Road & Track The Audi R8 Odyssey: Part 1 - Long-Term Road Tests

[dailydriver]

I just got these links from a fellow member at Autobahn Country Club (the club is featured in the second video link and article).

Intro teaser:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/video/in...id=58648983001

R8 Odyssey Part 1:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/video/in...id=58387677001

Written article:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/lo...odyssey-part-1

[dailydriver]

I just received the February issue of Road & Track today and the article was in it. I would imagine this would also have hit the newstands for anyone who is not a subscriber. The issue also had this brief update on the V10:

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro - Road Test Update

We’ve given Audi’s V-8-powered R8 plenty of praise. The addition of Lamborghini’s V-10 nudges the already superlative R8 into the realm of exotic-dom, but don’t think of the R8 as a rebadged Lamborghini Gallardo. There are mechanical similarities, but the German manufacturer has kept to its ways. Instead of screaming for attention, the R8 V-10 has only subtle exterior changes compared to the V-8 version. Intake sideblades are flared outward and there is less restriction into the air ducts. It’s done for a reason—not just aesthetics.

The exhaust tips are now oval units, but the growl emanating from the V-10 at its 8700-rpm redline (200 rpm more than the Lamborghini’s) is still subdued when compared to the Italian’s scream. Its performance isn’t hampered much by the Germans’ desire to keep a semblance of decorum and refinement. Giving up roughly 100 lb. to the V-8 but gaining 105 bhp, the V-10 easily goes quicker through the quarter mile.

The optional Audi R tronic sequential transmission is somewhat frustrating in traffic where it isn’t as good as modern dual-clutch units, but at full throttle it works flawlessly, changing gears faster than humanly possible. Although the wheels and tires remain the same, the revised suspension helped the V-10 snake through our slalom faster than a Ferrari Enzo. - By Shaun Bailey