The people’s supercar is bargain of the decade, says expert James Russell – and it’s still so stunningly futuristic
Right, strap yourselves in and prepare for a rollercoaster ride through the realm of automotive excellence, because today, we’re talking about the Audi R8.
Yes, that sleek, roaring beast that blasted onto the scene in 2007 with a ferocious 4.2-litre V8.
When it was unveiled, car enthusiasts the world over collectively lost their marbles.
Here was a machine so stunningly futuristic, you’d be forgiven for thinking it had been designed by Martians on a caffeine high.
And the handling? Sublime doesn’t even begin to cover it.
This was a car that clung to the tarmac like a barnacle to a ship’s hull, making you feel as if you could drive upside down through the Channel Tunnel while channelling your inner Maverick from Top Gun.
The design stayed true to the concept car unveiled in 2003, and had more than a hint of the wheels Will Smith zoomed around in during I, Robot.
Back in 2007, you had the choice of either an S Tronic (a DSG with a double clutch that could shift faster than a politician’s promise) or an R Tronic gearbox (a far more basic setup akin to the Gallardo’s E-gear).
But the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the gated manual box.
Oddly enough, the manual was £5,000 cheaper than its flappy paddle counterparts, which is downright baffling because, let’s be honest, the manual is the one to go for.
This was an era when the world was losing its mind over flappy panels and overly clever gearboxes inspired by Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso’s F1 machines.
The Audi R8 has aged like a fine wine, better than most of its contemporaries.
When the R8 launched, Aston Martin had just introduced the baby Vantage, and Porsche had dropped the Gen 1 997 into the market.
Sure, the Aston is one of my favourites from the 2000s, but the Porsche? Just another 911.
So, if I had to choose in 2007, I’d still go for the all-wheel-drive 4.2-litre V8 R8. It was the definitive junior supercar.
Fast forward to today, and the R8 still looks as staggeringly gorgeous as ever, especially from the rear and rear-quarter view. You can snag a decent manual R8 for less than £25k!
Back in 2007, this was a £77k car, which, adjusted for inflation, is a whopping £127k today.
For any budding petrolhead, owning one of these should be a rite of passage.
James Russell - The Motor Grid
What else could you get that’s all-wheel drive, mid-engined, manual, and handles like it’s glued to the road for under £35k? Not much, I tell you.
This, my friends, is the people’s junior supercar.
Even the mighty V10 R8 has seen a price drop.
For any budding petrolhead, owning one of these should be a rite of passage.
Sharp-minded collectors have started snapping up the good cars, knowing full well that they’re only going to appreciate in value, especially the manuals.
However, buyers beware!
Like all interesting metal, there are a few things to check before you smash open the piggy bank.
James Russell's Guide to Buying an Audi R8
MOT History: The early R8 is a true modern classic, so it’s older than you remember. Check the MOT history for mostly passes with few advisories
Receipts for Repairs: Make sure you can get your hands on receipts for repairs from MOTs
Service History: Crucial. Ensure it’s been used regularly and hasn’t been sitting idle for ages, causing a cascade of issues when finally driven
Bodywork: Look for repair work and bring out your inner Sherlock Holmes. Dig until you can’t dig anymore
Rust: Surface rust on suspension arms is normal. These cars are often used year-round, so expect some rust. But look out for penetrative rust. If you find any, either run for the hills or make sure it’s fixed properly
Engine Mounts: These have sensors that, if they fail, will light up your dashboard like a Christmas tree. Fixing this means an engine-out job, costing £3k plus parts
Mag Ride Suspension: Check for leaks. If it needs replacing, you’re looking at £6k for all four corners
AC Unit and Heating Control: These sit under the engine. If the AC isn’t blowing cold, it might not just be a simple re-gas. Engine-out time again
Wear and Tear: Check the brake discs (expensive), tyres (£280 per corner for decent ones), and clutch on manuals. High mileage cars will likely need a new clutch
If this list hasn’t put you off and you’re still brave, passionate, or just itching for an R8, then I can’t recommend them highly enough.
In the next 10 years, this is the car I want in my garage.
Not just because it’s likely to appreciate in value, but because it epitomises peak modern classic performance hedonism.
Faced with the apocalypse, World War III, or a zombie outbreak, I’d be cramming my wife, two boys, and the dog into the R8 and heading for the hills, guzzling petrol and burning rubber all the way.
Need help or advice on buying your first modern classic car? Ask James Russell at The Motor Grid.
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