DRIVEN + VIDEO: The All-New Audi R8 V10 Plus Screams On The Track And Is A Pussycat On The Street — The Usable Exotic Is BACK!

When the Audi R8 made its debut in the 2000s, it was one of those cars that people didn't quite understand at first. And then they drove it.

While it shared some similarities with its cousin, the Lamborghini Gallardo, the R8 didn't feature a flamboyant V10 — at least, not initially — and its styling was more of an ode to technology rather than just pure flare. But what made it really stand out from the crowd was its drivability.

I sound like a Bud Light commercial going on about its "drinkability."

Seriously though, the R8 was an exception. That's because this beast could be used on track and on some of the worst city streets. I know, as I tested it in New York City's Financial District.

Of course the question many are asking is "Has Audi has moved away from that formula?"

In short, no. If you scope out Auto Express' video below, you'll quickly note the presenter having a blast around the racetrack, but how quickly he is able to tame it down once he gets onto civilian roads.

And, my, OH MY, check out that instrument panel. Wow!

Having said all that, check out the clip below!


The new Audi R8 is a big leap on from the original in terms of performance and tech but still earns its 'everyday supercar' tag.

TheSteve - 7/18/2015 12:34:00 PM

+3 Boost

Previous generations of the R8 were also "usable exotics" (although at the bottom end of what many would call "exotic"). That's what appeals to me about the R8. However, I don't care for Audi's more sharply creased bodywork, straight lines, and protuberant grill. For me, their new styling direction is a letdown.

Agent00R - 7/18/2015 6:56:07 PM

0 Boost

I have to say it must have been a tough job to follow up the first-gen R8. It was a brilliant design.

Socalcarnut - 7/19/2015 6:43:23 AM

0 Boost

Having an iconic model in your product lineup is a dangerous thing sometimes...think Porsche 911, Mazda Miata (MX-whatever), Corvette, Kia Soul...the vehicle resonates and locks in and becomes iconic without any prior warning when the first generation is launched...then the manufacturer is forever tied to the design and how to re-design it to keep everybody happy. Audi now has two of those models...TT and R8 and on top of facing the challenge of staying true to those designs runs the risk of not being daring enough with their design. I don't envy the product designers. They will be criticized either way.