Okay, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the realm of automotive excellence, because today we’re talking about the Audi R8.
Yes, that sleek, roaring beast that burst onto the scene in 2007 with a ferocious 4.2-liter V8.
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When it was revealed, car enthusiasts around the world collectively lost their minds.
Here was a machine so incredibly futuristic that you’d be forgiven for thinking it had been designed by high-caffeine Martians.
And the handling? Sublime doesn’t even begin to cover it.
This was a car that clung to the track like a barnacle to the hull of a ship, making you feel like you could drive upside down through the Channel Tunnel while channeling your inner Top Gun Maverick.
The design stayed true to the concept car revealed in 2003 and had more than a hint of the wheels that Will Smith zoomed in on during I, Robot.
In 2007, you had the choice of an S Tronic (a dual-clutch DSG that could shift faster than a politician’s promise) or an R Tronic gearbox (a much more basic setup, similar to the E-gear of the Gallardo).
But the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the closed manual transmission.
Interestingly, the manual was £5,000 cheaper than its flappy paddle equivalents, which is totally baffling because, let’s be honest, the manual is ideal.
This was a time when the world was going crazy with flex panels and overly clever gearboxes inspired by the F1 machines of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
The Audi R8 has aged like a fine winebetter than most of his contemporaries.
When the R8 was released, Aston Martin had just released the baby Vantage, and Porsche brought the 1997 Gen to market.
Sure, the Aston is one of my favorites from the 2000s, but the Porsche? Just another 911.
So if I had to choose in 2007, I would still opt for the 4.2-liter V8 R8 with all-wheel drive. It was the ultimate junior supercar.
Fast forward to today, and the R8 still looks as stunningly gorgeous as ever, especially from the rear and rear view. You can get a decent manual R8 for under £25k!
In 2007 this was a £77k car, which, adjusted for inflationIt costs £127,000 today.
For any budding petrolhead, owning one of these should be a rite of passage.
James Russell – The motorized network
What else could you get with four-wheel drive, mid-engine, manual and handles like they were glued to the road for less than £35k? Not much, I tell you.
This, my friends, is the people’s junior supercar.
Even the powerful V10 R8 has seen a price drop.
For any budding petrolhead, owning one of these should be a rite of passage.
Astute collectors started buying good cars, knowing full well that they will only increase in value, especially manual ones.
However, buyers beware!
Like all interesting metal, there are a few things to check before opening the piggy bank.
James Russell’s Guide to Buying an Audi R8
History of MOT: The early R8 is a true modern classic, so it’s older than you remember. Check MOT history to see most passes with few warnings
Repair receipts: Make sure you get receipts for MOT repairs
Service history: Fundamental. Make sure it has been used regularly and has not been left idle for too long causing a series of problems when it is finally started
Body: Seek repairs and reveal your inner Sherlock Holmes. Dig until you can’t dig anymore
Rust: Surface rust on the suspension arms is normal. These cars are often used year-round, so expect some rust. But watch out for penetrating rust. If you find any, run for the hills or make sure it’s fixed properly
Engine Mounts: they have sensors that, in the event of a failure, will light up your dashboard like a Christmas tree. Fixing this means engine decommissioning work, costing £3k plus parts
Mag Ride Suspension: Check for leaks. If it needs to be replaced you will get £6k for all four corners
AC unit and heating control: They are located under the engine. If your AC isn’t cooling, it may not be just a simple refill. Time to turn off the engine again
Wear: Check brake discs (expensive), tires (£280 per corner for decent ones) and clutch on manuals. High mileage cars will likely need a new clutch
If this list hasn’t put you off and you’re still brave, passionate, or just itching for an R8, then I can’t recommend them enough.
At the next 10 years, this is the car I want in my garage.
Not just because it is likely to appreciate in value, but because it symbolizes the pinnacle of modern classical performance hedonism.
Faced with the apocalypse, World War III, or a zombie outbreak, I’d be packing my wife, two boys, and the dog into the R8 and heading for the hills, drinking gas and burning rubber the whole way.
Need help or advice buying your first modern classic car? Ask James Russell at The Motor Network.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
