Audi R8 Spyder V8 driven

• New 'entry-level' R8 Spyder
• On sale now, from £95,545
• MPG – 19.6mpg; CO2 – 337g/km

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It’s easy to get caught in the R8 Spyder’s trap. It’s great to look at and even better to be looked at in. If the 518bhp V10 version has more bite than you need, check out this ‘tame’ new V8 version.

It’s all relative, of course – with 424bhp, it’s still fast enough to have you howling with laughter, even if it isn’t quite as brutal as the V10.

On the subject of howling, the V8 doesn’t sound quite as brassy as the V10, but bury the throttle through a tunnel, and the V8 will still give you goosebumps.

It’s even more thrilling than the V10 in corners, though. You get the same mix of awesome grip, rock-solid body control and sharp steering, but with a lightness and litheness the heavier V10 can’t match.

You’ll barely feel any flex through the body, and the ride is superb for a supercar. It’ll comfortably cope with a long journey.

Small compromise – big saving
If you’re after the ultimate supercar experience, the V8’s lower price won’t tempt you away from the stupendously quick V10. If nine-tenths of the experience will do, though, the V8 saves you £21,115. As savings go, that’s far from incy-wincy.

What Car? says


Ivan.Aistrop@whatcar.com