Let’s be clear from the start: saying a Lamborghini Gallardo is “just an Audi R8 R” is fundamentally incorrect. By the time the Audi R8 R hit the scene, the Gallardo had already been around for years, evolving through several iterations. If anything, the Audi R8 R owes its existence to the Gallardo, not the other way around.
However, the reality is more nuanced, with both positive and negative implications for the Audi R8 R.
Having experienced various Audi R8 R models, from the original 4.2 V8 with a manual gearbox (dating back to my early days in automotive journalism) to the V10 Plus S-Tronic, I can confidently say I’m a fan. There’s a lot to appreciate: the aesthetically pleasing yet functional interior, the surprisingly spacious cabin compared to many supercars (even the Gallardo feels tighter), and its ability to blend exotic car appeal with everyday usability.
What surprised me was how frequently students at driving experience events cited Tony Stark and “Iron Man” as their motivation for choosing the Audi R8 R. I hadn’t particularly associated it with the “Iron Man” image, but apparently, many others do. It’s undeniable that the Audi R8 R still looks futuristic, even years after its initial release. One could argue it’s even more visually striking than the Gallardo. Certainly, the Audi R8 R commands more attention on the streets today; the Gallardo, despite its Lamborghini pedigree, has become less of a head-turner due to its relatively higher production numbers and more understated design.
The Audi R8 R is also remarkably user-friendly in daily driving scenarios. Fitting comfortably with a helmet isn’t an issue for most. Parking and low-speed maneuvering are manageable. The infotainment system is standard Audi fare, intuitive and well-integrated. Getting in and out is easier than in some rivals, and the driving position is generally superior to many Italian or British supercars. If a cross-country drive in a supercar was necessary, the Audi R8 R would be a top contender. Even the climate control system is on par with luxury cars, a feature I appreciated during hot weather testing of early 4.2L models.
On its own, the Audi R8 R feels genuinely quick. The 4.2L V8, revving to a glorious 8250 rpm, produces a fantastic sound. The R-tronic single-clutch automated manual, while not the most modern, performs adequately on track, and the acceleration feels more potent than its 0-60 mph times might suggest. The all-wheel-drive system is always engaged but rarely feels intrusive. In wet conditions, it inspires confidence, allowing for near-full throttle application in less-than-ideal weather.
However, the modest tire sizes and significant front-rear tire stagger contribute to the Audi R8 R’s limits being relatively accessible on a racetrack. This also results in a lap time that’s noticeably slower compared to other cars in its class. More than any other supercar I’ve driven in similar comparisons, the Audi R8 R exhibits predictable, progressive understeer and minimizes the sensation of the engine’s weight behind the driver. It’s almost the “Cessna 172” of supercars: stable, forgiving, and easy to recover from mistakes. Reducing the tire stagger could improve chassis balance, potentially sacrificing some predictability.
Being equipped with an older transmission technology, the R8 R’s automatic mode is its weakest point. When instructing driving students, leaving the car in manual mode and shifting for them proved necessary, as the automatic mode often selected inappropriate gears at inopportune moments. In manual mode, as mentioned, the R-tronic is acceptable, provided expectations are aligned with single-clutch technology. It’s not as responsive or intuitive as a Ferrari 458’s dual-clutch, which flawlessly handles rapid brake and throttle inputs, intelligently selecting gears for optimal power or stability. However, it is a step up from the single-clutch system in the Ferrari F430.
With careful front tire management, the Audi R8 R can carry surprising speed through corners. However, it proved challenging in certain technical turns on the track, exhibiting more sensitivity to low grip conditions than other cars tested. This is likely due to the combination of narrower tires and a rear-biased weight distribution. While the weight distribution figures are similar to the Gallardo, the Audi R8 R felt distinct in these situations. Despite these nuances, students generally achieved more from the Audi R8 R than most other supercars in similar driving programs, with the exception of more forgiving, all-wheel-drive performance cars.
So, why does the Audi R8 R sometimes fall short in outright performance comparisons? While it looks every bit the supercar, it can struggle to keep pace with high-performance V8 sports cars around a track. Its weight contributes to this; it carries a considerable mass for its horsepower output, especially given that peak torque is reached relatively high in the rev range. In its standard V8 form, it leans more towards show than outright go. Opting for the Audi R8 R V10 Plus brings a dual-clutch transmission and power figures approaching the Gallardo, but the V10 Plus loses some of the V8 model’s unique character and doesn’t feel as agile on track as a Gallardo LP-560.
The sweet spot in the Audi R8 R range is the post-2012 six-speed manual 4.2 V8 model. This configuration delivers the iconic “Iron Man” aesthetics with a level of daily practicality rivaling a luxury sedan. You might need to concede the passing lane to true hypercars, but for a blend of style, usability, and engaging driving experience, the manual Audi R8 R 4.2 V8 remains a compelling choice. The next level of supercar performance, however, is a significant step above.
