The 2017 Audi R8 V-10 Plus

Audi's New Questionable R8

 

     In the year 2017, Audi decided to do a remake or refresh of the Audi R8 from 2015. The results have received mixed reviews from critics, and auto journalists. If you look at the center grille you might agree that it looks borderline Jaguar-ish. In my mind a German car should be its own thing and that is it. Some may think otherwise, and that it ok with me. Let's learn about what Audi did with the new R8 they're calling the V-10 Plus.

     The 2017 Audi R8 V-10 Plus is a German supercar and grand tourer equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.2 liter V-10 that delivers 610 hp and a top speed of 205 mph. That's a plus (pun intended). LOL! Naught to sixty takes 3.2 seconds. The engine is coupled to a 7-speed 8 tronic transmission with flappy paddles. This will anger some Audi R8 purists unfortunately.

     As for the new exterior changes such as a new spoiler for improved downforce, the interior of this car has changed dramatically. The steering wheel has a wide array of switches and buttons like a Ferrari 458 or 488, and the dashboard screen is now virtual and even features a g-force meter in the center. The Audi R8 V-10 Plus's air vents have also been reshaped for better AC quality. 

     The Audi R8 V-10 Plus has also undergone a diet so to speak. It now weighs 3,428 pounds. 

     Now to the cost of an Audi R8 V-10 Plus. In the United States it costs $162,900 which is almost cheap Ferrari money, and slightly more expensive than the latest Chevrolet Corvettes like the Z06.

     Now for the scary news. When this car was driven around a racetrack by Randy Pobst on Motor Trend he noticed some understeer from the car due to the V-10 Plus's tires which he said were "too thin." His passenger Johnny Liebermann did soften the blow by saying that as a driver's car it was excellent though. Question is are you willing to drive regularly or go to racetracks with such a car provided you bought one? Also are you willing to deal with the new Audi R8 look? Despite the Jaguar-ish look of the new center grille I can honestly say I can.