Audi R8 review

The Audi R8 is the pinnacle of Audi’s range – a four-wheel-drive supercar that goes up against some stonking rivals such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and GT3, McLaren 570S and Ferrari 488 GTB.

The original R8 came with the option of a V8 engine and a manual gearbox, but the car has gradually moved into serious supercar territory, so now it comes only with a monstrous 5.2-litre V10 engine and a paddle-operated dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

It has also gained extra power over the years, so that, as of 2019, it comes with 562bhp in standard guise, or 611bhp in range-topping Performance form. That immense power is still channelled through a quattro four-wheel drive system that’s capable of varying the power it sends to each wheel according to the traction available. Most of it goes to the rear wheels.

There’s up-to-date technology, too, including a fuel-saving cylinder deactivation system and Audi's Virtual Cockpit, which combines the instruments and infotainment screen in a 12.3in digital display in front of the driver.

So, can it match those supercars from Porsche, McLaren and Ferrari for outright driver involvement? Read on over the next few pages to find out, and don't forget to head to our New Car Buying page to see what supercar deals we have that could save you thousands of pounds.