Audi R8 defeats world-class cars yet again. Jeremy Clarkson tests it on the Isle of Man

So Jeremy Clarkson and his Top Gear crew head to the Isle of Man to test world-class sportscars. This article can be seen in Swedish Magazine Auto Motor & Sport

The cars competing in this test were:

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Porsche 911 GT3, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Ford GT, Aston Martin Vantage, BMW M3, Jaguar XKR, Caparo T1, Megane R26, Ariel Atom.

Audi proves that its R8 is without question, one of the world's best supercars.

It has everything you could want in an exotic with the striking looks that will get you noticed everywhere you go, rapid acceleration (0-60 mph has been tested in 3.9 seconds by Motortrend), an exhaust note that is music to the ears, a chassis that is brilliant, but most importantly the R8 is a car that you can drive everyday.

The R8 won't get your genitals stuck in the seat, you won't squash some kids while trying to park it for the most part and it can sit in traffic jams without having your leg go numb.

So, Ladies and Gentleman the Audi R8 has taken down world-class competition again. We have seen the countless number of victories for the R8 in magazines/publications and we see it again.

Audi's R8 was named Autoexpress' Best Driver's Car of 2007 taking down a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Porsche 911 GT3 (997) and BMW M3 and the R8 defeats these motoring icons once again, this time in the hands of Top Gear and Jeremy Clarkson.

The Audi R8 is Audi's Ultimate Execution and it proves that Audi is indeed capable of producing one of the world's best sportscars.



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Hyundai - 9/28/2007 11:10:20 AM

+2 Boost

I <3 R8.

That would make a nice t-shirt.

david989 - 9/28/2007 11:23:35 AM

-17 Boost

There was no Lexus IS-F or LF-A on the list anyway. If there was the Audi R8 would have been destroyed.

supermoto - 9/28/2007 1:31:07 PM

+9 Boost

Yeah, David989, and I bet the ISF is probably better than a Bugatti Veryon, and could probably win any F-1 race, with no modifications. In fact, it may be able to break the land speed record and withstand small nuclear blasts. When egineers from other car companies see the ISF they will probably commit seppuku.

Man...What are you smoking, and where can I get some?

dwatson - 9/28/2007 2:25:14 PM

+4 Boost

hilarious

Fan1234 - 9/28/2007 7:08:22 PM

-9 Boost

exactly, lexus LF-A is king.

85bmw745i - 9/30/2007 4:29:31 PM

+2 Boost

David you are amazingly STUPID!!!! no way in hell would the isf come near the R8. Very few come close let alone beat it. with the power to weight ratio of the R8 the isf would need well over 600hp, not to mention the balance of a mid engined car and the lighter weight of the R8 alone would run circles around the ISF. I love the ISF but ignorant people like you make me want it to be a flop and get spanked by every one else just so you'll shut up. I swear if I saw you at the night club I worked I'd open the door with your head. The ISF will no doubt be a serious contender in its own segment, but the R8 would own it with little to no effort. Sorry to loet you down but no chance. Now as far as the LFa, we'll just have to see. I think it will be a strong contender, but defeating the R8 will be one hell of an accomplishment if Lexus can pull it off.

bintintin - 9/28/2007 11:49:56 AM

+7 Boost

I don't know if people are joking or not. But it's because of comments like the above about Lexus being posted everywhere that makes me despise them as a company. I steer away from anything Lexus related now. These comments make this site childish. I for one enjoy everything automotive, but people spitting out information as though it were fact, on something that is not in production nor has been tested, is irritating. If a car is being recognized, let it shine. ;-)

Kinger - 9/28/2007 12:01:18 PM

+8 Boost

david989 isn't a legitimate Lexus fan, he's a parody of one. It is annoying though, legitimate or not.

Fan1234 - 9/28/2007 7:09:41 PM

-2 Boost

waaa waaa waaaa

Talli - 9/28/2007 11:51:10 AM

+1 Boost

ok, the R8 is an excellent car, no doubt, but I dont believe (and agree) it can take down an LP640, a 599 GTB, a Ford GT and a 911 GT3!!

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 9/29/2007 4:05:20 PM

+2 Boost

They did not claim the R8 was faster than the vehicles you mentioned, the said it was their Best Overall Vehicle.

However the Isle Of Man is a very Wet & slightly cold Place and i can assure you that on the drives through the country lanes there is absolutely no way any of the Hypercars (LP640, 599, Ford GT) would be able to outrun an R8

r_driver04 - 9/28/2007 12:11:39 PM

-5 Boost

Can't believe the R8 didn't catch fire, slam itself into a wall or accelerate unintentionally into the wild blue yonder. Audi's making great strides.

IamEvilHomer - 9/29/2007 4:31:46 AM

+3 Boost

damn i hate this site sometimes

jmrA480 - 9/28/2007 8:23:42 PM

+1 Boost

and there is also a video of the veyron killing the MB SLR, does that mean anything? NO, the veyron is the fastest car ever and it should beat those 2

S4cabriofoxone - 9/30/2007 3:59:36 PM

+1 Boost

jmr, he wasn't bashing the R8. I saw the Veyron vs. R8 video, too. I'm pretty sure it was on Top Gear. The Bugatti made the R8 look like it was standing still- incredible.

supermoto - 9/28/2007 1:27:09 PM

+3 Boost

Cant wait for the RS8! That will be stunning.

GermanNut - 9/28/2007 2:33:26 PM

+2 Boost

What happenedto you amazinBimmer????

You couldn't find anything negative to say about the Audi??

My, oh my, your appreciation of Audi is welcomed.

Agent 001, I ask you yet again, please ban amazinBimmer.

His comments are unecessary to Audi, degrading for Audi, and he only posts to bash Audi.

We can't have members post comments that directly contradict the purpose of Autospies, which is to be a website for auto-enthusiasts.

AmazinBimmer's comments are intended to purposely hurt the image and brand of Audi, one of the world's leading premium auto-manufacturers.

His comments cannot be tolerated and I ask that you take action immediately, to preserve the reputation and credibility of your website.

IamEvilHomer - 9/29/2007 4:35:12 AM

+2 Boost

there are about 10 idiots that need to be banned from this site
but almost every site has them


when i am kink of the world I will tape their eyes open and force them to watch "Little House on the Prarie" reruns so they start acting nice

izfuney - 9/28/2007 2:18:38 PM

-7 Boost

Yawn !! Go fast hardware from VW with AWD etc etc..if its supercars we are talking about .. Ferrari is the way to go. Heritage, style, class, capability.
Unfortunately the 2+ yrs waiting list for a 599 sucks ..

Other wise i would take an evo over this and save myself a lot of change .

jmrA480 - 9/28/2007 8:27:58 PM

+3 Boost

yea the evo is real classy, goodluck with that matchbox POS

IamEvilHomer - 9/29/2007 4:36:39 AM

+3 Boost

there are no words that can save you

i will tear my shirt in your direction

Heyhuub - 9/29/2007 10:14:50 AM

+3 Boost

Audi has more heritage then Ferrari.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/30/2007 4:01:07 PM

+2 Boost

^And more style.

As amazing as Ferarris are, the 612 Scaglietti is the ugliest sports car on the road.

jmrA480 - 9/28/2007 8:25:40 PM

+3 Boost

well taking an M3 over the R8 just shows your personal taste sucks big time!

IamEvilHomer - 9/29/2007 4:37:37 AM

+4 Boost

this is why somepeople should not have a choice

IamEvilHomer - 9/29/2007 8:21:52 PM

+3 Boost

few people agree with you but you have your oppinon

jmrA480 - 9/30/2007 1:44:41 PM

+2 Boost

I didnt disagree with you about the ferrai or AM, but the M3? come on you have to be kidding me.

I love the M3, but its now where near the R8.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/30/2007 4:05:31 PM

+1 Boost

"What can I say, I Don't like the R8! It is a long way from being the best looking car of the bunch, it's not going to be the most hardcore, or the most practical, even if its the best compromise of the lot - I dont wanna buy a car as a compromise, I wanna buy a car because it "makes me want it!" Cars like the Aston or the Ferrari have soooooo much more character, the M3 is more practical, the T1 is gonna be a massive blast on the road and the GT just sounds symphonically amazing!..."

Okay, well, I can gather from this that you've never actually seen an R8. It makes any Ferrari or Porsche look terrible. The only cars that can match in terms of looks are the Astons, I assure you.

You're right, it's not the most hardcore. But it's better to drive than the M3, XKR, AMV8 and of course the less-expensive cars. It's also far easier to drive/live with than the GT3 and 599 GTB- without sacrificing its amazing style, performance or luxury.

The R8 is definitely not a compromise. I WANT it. I want it as much as (or more than) I want any Aston or Porsche.

And since when does the M3's "practicality" get your blood stirring? LOL.

Just think about it: you've never driven one, sat in one, seen one... you can't say much about it. So why do you think it keeps winning just about every comparison test it's in with other sports cars?

85bmw745i - 9/30/2007 4:35:28 PM

+1 Boost

I am a BMW nut big time. I love them and they are my favorite car, however I would have to take the R8 over the M3 if I had a choice between the two, considering price wasn't the determining factor.

dayday - 9/28/2007 10:01:17 PM

0 Boost

R8 probably wins an overall.
but as an super car. the performance is still the most important thing. and i don't think R8 can topple Porsche and Ferrari with its V8.

jmrA480 - 9/29/2007 1:21:06 PM

+2 Boost

the porsche it can, but I dont think the ferrari either.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/30/2007 4:06:59 PM

+1 Boost

No, definitely not the Ferrari. But the 599 GTB is also $150K more...

britbox - 9/29/2007 10:47:44 AM

+1 Boost

interesting they would put an M3 in there. Compared to the most expensive supercars, Ferrari, Lambo, Aston and GT3? Its in a different class. Is it weird or is it just me?

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 9/29/2007 4:12:56 PM

0 Boost

This was a TOP GEAR Magazine Article

Quite a few Drivers claimed that after the Long Weekend with all those cars that the one Vehicle they wanted most to do the 4.5hr return drive from Liverpool to London in was the M3

You cannot compare vehicles based on Price or HP numbers alone, The R8 costs about 25% of the Caparo's Selling Price, the M3 about 30% of the LP40's, but you want to see about the overall Feel of the Vehicles.

Larry - 9/29/2007 10:03:56 PM

+3 Boost

good for you audi

GermanNut - 9/29/2007 10:47:14 PM

+3 Boost

Larry, thank you for once again complimenting the R8. Indeed it is an amazing car that is capable of competing with, and in many instances defeating, some of the world's best cars from heralded manufacturers such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, BMW, Jaguar and more

c36amg - 9/30/2007 6:15:24 PM

0 Boost

which other is good from Audi...??? lets see how much reliable is this one

GermanNut - 9/30/2007 6:25:38 PM

+2 Boost

which other is good from Audi????? the R8 with V10 which adds another 100 horsepower on top of the 420 that already exists

Porschinator - 10/1/2007 3:33:12 PM

+1 Boost

Wow c36amg..were did you learn to write like Yoda speaks?

R8 is a great car and I hope the long term reliability is positive.

Porschinator - 10/1/2007 4:44:15 PM

+1 Boost

The R8 is all about synergy. It may not be the fastest, may not be the best handling, but it does everything very well. The sum of its parts are better than the majority of sports cars. I know the owner of a Toyota dealership that owns a Porsche GT and he said its a very close comparo to the R8. Stating that he will most likely get the V10 version.

Wow a Toyota Dealership owner a big fan of German cars! lol

I am surprised the M3 was on the list. I HATE the SMG!!! Nice car but out classed in this group.