A Sports Car Without Masculinity or Grittiness

The Audi R8, even when driven, does not betray its exterior image. Its true brilliance lies in its masterful elimination of masculinity and grittiness, despite being a mid-engined, ultra-high-performance sports car.

With a top speed exceeding 300 km/h, its performance is that of a supercar, yet there is no hint of "reckless" ferocity anywhere. The 4.2-liter V8, enhanced with modifications like dry-sump lubrication to existing Audi units, is remarkably quiet, making it hard to believe it's located just behind the cabin.


Thanks in part to its AWD system, the car's weight is not light for an all-aluminum body, but its handling feels nimble. Its agility, which makes its 1.9-meter width surprisingly unnoticeable, is characteristic of a well-executed mid-engined car.

On the other hand, the suspension does not sacrifice practicality at all. Despite riding on 19-inch tires with a 30-series aspect ratio, typical for track use, the chassis comfort is higher than that of a regular A6. It is likely the most comfortable-riding supercar in the world.

Unusually Good Visibility

Another noteworthy point is the unusually good visibility for a large mid-engined car. Sitting in the driver's seat, there is no sense of confinement, as if one were tucked away. Thanks to the low dashboard, forward visibility is expansive and wide.
Rearward visibility through the rearview mirror is also decent. It seems unlikely you'd ever feel the urge to abandon the car on a narrow road you accidentally wandered into.



The 6-speed transmission is the "R tronic," a clutchless 6-speed manual, an improved version of the "e-gear" already familiar from Lamborghini. While its shifting manners are not as refined as the Volkswagen Group's "DSG," it is a 2-pedal system, meaning it can be driven with an automatic-only license.

Behind the seats in the spacious two-seat cockpit, there is a small storage space. While the manufacturer's claim of "enough for two golf bags" might be optimistic, it's a welcome feature. For most mid-engined cars, finding a place for personal items like handbags becomes a challenge once two people are onboard.

The Future of Supercars

The R8 is a "supercar-meets-practicality." It undeniably possesses the style and presence of a supercar, yet it is designed to be remarkably practical to drive. Audi's achievement lies in making a full-sized supercar a "usable car."
I honestly understood and admired it, thinking, "So this is what I wanted to build with my own hands..."

Watching the R8 drive away, with the editor at the wheel, I was once again captivated. For future supercars, form and style will be the most crucial elements.
While it may not possess the same kind of overwhelming performance as the Nissan GT-R, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or Subaru Impreza WRX, the R8's sheer coolness is immense.

When will it be equipped with the diesel engines tested in Le Mans cars? Supercars still have plenty of life left! The R8 has given us that conviction.

(The End)