Thursday, April 24, 2008

Bizarre Sports Car: Audi R8


Last time I created a topic like this, I discussed about the Lamborghini Countach and its outrageous design that centered too much on its looks to the point that it sacrificed the car. The Countach was all about the image and nothing more: not even the car's performance.

This feature will be about the Audi R8: bizarre in an entirely different way.

Looking at the Audi R8, there is a sense of 'futurism' in its exterior design. However, it still doesn't scream "look at me" the way the Countach did. The R8 is more subtle. You know that it's a supercar, but it doesn't border on the outrageous.

There are however other sports cars/supercars that have an even more subtle look than the R8 like the Porsche 911 Carrera 2S for instance. The 911 however compensated with the way it delivered.

The 911's engine screamed the way a supercar should. Its handling is undeniably exciting thanks to its powerful flat 6 rear engine, rear wheel drive layout. You always had to be focused because at any moment, the rear end could just escape from you. But in no way is it an ill-handling car. Because if you did manage to concentrate well enough to tame the beast, the 911 could certainly make a driver look really good. And that was the point of the 911. It was gratifying to drive to the limit because it made you feel good about yourself.

The R8 however, doesn't seem to have that same type of panache. For one thing, the engine is so quiet. It's V8 is perhaps too good that 100 mph is way too easy that it doesn't break a sweat. A supercar must draw attention to itself. A quiet engine doesn't really do that.

It is mid-engine and all wheel drive, so the car could certainly be very tidy around the corners. You can throw the car around, drift it and what not and it will respond with ease. In a sense, it is very forgiving.

Because you could get away with just about anything, the car would definitely make you look better than you really are. But because it is so easy, it also doesn't satisfy as much as the 911 would.

Don't get me wrong. The car is far from bad. In fact, it is absolutely amazing. Good handling should never be a point against a car. The R8 is also very fast; you just hardly notice it because of how quiet the engine is.

In addition, the cabin is incredibly spacious and comfortable. For a car that's supposed to be concerned with performance, it sure didn't forget some of the basics of comfort.

The R8 basically drives like a supercar without negating the benefits of the normal cars available to the public. In short, it is a supercar that is still pretty practical.

Yes it is a great machine. Unfortunately, it just doesn't show off the way a supercar should despite being as good as it is. And that is what's bizarre.

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