Test Drive Audi R8 V8 since 2007 coupe

Strong move

In each class, Audi necessarily offers sports, hot versions. This is RS4, and RS6, and S8. This time a completely new, exclusive, unforgettable urban car, the name of which R8 is created.


This car can not be noticed in the parking lot for huge SUVs, since the height R8 is only 1252 mm. But it's impossible to go past him. The cunning eyes of the optics suspended by a strip of bright LEDs, piercely look at the people passing by. A huge radiator grille goes to the ground. It creates a complete feeling that the car lies on Earth. Behind the car seems some kind of disproportionate. If, of course, compare it with ordinary machines. But the fact of the matter is that he is unusual. At low height of the body is highlighted by a solid width of 1904 mm. It is not bad to complete the appearance of huge wheels and wide spaced nozzles of the forked exhaust system. From above there is something very similar to the roof, but this is something like a trunk lid. Under it, it is clearly overlooking the powerful V8 engine, located right in the center. Yes, Audi R8 car with medium-engine layout of the power unit.


The massive door without a frame opens access to the salon. Immediately you understand that this is a machine for the egoist. Why? Yes, because five people are easily placed in most mid-class vehicles. And here in the body with a length of 4431 mm there is a place for two. Rear has only a small shelf on which you can throw an umbrella. And then, behind thin glass, 420 horsepower are waiting.


Driving comfortable. There is some compromise between sports and comfort of premium machines. On the sports orientation remind the abundance of aluminum inserts, closures of seats and slightly turned to the driver's central console. Landing in R8 facilitates the steering wheel beetted at the bottom of the attribute of sports car.
 

But do not forget that R8 civil car. Three turnover of the steering from the stop until it stops when maneuvering in the city has to be used completely. Sometimes hands wave past a plump ball. For premium in the cabin, high-quality finishing materials are answered, pleasant to the touch plastic and a magnificent leather finish.


During the movement of the 6-speed robotic r-brown box as if seeds, the seeds declines the transfer. KP can be used in two main modes manual and automatic. The program is so clearly spelled out that the car reacts faster on the machine to press the gas pedal. But if you switch yourself, it can be done, pulling the KP lever forward / backward or with the help of stealing petals.

The launch of the motor, during which the bass voice of the V-shaped six penetrates the salon is accompanied by small vibrations. Press gas, go. Wide wheels and closely located engine do not contribute to acoustic comfort. Passers-by, and the neighbors in the stream, if you do not see, then you will definitely hear. Silent at idle the engine explodes with a wild penetrating roar at maximum turnover, as well as under the gas discharge.
 

At the first moment it costs a tender to handle the gas pedal. It is enough to press more stronger how the heart fuses, and this amount of adrenaline is injected into the blood, that for a long time the pulse does not come normal. It is not surprising, because overclocking up to hundreds takes only 4.6 s, and the level of 200 km / h R8 reaches 16 s. Quickly? Very fast! At the same time there is a colossal thrust. It seems that the speed limit is not in principle. Actually there is. The maximum speed is limited to electronics for 301 km / h. Alas, it was not possible to check it on the territory of the Dmitrovsky landfill due to the insufficient length of Special Madrog. But the frontier of 297 km / h we took.


With a set of speed, the steering wheel is heavy, and the suspension becomes tougher. It feels each sand and the imperfection of the road surface. At the same time, even at such a high speed R8 adequately responds to all commands. Engineers were seriously overlooked over aerodynamics. To the maximum speed, they promise almost complete absence of lifting force. It was possible to achieve such a result due to a small clearance, an absolutely smooth bottom with a developed system of air ventilation channels and an automatically advanced spoiler. The car goes like rails. Confirmation of this is an eighteen-meter slalom passed by our testes, which is overcome in 10 s at an average rate of 70 km / h. A long rearrangement according to the ISO standard car flew by 148 km / h! R8 clings to the road like spider. Only instead of small hooks on the legs there are lamellas of 18-inch tires. The size of the front 235/40, rear 285/35.
 

At high speed it seems that other cars encountered on the highway are just worth. The task of the driver is only calmly around these obstacles (not at the traffic police will be said). Sustainability during maneuvers R8 is obliged to a complete drive, which has the most closely approximately close to the ideal weighing along the axes of 50/50. After acceleration, a reasonable question arises: how does this car stop? The braking path with 100 km / h amounted to 35 m, and from 190 km / h 130 m. You can order ceramic brake discs with a large resource and greater efficiency.
 

If you wish to the Black Sea on R8, you can jerk for five hours. True, it is necessary for this ideally even track, which, besides, there will be no charges of road order with radar in honest hands. And since this is impossible, the trip is somewhat stretched. In any case, bathing accessories, towel, as well as a suitcase with money on gasoline can be thrown into a small trunk, located in front of the car. More there is nothing and will not fit.
 



Body
+ Design, Saving Family Dams Audi

Riding Comfort
+ Comfortable landing, good ergonomics
- mediocre noise insulation

Force aggregate
+ Excellent Power Plants
+ Uniform thrust in the entire turn range

Chassis Properties
+ Maximum steering information content, complete drive confidence

Security
+ Developed body structure and modern materials

Ecology
+ Acceptable fuel consumption for such a powerful motor
+ Compliance with toxicity standards







Expert

Eduard Shivorshinov, 34 years old, test pilot, driving experience of 16 years. Rides on: Mercedes-Benz G300 TD and V220 CDI

The right decision was chosen by Audi engineers, creating a new sports car, and not the charge version of the model range. R8 car who has in itself a sports character while maintaining some civilian qualities, such as the luxury of the cabin. In the management of Audi R8, the minimum of compromises, the suspension is crucified as much as possible, the steering wheel is sharp, the gas pedal differs with lightning responses. But with all this aggressive set, you can feel quite comfortable in a slow urban stream, it is enough to choose the usual drive and dose the fuel in small portions.
 

Our estimate

Is the experiment successfully conducted engineers, designers and designers of Audi, creating this sports car? Yes, good! Audi R8 demonstrates the perfect sport and comfort synthesis. The car is able to give true pleasure from the drive, but it is worth being ready for some sporting inconveniences and the increased attention of others.
 

Maxim Egorov
Photo: Sergey Crostes
 
 
 
 
 
 

A source: Journal 5 Wheel [December 2007]