The 602-hp GT is the final sendoff to the mid-engine Audi R8 and I wanted to test it before it bows out. The R8 might not have a BMW counterpart, but it will certainly go down in history as one of the most iconic cars in the world. The V10-powered R8 has been on sale since 2006 and Audi already confirmed that it will be replaced by a fully electric model.
Starting the story about the latest iteration of the charismatic model which lives at Audi’s top of the food chain is more difficult than I thought. Mainly because the Audi R8 has been part of my personal journey throughout the world of automotive journalism. Ever since I started to write about cars, the Audi R8 had a fascinating impact on me. Mainly because it was the most approachable supercar that was within reach when I returned an S5 Convertible or a new TDI-powered A3. The R8 was always there in the same press parking garage waiting for that moment I could give it a GO, which in the end happened quite often the past 15 years.
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The R8 is therefore not new to me, however the last time that I drove one was four years ago in Dubai, and we had two cars; the R8 V10 Spyder and the RWS, a limited edition rear-wheel-drive version which had its front-wheel drivetrain removed. Only 999 units would ever be made. Earlier this year, I was handed the keys for two weeks.
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Not your average specification though, the Germans parked a Coupe variant in front of my door dressed in an individual paint finish combining a Nardo Grey matte effect with side blades in Vegas yellow. Inside, the bucket seats were dressed in fine jet grey/black perforated Nappa leather, with stitching in Calendula yellow as well as air vents and decorative inlays in Vegas yellow fitting the outside color details.
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As many you may know, the Audi R8 and its fabulous naturally-aspirated…
