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Audi R8 Coupe

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Audi R8 Coupe Review

Price range:

$277,196 - $366,900

Car Verdict rating:

Good:

Stunning looks, fantastic handling and Quattro all-wheel drive. Plus, it's rarer on the road than that other German sports car with all the numbers in its name.

Not so Good:

Beware the options: they're expensive. 'Jerky' R-Tronic gearbox at low speeds (we recommend at least trying the manual).

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Audi R8 Coupe Competitors

BMW 1-Series 40 from: $43,400 car review	Audi TT 40 from: $64,500 car review	Lotus Exige 40 from: $104,990 car review
Lotus Evora 40 from: $139,990 car review	Jaguar XK 40 from: $224,200 car review

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Audi R8 Coupe Review

Design and Engineering	Good	It's quite simple: the R8 has futuristic supercar looks, which are backed up by the latest technology under its skin.
Design and Engineering	Not so good	Rear visibility isn’t great – however a standard rear-view camera comes to the rescue.
Interior and Styling	Good	We loved the amazing interior – truly original and special. As per usual, Audi have used the highest quality materials and have completed it all with impeccable build quality (we love Audi's care regarding 'fit & finish').
Interior and Styling	Not so good	A sound deadening interior is usually praised, but with the R8 it would be nice to hear the V8 a little more from the cockpit. The cargo carrying capacity is somewhat lacking (but that's not why you want it though, is it!?)
Performance	Good	4.2L V8 is naturally-aspirated and feels awesome high up in the rev range – and what a sound it makes! Most buyers go for the R-Tronic six-speed automated gearbox and it’s the right choice on the performance front – super quick gear changes will always be on the menu and it automatically blips the throttle on downshifts.
Performance	Not so good	No doubt the V8 is fast – but not mind-boggling-ly so (but then there’s always the V10 range-topper? Tempting, isn't it?) The fun R-Tronic transmission isn’t always as smooth as we'd like during low-speed city traffic.
Ride and Handling	Good	Looks might be wild but this is a bulletproof car to drive – ride is refined (thanks to adjustable suspension via a button on the dash) and the Quattro all-wheel drive system ensures handling is secure even at high speeds.
Ride and Handling	Not so good	Not much to say, at all, actually.
Buying and Owning	Good	Unlike some other temperamental ‘supercars’ the R8 is a true day-to-day proposition thanks to the comfy cabin and Audi reliability. Plus, it's got an extensive safety kit.
Buying and Owning	Not so good	Ticking too many of the tasty options can see the price rocket by tens of thousands (for example a softer (Nappa) leather upgrade costs over $10k - ouch!) Mind the hefty fuel consumption...