Audi is no stranger in the first class sports car market. The previous generation R8 is still considered one of the finest looking and easy driving exotics available on the planet. The ultimate expression of the second generation model is named the 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus and it is truly one of the fastest and most driveable sports cars coming soon to North American.
Power comes in the form of a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine. Matched to a 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, it delivers 610 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 413 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. The tachometer spins all the way to a redline of 8,700 rpm, allowing the R8 in V10 form to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 330 km/h.
2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus
2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus
2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus
2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus
2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus
This puts the new Audi R8 V10 Plus squarely in the performance sights of fellow Volkswagen supercar family member, the Lamborghini Huracán. Which one you choose may come down to price, though both will set you back a princely sum.
Inside, a flat-bottom 3-spoke steering wheel is the first clue something unique is a foot. It houses controls to almost everything in the car, including the Start button. Machined pedals activate the gas and brake, with a dead pedal available to rest your left foot. This should come in handy when tossing the new R8 V10 into a tight corner, or engaging the high-performance, multi-piston carbon ceramic brakes and waiting for the obligatory head rush as you decelerate to zero in seconds.
Seats are covered in leather and Alcantara. Special R8 emblems are stamped into the seat backs and red stitching adds a classic Audi racing touch. Carbon fiber accents the center console and instrument hood. A main feature on the new R8 V10 is the 12.3” all-digital dash. It can be changed to offer as much or as little information as you like. Audi Drive Select makes driving this supercar in the city or highway a pleasure, as the riding is easy in Comfort mode, or more intense as you work way up through Auto and Dynamic.
The 2017 Audi R8 Coupe is priced to start at $184,000 CAD. The 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus adds 70 ponies and starts at $213,900 CAD. With new competitors in the supercar market including the 2017 Acura NSX, the R8 V10 Plus appears ready to take on all challengers and hold its own with ease.
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