2011 Audi R8 V10 Manual
Before the launch of the R8, Audi’s road-going performance offerings focused mainly on extremely fast, if not a bit understeery, estate cars. The RS6, RS4 and earlier RS2 all shifted our perception of what a great daily drive could be.
But, not even the most perceptive of the motoring press could expect Audi to smash their first super-sports car so far out the park. The R8, which was unveiled in 2006, was incredibly similar to the concept car that debuted just a few years earlier, but it wouldn’t be until 2009 that Audi would offer a full-fat V10-powered R8 to the public.
That’s exactly what this car is. Finished in Phantom Black, this is not only a V10-equipped R8, but a 6-speed gated manual one too. The first-generation R8 has aged inconceivably well, and this one looks particularly nice thanks to its carbon fibre side panels and diamond-cut 19” V10-unique alloys.
The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, whose sidewalls feature Michelin’s unique velvet-like texture. The wheels hide enormous, steel brakes, which might seem less desirable than carbon ceramics, but are infinitely more affordable to maintain. After all, the R8 is a people’s supercar.
Audi excels when it comes to interiors, even at the entry-level points of their range, but the R8 utilises some of the finest materials. Leather and Alcantara that is soft to the touch, and expertly machined aluminium that affords the satisfying clickity-clack of the gated 6-speed shifter.
The flat-bottom steering wheel might just look racey, but it also means getting in and out of the wing-backed RS bucket seats is possible with ease. In-car entertainment is delivered by a Bang & Olufsen sound system, which sounds excellent. The RS-branded odometer shows just 51,700 miles have been covered with its 4 owners.
In the engine bay, you’ll find a 5.2-litre V10 that produces 518bhp. It’s an enormous amount of power, and the result, thanks to the R8’s lightweight aerodynamic frame, means it can reach 60 in under 4 seconds, ideal for the M4 slip-road.
The R8’s spectacular handling is the result of Audi’s magnetic ride system. It’s dynamically adjustable magnetic damper system that allows constant adaptation to the road surface and driving style. These dampers are prohibitively expensive, but thankfully the ones on this car were replaced under warranty in 2018.
The R8 might be an accessible supercar, but a supercar nonetheless. Which is why regular maintenance, ideally with specialists or within the Audi main dealer network, is imperative. This car is about to be serviced with Audi West London, and remains in manufacturer warranty, the full records show:
10/2024 — Service at 51,432 miles — Watford Audi
02/2024 — Service at 51,167 miles — Watford Audi
09/2022 — Service at 48,967 miles — Watford Audi
02/2022 — Service at 47,364 miles — Watford Audi
09/2021 — Service at 46,644 miles — Watford Audi
10/2020 — Service at 43,855 miles — Watford Audi
09/2019 — Service at 42,570 miles — Watford Audi
11/2018 — Service at 40,287 miles — Watford Audi
04/2017 — Service at 34,448 miles — Watford Audi
02/2016 — Service at 31,895 miles — Belfast Audi
10/2014 — Service at 27,713 miles — Belfast Audi
07/2013 — Service at 16,837 miles — Belfast Audi
09/2012 — Service at 4,713 miles — Belfast Audi
The R8 is the poster car for a generation of enthusiasts, a timeless piece of automotive engineering and design that will go down in history not only as Iron Man’s company car, but also as a truly usable, attainable and yet somehow massively desirable supercar.
As with all our vehicles, an entire digital folder is available upon request and contains more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.