Audi R8 S-Tronic V8 Spyder

What is it?

It’s an updated version of the Audi R8 supercar, more specifically; it’s the V8-powered Audi R8 S-Tronic V8 Spyder variant.

You’ll notice Audi’s stunning flagship model doesn’t look a whole lot different from before but there are new lights at the front and rear, and a longer standard equipment list.

Undoubtedly the most important change for buyers is the new S-Tronic automatic gearbox, which replaces the jerky, slow-witted R-Tronic.

Whats’s hot?

• The new dual-clutch S-Tronic absolutely transforms the R8. It was always the usable, everyday supercar but with the R-Tronic it never felt at home around town. Now it absolutely does, with seamless, quick shifts at all speeds.
• If you stick the gearbox in Sport mode then you get a really satisfying flare of barking revs on every single change down the gears, too.
• There is no increase in power from the 424bhp 4.2-litre V8 engine but the new gearbox allows the R8 to sprint from 0-62mph three-tenths quicker than before. That means the official time now stands at 4.5 seconds.
  

  

• It’s worth mentioning that the new gearbox costs just £2,900 over the manual – that’s much better than the £5,000 Audi was asking for the R Tronic.
• The standard equipment list now reads like one befitting a £100,000 supercar, and includes leather upholstery, sat-nav and Bluetooth.
• The R8 still drives in the same sure-footed and thrilling way it always has. It’s genuinely quiet and comfortable over long journeys but feels every bit the supercar in the bends.

What’s not?

• There’s no avoiding the fact that the R8 is still a supercar and, as such, it comes with some pretty hefty running costs. Private buyers will be looking at a VED bill of £1030 in the first year, with fuel economy of 22.4mpg.
• Running it as a company car will result in £14,286 of company car tax if you’re a high-rate payer (and let’s face it, you will be).
• As great as the Audi looks it’s far from subtle so turning up at business meetings in it does send out a certain message.
• The interior doesn’t feel quite as special as you’d expect for a car costing this much. Look at a Porsche 911’s interior and it looks worth £100,000 while the Audi’s falls a little way short.

Business Car Manager verdict

The facelifted Audi R8 Spyder isn’t completely overhauled, but instead subtly tweaked to improve everything that was flawed.

As a result, the standard equipment list is now more generous and suits a car that costs £100,000, and the new S Tronic gearbox removes any criticisms you could have about the way the R8 drives.

Yes, it’s a hugely expensive car to run but if your business car finances can stretch to it and you’re willing to accept the image that goes along with running a car like this then we’d recommend it wholeheartedly. You get all the thrills of a supercar with all the comfort and refinement of a premium saloon.

Audi R8 S-Tronic V8 Spyder

The Low Down…

…and what it costs