Audi R8 2016 Review
The 2016 Audi R8 made its debut last year at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and arrived in the UAE just a month back. The official Audi Middle East organised an event in Abu Dhabi where the 2016 R8 was unveiled alongside the R Sport brand. The Audi R8 2016 has also managed to win the “2016 World Performance Car” award. It was launched in three different variants: the V10, the V10 Plus and the E-tron. We got our hands on the V-10 Plus and took it for a test drive at Yas Marina Circuit to know more about the vehicle. Below are my findings:
Walk Around
The exterior design is absolutely stunning with low-profile, just how a sports car should be. The fascia boasts sexy full LED headlamps accompanied by a huge grille. The body frame incorporates large amount of carbon fibre in order to keep the weight low (3,200 pounds) and improve the aerodynamics. The wheels are 19-inch alloys, however 20-inch can be installed too. Towards the back, you can see dual chrome exhaust tips making an undeniably beautiful sound as the engine fires up.
Cockpit Impression
The two-seat cabin is ergonomically designed with fine Nappa stitched leather seats. Sitting in the driver’s seat feels like you are behind the wheels of a jet plane thanks to the beautiful 12.3″ LCD full digital instrument cluster to render this sense. The steering wheel column is fully adjustable as you can see in the video, and is convenient even for short-height drivers.
Engine Specifications of 2016 Audi R8
Under the hood, the 2016 Audi R8 V-10 Plus is equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.2L V10 capable of generating 610 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. The standard V10 model carries the same engine, however, that delivers 540 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque. The E-Tron electric model churns out 462 horsepower and 920 Nm of torque. So evidently, I was driving the most powerful in the line.
Driving Dynamics
The performance on the track was absolutely thrilling. Driving straight at first, I noticed that the acceleration was pretty smooth. Since the weight of the R8 is so low, you could feel yourself in total control of the car. The drive mode selector is placed near the steering wheel giving you the option of calibrating the performance according to dry, wet and snowy conditions. In addition, there is checkered button that pops up the ‘Audi Drive Select’ screen and lets you switch between Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual modes. The variable torque distribution distributes the torque extremely intelligently to the rear wheels, and you could actually feel this around the corners and sharp turns.
During our test drive, I was able to sprint the Audi R8 V10 Plus 2016 from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205mph (330 km/h). Quite amazing, isn’t it?
Technological Overview
The Audi R8 does not only offer a superb performance, but also extends cutting-edge technologies, which make the drive more convenient. Since there is no infotainment system installed on the front dash, the virtual cockpit features Google Maps to aid in navigation. Near the gearbox, you have an MMI touch technology that lets you control mostly everything in the car. It even has hand-writing recognition capability. Moreover, the R8 also features Wi-Fi hotspot functionality and a premium 13-speaker Bang &Olufsen® Sound System for music lovers.
Dislike
It is quite difficult to point out any dislike in the R8, but I want to indicate that the virtual cockpit is sometimes difficult to understand and function.
2016 Audi R8 Pictures
Verdict – 2016 Audi R8 Test Drive
The 2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus starts at AED 630,000 in the UAE, which is definitely very expensive. Nonetheless, I would suggest you to take a test drive of this beautiful sports car. I am sure you would feel the same way I did.