All this 2017 Audi R8 V10 content looks pretty great eh.
Truth is – I stumbled on it, and when it was time to drive, I’m nervous for many reasons.
First, it’s wasn’t a media track event, as in, totally different setup.
It was the 3rd and final stop in Audi’s pilot program of their all-new sportscar experience.
So it’s 20 owners & enthusiasts and me, the only girl and only auto journalist… only one darting around taking 400 photos, paper and pen in hand, I’m awkward.
Today is my 1st time with 500+ hp, making it the most powerful car I’ve ever driven.
Specifically, it’s a 2017 Pre-Production German-spec Audi R8 V10.
It’s the fastest production Audi ever.
Audi R8 v10 = 540 hp, 398.3 lb-ft, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h
Audi R8 V10 plus = 610 hp, 413.0 lb-ft, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, top speed of 330 km/h
During lunch I was photographing the 2017 when, “You excited to drive that, Keri?”
WHAT?! YES.
I had no clue it was part of the program, thought it was display-only. I’m about to be the first journalist to drive it in Canada.
There’s only 4 of these R8s in Canada.
The VIN # isn’t even 3 digits, look – #98 in the world.
And it’s my 1st time around a real track, a world-class one.
I have some autocross experience, done 3 small tracks, the end. Oh boy.
Wreck this car, and KeriBlog.com is on the cover of Jalopnik for all the wrong reasons, omg please no never no.
Coming out of a corner,
all the above is repeating in my mind.
Always and forever, say it with me – Queen of the Late Brakers.
How’s it handle compared to the 2015 R8?
The 2017 has more grip, the additional about 50 hp makes a real difference, and the all-new instrument cluster and steering wheel are ergonomic elegance.
But let’s be real here – I’m not experienced enough to give a proper comparison of the two. The Audi instructors are though – they’re some of Canada’s most decorated racers.
They feel it’s better balanced than the 2015, with more power, better brakes, and a better vehicle overall, “a huge leap ahead.”
Below – Top Left > Clockwise:
- centre stack
- centre console
- driver’s door
The Canadian model can be equipped with lasers. LASERS. More here.
And Audi’s new virtual cockpit too, more here.
Couple more laps and I start to settle in.
Choose between the quilted seats, or upgrade to RECAROs.
Tested both but can’t comment on a preference, I was floating the entire time.
20 minute chunks of lead-follow. I’m fully settled now.
So I stand on it, straight up to to 200 km/h.
That’s what I’m saying, “that’s 200.” First time I ever did that. Did not need another addiction.
It’s ok, flipped it in post.
There’s 5 main difference between
the 2015 and 2017 models.
See the post here.
The 2017 R8 will arrive in dealerships about 6 months from now.
For a detailed account of the sportscar experience, read my story at The Co here.
