Audi R8 Limited Edition review

* Special-edition R8 supercar driven * Price 93,935 * On sale now...

Audi R8 Limited Edition review

What is it? The R8 Limited Edition is a special-edition version of Audis R8 supercar that will be limited to just 100 cars.

Built to celebrate the brands 10th victory in the Le Mans 24hr race in 2011, it has bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers and red interior detailing.

Buyers can pick from all the standard exterior paint colours, but the Audi R8 Limited Edition is also available with an exclusive titanium-effect option.

Additional equipment over the standard car includes satellite-navigation, an upgraded Bang and Olufsen stereo, Bluetooth and Audis magnetic ride adaptive suspension system.

Whats it like to drive? Sensational, just like the standard R8. Power comes from the same 424bhp 4.2-litre V8, which loves to be revved and can blast the car from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds.

Dont think the R8 will give you loads of white-knuckle moments, though. Theres mammoth traction from its four-wheel-drive system, and immense grip, while the steering is precise and the handling faithful.

Ride comfort also impresses. The magnetic ride suspension automatically adjusts to suit different road conditions, and bumps are dealt with in a fluid, controlled manner.

The R8 is even reasonably refined, shutting out wind and road noise well.

Whats it like inside? Most of the R8s switchgear is shared with older, cheaper Audis, but overall quality is good and the cabin looks smart.

The dashboard wraps around the driver, while a flat-bottomed steering wheel and an open-gated gearbox add to the sporty feel.

Theres even a surprising degree of practicality: its easy to see out of the R8 and theres enough head- and legroom to keep six-footers happy.

Interior upgrades for Limited Edition cars include red inserts for the leather sports seats, red knee bracing pads and red stitching for the steering wheel and instrument cowl.

Should I buy one? At 93,935, the R8 Limited Edition carries a 6000 premium over the standard car. However, if you were to spec a standard R8 to the same level, it would cost you slightly more than that.

Whether you should buy one comes down to whether you really want the extra equipment that Audi is offering.

Rivals:
Nissan GT-R
Porsche 911

What Car? says

[Steven.Huntingford@whatcar.com](mailto: Steven.Huntingford@whatcar.com?subject=)