The drive took place in the south of Portugal, from Faro airport to the Portimão circuit. After a short briefing and signing an undertaking it was time to start driving. There were more than 20 cars lined up for this drive and the options consisted of the R8 and the R8 V10 plus. The choice was obvious: the V10 plus. This is the fastest production Audi ever. A push on the red start-stop button on the steering and the V10 motor bursts into life with a growl and settles down to idling speed as the rumble continues.
The minute you slide into the car and strap yourself up, you can feel the side bolstering holding you in place. As I was exiting the car park, the first thing that struck me was the light steering — I did not have to wrestle with the steering at low speeds as in other supercars. On the motorway, once you get up to cruising speed, five of the cylinders shut down for better fuel economy but the moment you press the accelerator, all 10 fire up and the transition is seamless. Just before entering the tunnel I pressed the binocular button on the centre console (the exhaust flap button that looks like a pair of binoculars). The sound of the V10 on full song is something to hear inside a tunnel; it gives you goosebumps.
The second part of the drive was through a mountainous section and this gave me an opportunity to exploit the V10 plus’ handling capability. The new car feels more nimble, planted and the suspension also feels more compliant as compared to its predecessor’s. The ride quality is good for a supercar with 30 profile tyres.
The car’s performance and handling were put to test on the Portimão racetrack and the R8 V10 plus came out with flying colours as it gripped the tarmac like a leach. All you have to do is select the line and point the car in the direction and it rewards you with inch-perfect cornering from the entry point to the apex and back where you want it at the exit of the corner. The V10 plus is capable of sprinting from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h is attained within 9.9 seconds, the top whack being 330 km/h. With all this performance on tap the brakes are equally capable, and the carbon-ceramic discs stop the car in its tracks.
For the first time in my life I drove a car on a racetrack at night and it was an extraordinary experience. However well you may know the circuit, it still feels unfamiliar. Nevertheless, it was possible to drive fast thanks to the laser spots that double the lighting distance.
The new car has improved in all the departments — ride quality, handling, performance and sound. If you are looking for a usable supercar, then the R8 V10 plus is the one for you.
