Coming from V8 r-tronic to V10 r-tronic - initial thoughts

[randombloke]

Had the v10 for just over a month now and had the v8 for 3 years - here are some random musings:

Obviously it's quicker - and more noticeable than I remember on the test drive.

r-tronic feels smoother - could be the engine characteristics being better suited to it. And yes, I had had all the latest software updates on the v8.

The V10 feels like a GT car in high gears with low revs, real Jekyl & Hyde - especially with how strong it can still pull in those high gears

Magnetic ride feels more sorted - less fidgety over the ever-deteriorating UK roads

Like the addition of heated rear cabin window

White led display - cleaner and crisper, but I wouldn't say better - there was a retro "pulsar led watch" feel to the red, the white just looks modern and "expected"

I didn't spec rear camera this time around as I never really used it on the old car, preferring to use the acoustic sensors and blind spot mirrors that showed both rear tyres. What I wasn't expecting was the bulging blades mean I can't actually see the passenger side rear tyre now - but can still use it to determine distance from roadside objects.

metallic looking paddles - pity the touched surface behind still feels like the same plastic

had standard stereo on the v8, b & o obviously on the v10 - for me, there's little difference as I don't drive with it loud enough that the difference is noticeable but at higher volume the b & o is clearer and fuller sounding.

The v10 has less character below 4k rpm compared to the v8 - but above 4k it comes alive. Personally, I still prefer the sound of the v8. (both cars had the exhaust valve disconnected so it's not down to that)

I was expecting better integration between mmi and onboard computer - the a5 I had a while back was light years ahead of the r8 setup.

I specced and Audi Music Interface and hooked up an old ipod (sits where the cd multichanger would - also comes with a usb cable to hook up usb pen drives) - much better than using sd cards thanks to increased capacity but it's a bit of a pain cycling through the tracks and had some glitches with it.

All in all, for me the v10 was the only real choice when it came time to change from the v8 - and very pleased with this. It's different enough - especially with the colour/interior - to make it a new experience and yet familiar enough to make the learning curve pretty much instant. great car.

[soho]

Appreciate the comments and observations. I myself am considering the upgrade to the V10 but am quite unsure. I'll definitely be taking this into more consideration when I finally get down to the dealer to take the V10 sitting on the floor for a test drive.

[randombloke]

the other thing I forgot to mention that has surprised is I'm seeing better mpg in the v10 compared to the v8.

[wickedrsr]

I just upgraded as well, and i notice the same as you did. The suspension seems tighter and smoother, the r-tronic shifts smoother, everything feels smoother... and i notice better mpg as well...

[R8_050]

Coming from V8 to V10 as well and I agree with everything you guys are saying. It feels like with the V10 they have brought this car to (near) perfection: the engine, the R-tronic, the suspension and the all the little details that make the exterior and the interior of the car look better

[gazza1]

Would have to agree re the comments on the suspension being tighter compared to the V8.

However on the the Spyder the back is a bit more squirmy under acceleration going through a corner fast under load compared to the V8 coupe.

The Spyder is just a tad less balanced and controlled near the limit compared to the V10 Coupe I did some laps in with Audi at Phillip Island racetrack.

In regards to the engines the V10 just gives so much more over 5,000 revs and before you realize it you are going bloody quick and effortlessly.However the underbelly feels as though there is more in there to untap to really unleash the engine.

V8 sounds better with the stock exhaust but over 6000k I am finding the OEM exhaust on the V10 quite intoxicating.