First Track day in V10

[peterh]

So did my first day on the track in the V10 at Infineon Audi R8 Experience. I have had the luxury of having several days there in the V8 so really was able to feel the difference between these two cars.

All I can say is the V10 seems a totally different car. The V8 seemed nearly unflappable (especially with all the electronics on) where as the V10 demanded much more respect because it would get away from you much easier. The bump in power is significant and it felt the ESP was a little less intrusive so you could drift the car before the computers kicked in.

The V10 is much more a drivers car, demanding more delicate inputs and control where as the V8 is a "hero car" where the car does some of the work for you and makes you look better. Both are absolutely fantastic but having driven both (and soon to have owned both) the V10 is amazing. Plus that sound of a V10 at 9K rpm!! Intoxicating! That bump in power was fantastic pulling out of corners - the one place where you always felt like the V8 was lacking. But careful, too much throttle and you will be in a spin before you know it!

It felt like the suspension in the V10 was "lighter" and one of the instructors said they also felt like the mag-ride had been tuned differently.

Also, the R-tronic has been significantly improved. Shifts are quick and precise. I have driven both, but opted for the 6sp on my 08. My new V10 will be the R-tronic. I will miss the "click, click" of the gated shifter, but that R-tronic is just so efficient I think I will be quite happy. I'm not intending to open the tranny debate, as honestly I really like both.
Cant wait for mine to arrive!

[MotherTucker]

Excellent evaluatiion, thank you. Just got in line for a V-10 myself. Can't wait!! Now if I can just figure out how to break this one to the wife...

mt

[Monkey boy UK]

Excellent evaluatiion, thank you. Just got in line for a V-10 myself. Can't wait!! Now if I can just figure out how to break this one to the wife...

mt

As i said previously MotherTuker!

Do what i do, just do it & then tell her...

She always loved the R8's i had, however, when i turned up in the Maserati ( she heard me coming a mile away! not good ) she went mad, & asked why didnt you tell me you sold the R8, anyways, she never saw the Maser as a car of my dreams, only a conservatory she never had.

Still, just dont tell her, and me, she's happy i have sold the Maser and waiting for the Spyder, she thinks its the right thing to do, i just havent told her its going to cost another £50k to upgrade to it!

Guess home improvements will have to wait

[toecutter]

I just did the course at Infineon two weeks ago. Right on with the assessment. My V8 is refined and balanced. V10 is ragged with more power but needs more respect. Exhaust note is awesome in the V10. I also feel the suspensions is different. The V10 is not just a V8 with a new engine. They felt like totally different cars.

Very surprised at the R-Tronic. I actually really liked it and am considering changing my order when the V10 allocation comes up. I never drove one but from what I read, I was expecting the worst.

[peterh]

Coming from a 6sp for the last 2 years and driving both the 6sp and Rtronic at Infineon, I must say I was really suprised how much I liked the Rtronic. It was especially nice in turn 11 being able to quickly drop into 2nd before hitting the front straight. In the manual, the drop to 2nd is pretty tough to do quickly without banging against the gate, which is why they likely tell you to keep the cars in 3rd and 4th only.

[Vincent]

Way to go Peter. Nothing better than to drive it hard before jumping onto the bandwagon. Congrats on the V10.

[dailydriver]

Great evaluation and comparison of the cars. It helps reinforce my decision to change my order to the V10.

Thanks!

[toecutter]

I agree with turn 11. Took out a manual in the afternoon of day 2. Couldn't even come close to shifting right and 3 to 2 was tough.

I really think the V10 is much more of a RWD feel. Doesn't seem to get as much FWD transfer as my V8 gets. I'm looking forward to the V10 but thinking of keeping the V8 for a winter beater.

[MikeB]

Excellent evaluatiion, thank you. Just got in line for a V-10 myself. Can't wait!! Now if I can just figure out how to break this one to the wife...

mt

Don't bother? I'm still alive and married since my switch. My mates reckon that if I make it to the year mark without her noticing, that will comply with the statute of limitations and I will officially 'get away with it'

3 months and counting.

Peterh - no rev limiter on your car? Audi have retuned the mag ride for the V10, not sure about the r-tronic as I haven't had the pleasure. Still chuffed with the manual, though its still a little stiff in higher gears. I might take in for lube job.

I've got to agree with Toecutter, the V10 feels much edgier. There is an extra 70 odd bhp going to the rear wheels which may account for it

[gazza1]

Great review..interesting reading on the differences you felt.

Will also be interesting for me as when I take my budget V8 onto the track in 3 days with new exhaust,filters and springs to observe and feel the difference... and see if any improvement in my lap time's.