Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro Coupe

Oct 5 2008 Mike Torpey

THE list of incidental casualties was pretty impressive for a mere 48-hour period.

There was the decorator who got his hand trapped in the boot lid, a jogger who ran headlong into a pillar box, the van driver who swerved to avoid a cyclist stationery in the middle of the main road and, best of all, the sports teacher whose holdall split to send a dozen footballs bouncing down the railway bridge.

And it was all because of a car that turns heads like no other - the Audi R8.

To describe this super coupe as drop dead gorgeous would be an understatement. Even the engine looks sexy for goodness sake.

Peer through the clear glass cover - a magnet for passers-by - and the gleaming V8 powerplant leaves you under no illusion that this is a car of immense capability.

Hop inside the race-derived two-seater, grab the flat-bottomed steering wheel, fire up the engine and watch those dials flick over to the maximum.

It's almost as if the car is saying: 'This is what I've got, let's see what you've got.'

What the Audi has is pretty sensational. We are talking about a car that delivers a massive 420PS at 7,800rpm from its 4.2-litre engine, can hit 62mph in a fleeting 4.6 seconds and blast on to a potential 187mph.

Those able to dabble in the echelons of huge outlay can guarantee that their £78,300 for the 'cheaper' manual model is money well spent - and there's certainly no need to shell out an extra few grand for the sequential automatic version.

That's because the manual box is so slick and is accompanied by the most wonderful soundtrack, snarling more audibly as the revs build and you flick through the race-style stainless steel lever slots.

A prime feature of the R8 is its mid-engine layout. By mounting the V8 engine - which drives all four wheels via Audi's quattro system - as close as possible to the car's centre the engineers have achieved a near perfect 44% front / 56% rear weight distribution.

The upshot is precise handling, glue-like grip and the most reassuring feel of being in control of the car, something enhanced by the optional Audi Magnetic Ride suspension, with its Normal or Sport modes, and user-friendly brakes.

Audi has also done a fine job on the R8's design. It looks fantastic from any angle, menacing when spotted in your rear-view mirror and low slung when viewed from the rear with its Bi-Xenon Plus headlights, 19-inch double spoke alloys and discreet spoiler, which pops up when sensors demand extra downforce.

It also has a sideblade panel that can look effective with some colour schemes - like the phantom black on the tested Ibis White model.

Inside, there are stitched Nappa leather sports seats with electric lumbar support, centre console inlays in micrometallic grey, air-con and a premium 140-watt CD sound system with seven speakers and MP3 playback.

And for those craving a purer sound, can opt for the Bang & Olufsen set-up specially designed for R8 at a princely £1,200.

Travelling light isn't merely restricted to the aluminium body - luggage space is limited to a smallish well in the front boot and a shelf behind the seats - trips to the tips are clearly off limits!

FAST FACTS

Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro Coupe

Price: £78,300

Mechanical: 420PS, 4,163cc V8 petrol engine driving four wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 187mph

0-62mph: 4.6 secs

Combined mpg: 19.3

Insurance group: 20

CO2 emissions: 349g/km

BiK rating: 35%

Warranty: 3 yrs/60,000 miles, 12yrs anti-rust, 3yrs paint