was manual! That lovely, precise, click-clack six-speed was standard fitment on this 550hp supercar. What a novelty. Indeed the S Tronic dual-clutch was another £3,000 (£127,575 vs. £124,675), although it did improve acceleration and mpg.

... but don't forget about this bit!

So how many people do you think took Audi up on the offer of a manual supercar? With doors appearing to close on manuals back then, surely people would have rushed forwards? Erm, no. There was one registered in 2012 (against 75 S Tronic cars) and now just 10 are said to be on UK roads, according to HowManyLeft.

Which makes this car very rare indeed. It's a very late V10 Plus, registered the same year that the current car was launched, with very low mileage of just 4K too; these will go some way to justifying the £90,000 asking price. Predictably enough given it's only covered 2,000 miles a year since 2015 this R8 looks fab, even if matt blue paint won't be to all tastes.

And for some perspective on what good value - all things being relative - the R8 represents, this Gallardo is more than a decade older, has six times the mileage, 50 less horsepower and it only £5K cheaper. The R8 may not have the most glamorous badge, but has a driving experience it certainly deserves to rank up with the best. As a V10 Plus manual, there's genuine supercar drama and rarity to go with it as well. Here's one to save from a collection!

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AUDI R8 V10 PLUS
Engine: 5,204cc, V10
Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 550@8,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 398@6,500rpm
MPG: 19.0
CO2: 346g/km
Recorded mileage: 4,000
Year registered: 2015
Price new: £124,675
Price now: £90,000

See the original advert here

 

[BFleming]

Pistonheads said:

... with very low mileage of just 4K too; these will go some way to justifying the £90,000 asking price. Predictably enough given it's only covered 2,000 miles a year since 2015...

Matt, why use the numerical term '4K' on one line, and '2,000' on the next? Surely you should stick with one form or the other.

Back on the subject of manual versus auto supercars. I've driven a Gallardo & 360 with three & two pedals - the 2 pedal version (see what I did there?) of either car was a much more enjoyable drive than their manual counterparts. Those rancid shift gate things don't help the enjoyment at all, particularly as the car gets older & the shift bushes wear a little.

[BFleming]

TheLuke said:

BFleming said:

Pistonheads said:

... with very low mileage of just 4K too; these will go some way to justifying the £90,000 asking price. Predictably enough given it's only covered 2,000 miles a year since 2015...

Matt, why use the numerical term '4K' on one line, and '2,000' on the next? Surely you should stick with one form or the other.

I'm sorry, but get a firm hold of something.

The English language?