The R8: On the Track With Audi's New Mid-Engine Exotic

A 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. A top speed of 187 mph. These are exotic super car performance figures. They're also Audi's official numbers for its new-for-2008 R8 two-seater, the company's first mid-engine sports car and the fastest production Audi ever. When it goes on sale this fall, the R8 will be the halo vehicle of an impressive performance lineup that includes the ferocious RS4 sedan and V10-powered S6 and S8 sedans.

The Audi R8 is not scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. until this fall, but Consumer Guide was lucky enough to get a hot lap in the R8 around the storied Road America race course with professional driver Michael Galati at the wheel. Our impression from our cherished on-track test ride was that the R8 would be quite comfortable and tractable in everyday traffic. We can also attest to the R8's blistering acceleration and corner-carving capabilities.

The R8's high-revving 4.2-liter V8 puts out 420 hp at 7800 rpm, and 317 lbs-ft of torque at 4500-6000 rpm. Maximum engine speed is a lofty 8250 rpm. The engine uses Audi's FSI direct-injection technology, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber for a more precise and efficient air/fuel mixture. Two transmissions are offered: a traditional six-speed manual and Audi's R Tronic, a direct-shift six-speed gearbox. The R Tronic can be set to automatic mode, or a fast-shifting Sport mode which allows the driver to shift via a console joystick or steering-wheel mounted paddles.

An aluminum-intensive body and frame construction helps the R8 achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 8.16 lbs/hp. Front-to-rear weight distribution is 44:56 percent, and the R8's quattro all-wheel-drive system directs between 10 and 35 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels as necessary. An adaptive magnetic ride system adjusts suspension stiffness to suit road conditions and driving style.

Though the R8's mechanicals are clearly focused on all-out performance, the interior accommodations are aimed at upscale luxury. Standard features include heated leather/Alcantara sport seats, satellite radio, and a nine-speaker audio system. An optional Convenience Package adds such features as a parking assist system with rearview camera, six-disc CD changer, Bluetooth phone prep, and auto-dimming exterior rear view mirrors. Other options include a navigation system and a 12-speaker, 465-watt Bang & Olufson sound system. Despite a raked-back, low-to-the-ground seating position, the cockpit is quite spacious and comfortable; the overall accommodations are more luxury sedan than two-seat sport screamer.

Two-seat mid-engine super cars are not known for cargo utility, but Audi managed to work a small degree of storage space into the R8: about 3.5 cubic feet beneath the front lid, and just over 3 cubic feet behind the seats. Audi claims two full-size golf bags will fit behind the seats.

Expect the 2008 Audi R8 to start around $109,000 when it goes on sale this fall.

Exterior styling is highlighted by Audi's trademark trapezoidal grille, along with plenty of functional scoops and strakes. An automatically extending rear spoiler deploys at high speeds for additional downforce. The engine is clearly visible through the rear window underneath a transparent hood, seemingly encased in glass like a museum sculpture. LED engine compartment lighting allows for after-dark engine admiration.

Audi says that each R8 will be hand assembled in Audi's plant in Neckersulm, Germany, with an output of no more than 20 cars per day. The traditional manual-transmission version will sticker for $109,000. Another $9000 nets the R Tronic-equipped model. These prices put the R8 in competition with top-end Porsche 911 Carerra models, and well below other mid-engine exotics like the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo.

The R8's standard features include heated leather/Alcantara sport seats,
satellite radio, and a nine-speaker audio system.