The only display found here is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, which is operated via either the tiller or the centre console-mounted dial. For a contemporary supercar, the facelifted second-generation R8 feels surprisingly analogue on the inside.
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The interior design is as it should be in a supercar, minimalistic and driver focused. The amount of grip provided by the quattro all-wheel-drive system and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber (measuring 245/30 R20 fore and 305/30 R20 aft) is astonishing, especially considering the R8 Spyder performance quattro tips the scales a hair short of 1,7 tonnes. A corner fast approaching, I depress the brake pedal – the carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic discs (eight-piston items measuring 380 mm in diameter up front) do a remarkable job at reining in speed – and shift to second gear, and turn in. The gearchanges are near imperceptible when manually operating the seven-speed S tronic via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The dual-clutch ‘box is rapid in its workings. Direct steering makes it a joy to pilot Audi’s all-season supercar, no matter the environment The sound is intoxicating, echoing from the mountain faces as we arrived at the coastal road. Moments later, the virtual needle reaches an 8 250 r/min crescendo, and the total power output of 449 kW is directed to the road via Audi’s S tronic transmission.
As soon as the digital tachometer needle edges the 6 500 r/min marker, the full complement of 560 N.m is on offer. Power and torque are delivered to all four corners in a linear fashion. Devoid of additional breathing apparatus, throttle response is immediate.