I saw the new Audi R8 Spyder in London recently. To be honest, I have never been an R8 fan. I never really liked the design. But that doesn’t mean that the first generation R8 was not a good design. I never managed to like the E36 BMW 5-Series but it still looks new.
The main issue with the R8 is that it is a bit Audi and a bit Lamborghini Gallardo. I know Audi has a very rich heritage of performance cars but I never managed to associate the R8 with the brand. I think that this is due to my approach to its design.
Despite my negative attitude to the Audi R8, it performs really well in terms of financial figures. It is really fast and ‘way more affordable than the Porsche 911. Even so, the first generation Audi is still favoured by many people.
Audi wanted to keep the momentum going with the second generation, and they have done a great job. The second generation Audi R8 is an amazing car. Audi combined performance, design and technology perfectly with the second generation. Another important fact about the second generation R8 is the engine. There are only atmospheric engine available on a super or a hyper car. Nowadays, all performance cars are turbo or supercharged. This makes the second generation Audi R8 a very special car.
Will I buy an Audi R8 over a Porsche 911? That would never happen. Porsche fans will always go for a Porsche. This is like asking an Apple fan to try a Samsung phone.
