I have been contemplating the new R8 V10 Plus as an upgrade. I love mine, but have kept looking at the new one each time I go into the Audi garage and thought I would borrow one for a few hours to see what it's like. It is very rapid, a little quicker than mine (extra 60bhp) with a different power delivery that feels lively at the lower end and the reduced weight is also apparent. They have nicely tuned the exhaust too, not that mine doesn't sound superb and as you can imagine it has some really clever technology and all the toys you want.
However, the steering is not a patch on mine (this one had the active set up) and the dampers are trick modern sorts with lots of settings making the ride fantastic but frankly losing something in that. I honestly preferred mine, it is more fun to drive, moves around more and though the steering is less highly geared I much prefer it. I move the new one a millimetre and it moves a foot, mine has less sharpness, but it has much more feel and I also found the new one acted very odd twice as the variable set up changed its mind mid overtake...twice. Didn't like that at all and would order one without if I was buying (I am not) as I would go for the standard sports set up. Also in white it looked a little lost and frankly mine looked miles better in red.
So worth a go but the cost of change didn't make sense for a car that would be a bit quicker, less fun to drive but have some nicer kit. However and as a Porsche fan I never thought I'd say this, but if I was in need of 2 seat rapid transport I would take this over a 991 Turbo AND Turbo S. Just miles more special and the engine is so special.
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, I probably need to spend more time here. Interesting to hear the comparison, was wondering if the new R8 would be as connected as the previous version.
