Believe it or not, the Audi R8 has been with us for over a decade. Eleven years to be exact; plenty of time for it to have built multiple variants, including the V10, which pushed the model well into supercar territory. But it didn't start there: Ingolstadt's original goal for its mid-engined masterpiece was to pinch some of Porsche's buyers - and to that end it plumbed in as much usability as it could into its breath-taking design.
This included the first engine. While its Lamborghini-badged sibling got a 5.0-litre V10 from the beginning, Audi wisely opted to graft on the 4.2-litre V8; a unit already proven in the B7 generation RS4, and only in need of a dry sump to befit its new home behind the driver's seat. The match - obviously complimented by the rear-bias all-wheel-drive system - was one made in heaven.
Its 420hp sounds relatively humble now (given the proximity of the latest TT RS) but its pairing with the R8's space frame construction and a particularly feel some sort of traction, delivered one of the great driver's cars on the early 21st century: compliant, biddable and sound tracked not only by a naturally-aspirated V8, but also the swashbuckling noise of an open-gaited six-speed manual 'box.
Throw in the relative practicality and comfort of a high-end Audi interior, and the R8 looked good value even at launch. Today, with starting prices significantly lower than the RRP of a range-topping TT, the model is an outrageous steal. True, there are some to be avoided - but there are also plenty like this 2008 car presented in Silver with oxygen silver side blades over the standard black.
With full Audi service history and only 44,000 miles on the clock, you'd like to think it's virtually immune to depreciation - in fact, keep it for long enough and we rather think it might start going the other way. And when you consider what else you could have for the same ballpark (a Cayman S or a Mustang perhaps?) none offers the cache or the deft ability of the first R8. Only those running lights might put you off - and that's surely the worst kind of nit-picking
AUDI R8
Engine: 4,163cc, V8
Transmission: six-speed manual, quattro all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 420@7,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 317@4,500rpm
MPG: 20.7
CO2: 349g/km
First registered: 2008
Recorded mileage: 44,000 miles
Yours for: £40,995
See the original advert here