A surprise surprise
The performance and looks here are magnificent-- though they’re perhaps not the R8’s most impressive traits. After all, this machine’s speed, power and bladder-compromising grip are advertised all over the body and cockpit. Feats of performance are impressive, but also expected.

The ride is absolutely excellent with the suspension in its regular mode.

The unexpected surprise was what a comfortable and laid-back machine the R8 is to drive gently. The roomy 2-seat cockpit is easy to access, the ride is absolutely excellent with the suspension in its regular mode, and steering, clutching and shifting are all light and easygoing.

Noise levels are kept nicely in check, and the engine even shuts right up when it’s not being prodded. Really, this is a potent performance car that’s also eager to play nice.

Playing nice? Common!
Of course, thoughts of playing nice are pinned to the rearmost portion of the brain when drivers give the R8 the boots. Propulsion here comes from Audi’s 4.2 litre, four-cam V8 in its highest state of tune. Displayed like art beneath the glass engine cover, it belts out a peaky 420 horsepower across virtually the entire rev span.

And you should hear it, too. The sound coaxes manly laugh-grunts from deep within the bellies of driver and passenger, and the exhaust system uses bypass valves to alter tone and volume depending on throttle position and load.

Sound effects range from a quiet hum to a high-strung wail. Somewhere in between is one of the meatiest, most penetrating and gorgeous V8 soundtracks on the road. This engine isn't a torque monster, but hearing the silky beast spin to over 8,000 revs is an incredible aural experience. Make sure you've got the seats scotch-guarded.

As compromise-free as performance cars get?
The eerie silence during gearshifts is interrupted by a metallic ‘clink-clank’ from the gated shifter. It’s no more difficult to use than any other six speed gearbox, but some will find the added sound effects grow tiresome over time. It's a minor gripe.

Others included limited storage space in the 'frunk' and cabin, as well as the steering-pull over uneven road surfaces. Blame the latter on the wide, thin tires. Finally, the body is too low to clear an upright large coffee cup, so extra care is required in construction zones and while parking.

Functionally speaking, compromises here are minimal. The performance, showiness and mystique of the R8 don’t come at the expense of any and all comfort or practicality.

Of course, you do pay for it. In fact, the heavily-equipped tester came in at well over $180,000. For some, that’s a bargain. For the rest of us, it’s a great excuse to say yes to Encore.

The performance, showiness and mystique of the R8 don’t come at the expense of any and all comfort or practicality.

Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard