Audi R8 V10

Expert Rating:

What is it?

The temptation is to call this new V10-powered R8 the R10, leaving the R8 badge for its V8 relative. It's not as simple as that though, Audi calling its £100,000, V10-engined version of the R8 the R8 5.2 FSI quattro - to be precise. Just 150 or so of the V10 model will reach the UK every year, which means it'll be far more exclusive than the V8 R8, the larger engine making sure it's a good bit faster too. Naturally all this comes at a price, the more potent 5.2-litre V10 R8 costing around £20,000 more than the standard car, but it gains some more muscular detailing like flared air intakes, gloss black grilles and cool new alloys to let everyone know you've spent a bit more on your R8.

Is it any good?

Anything with a 5.2-litre mid-mounted V10 engine with 518bhp and four-wheel drive is always going to interest us and the R8 V10 is no different. More than just the potential performance - Audi claiming a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 196mph - the R8 looks sensational. The gloss black grilles front and rear transform the R8's look, giving it a meaner attitude to match its added potency, the V10 also bringing with it the addition of Audi's clever magnetic damping system that allows it to both ride with supreme composure and tackle bends with brilliant body and roll control.

Turn the key, fire up the 5.2-litre engine, slot the gearlever through its gate and push the accelerator to the floor and the R8 V10's quattro four-wheel drive system just gets on with the business of putting all that V10's power to good use. Click through the exposed gate and select second and you'll already be doing speeds that'll get you the wrong type of police attention.

The ride is phenomenally controlled, the engine always willing and hugely quick and the gearshift quick and precise. That is so long as you don't opt for the R tronic paddle-shifter, which utterly destroys the driving experience with its clumsy, learner-driver-esque shift quality. If you want a fast automatic car then try a Bentley Continental GT or Porsche 911 Turbo Tiptronic. The interior is beautifully finished, though space is at a premium if you want to take your R8 away for more than a few days and want to take more than a toothbrush and clean underwear.

Sounding brilliant and offering a supremely capable drive it's a very friendly supercar that rarely intimidates behind the wheel. If that's how you like your performance motoring then you'll love it, but some might find the driving experience a touch anodyne compared to rawer, more intense rivals.

Should I call the bank manager?

We're not so sure the bank manager will be taking calls at the moment so it's probably best if you can delve into your personal funds rather than borrow from the bank for your R8 V10 purchase. The Bank manager might, if they are sensible, ask you whether the V10 model is really worth the £20,000 premium over the standard 4.2-litre V8 version. That's a good question, as with a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds and 187mph top speed you'll really need to be trying in the V10 to shake off a V8 model if it's following you hard.

Summary

Two extra cylinders might add power and exclusivity over the regular R8, but it's debateable whether it's really worth the additional outlay. Sure, it brings slightly more aggressive looks and neat kit like all-LED headlamps and magnetic damping as standard, but on the road you'll rarely notice the V8 car's 100bhp deficit and resultant drop in performance. What do we know though is that Audi has already sold several years' worth of production of the more powerful V10 model. We've no doubt owners won't be disappointed when they get them, but the V8 car will do nicely while they wait.

Kyle Fortune