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!
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