Description
The world became just a little bit less fun when Audi announced that they would stop production of their first supercar, the R8. The R8 appeared as the Le Mans Quattro concept car, at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, with the production R8 launching in 2006.
You could say it was a seismic shift in the supercar domain. Audi, whilst a premium brand, is not and was not an ultra-exclusive brand like Lamborghini or Ferrari. It also shared components from the rest of Audi’s range, like its V8 heart.
Audi’s unique new approach to supercar-ing resulted in a new dawn for supercars, they managed to create a model that sampled the excitement and thrill of a Gallardo, with the practical reliability of an A6, all wrapped up in an ineffably beautiful body.
This example is an R8 in arguably its purest form. Supplied new in 2009 it is a V8 example, fitted with a manual gearbox. Externally, the car is finished in Metallic Black. It’s a colour that suits the R8 perfectly, despite the R8’s pretty looks the shade makes for a sinister look.
The paint work presents well and still retains a deep shine. There is also the added reassurance of £1, 700 worth of paint protection film, fitted by specialists in 2021. The wheels are 19” items, finished in sparkling silver and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and tucked neatly behind them are the black alloy brake callipers.
Inside the cabin, this R8 benefits from an Audi Exclusive trim upgrade, an option costing £4, 795 when new which added Sand Beige fine Nappa leather across the seats, door cards and steering wheel. Nappa is a premium leather with a much finer grain, and is far softer to the touch than the standard fit options.
The interior is in great shape, though there is some light wear on the drivers bolster which is to be expected. In the centre console you’ll find Audi’s Navigation Plus which also adds a reversing camera and the all important gated 6-speed manual gear lever, featuring a turned alloy gear knob and a strip of matching sand beige leather, despite being 15 years old, the car has covered less than 24, 000 miles!
Under the engine cover, you’ll find the mid-rear mounted 4. 2-litre FSI V8, FSI meaning it benefits from direct fuel injection. The unit develops around 415bhp, which is more than enough to propel the R8 from 0-60mph in 4 seconds. The engine bay is clean, tidy and free from any leaks.
Despite the low mileage, this R8 has been meticulously maintained exclusively within the Audi Main Dealer network, the service records include:
1, 001 miles - Bristol Audi
1, 635 miles - Bristol Audi
2, 633 miles - Bristol Audi
2, 746 miles - Bristol Audi
7, 486 miles - Bristol Audi
8, 854 miles - Newcastle Audi
14, 850 miles - Bury St Edmunds Audi
19, 674 miles - Bury St Edmunds Audi
20, 843 miles - Bury St Edmunds Audi
R8s since launch have consistently been a desirable and attainable car for many, but these days V8 models especially represent extraordinary value for money. Despite being a design from around 20 years ago, the R8 still looks fresh, modern and elegant.
Now that production has ended, it’s the perfect time to add one to your stable.
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
