For The R8 Spyder delivers monumental performance, a sensational soundtrack and phenomenal dynamic abilities. Ally this to first-class refinement and comfort, and it’s hard to think of a more usable everyday drop-head supercar.
Against Unless you spend a lot of time on a racetrack, avoid the quick-shifting semi-automatic gearbox, which is extremely jerky at lower speeds.
What Car? says
This is better than any tonic from your doctor. Roof up, it’s a quiet, refined and seriously rapid long-distance tourer. Drop the top, head for the hills, and it’s sure to set your spirits soaring.
Reader review rating
No reader reviews found
advertisement
There are 2 Audi R8 versions available
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
After choosing which engine to buy, the biggest dilemma facing Spyder buyers is whether to get the R-tronic semi-automatic gearbox. It adds more than £5000 to the list price and - if you live in town - a fair bit of frustration to your daily commute. Your passenger certainly won’t be impressed as you pogo your way through rush-hour traffic trying to exact smooth changes.
Don’t get us wrong, though. The shifts are brutally quick when you're using the engine in anger, and the steering wheel-mounted paddles are far more effective than the rather languid manual gearbox on a race track, where you need both hands on the wheel at all times.
Back in the real world, however, we much prefer the manual. It’s not the quickest gearchange we’ve ever encountered, but the Ferrari-style slotted aluminium gate produces a metallic clack as you slot between ratios, and it's a sound we never tire of.
R8 used rivals
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2012
