The Last Dance: Audi R8 GT RWD | Henry Catchpole - The Driver's Seat
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- Опубліковано 30 січ 2024
- The Audi R8 GT RWD is the swan song for the four-ringed super sportscar. It is a very fitting finale too, because it encapsulates so much of what has made the R8 special throughout its 20 year history. Since the original concept car designed by Frank Lamberty back in 2003, the R8 has captured people’s imaginations and changed the perception of fast Audi road cars.
In this latest episode of The Driver’s Seat on the Hagerty UA-cam channel, Henry Catchpole takes a journey back through the Audi R8 story. He looks at the car’s outstanding attributes, which include everything from usability, to laser lights, to a predilection for oversteer. However, he also shines a light on some of the less well-known aspects of the R8 story.
Did you know, for example, that there was a diesel version of the R8? Or that the LMS version raced successfully for more than 24 hours? And do you know where the R8 name came from? With the help of Tom Kristensen we reveal that at the end of the film - a big thank you to Martin Halusa and Peter Chambers Automotive for their generosity and assistance with that part.
The R8 GT RWD itself is magnificent. Its 5.2-litre, naturally aspirated V10 puts out 611bhp and 417lb ft of torque. That makes it the most powerful rear-wheel drive R8 ever. It also has shorter gearing for its 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox, helping it to sprint to 62mph from rest in just 3.4sec. It will still hit 199mph too. Lighter, forged alloys are also part of the package, along with a system called Torque Rear (which is a bit like McLaren’s Variable Drift Control).
All in all, the R8 GT RWD highlights just what a spectacular car we are losing. A go in an original R8 V8 with a beautiful open-gate manual also highlights just what a bargain they are in the used market. Will we one day see an e-Tron, all-electric version of an R8? Who knows, but if this is it for the R8 name then it’s been quite the journey.
We hope you enjoy this film. Please share some of your own R8 stories in the comments down below. Perhaps Henry will relate the time he drove one through São Paulo in rush hour. And if you fancy supporting the show and the Hagerty Drivers Club is available where you live, then just click on this link: bit.ly/Join-HDC-Henry Many thanks.
#TheDriversSeat #HenryCatchpole #NeverStopDriving #Audi #hagertydriversclub #carreview
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Hope you all enjoy this. Bonus fact: As if 24hrs isn't quite enough of an endurance test, the Audi R8 LMS GT3 also had three consecutive wins in a 25 hour race - the 25 Hours of Thunderhill in California. Shout out, as ever, to Glenn Winhall for the amazing work filming (superbly assisted by Ben Cornish) and editing. A huge thank you as well to Peter Chambers Automotive for staying after hours to help us film the Le Mans car. If you'd like to read more about that particular car (chassis R8-405, owned by Martin Halusa) there is an exhaustive book on it by Ian Wagstaff. And finally, thank you to Tom Kristensen for giving up his time, despite being under the weather, to talk about his memories from the early '00s at Le Mans. As always, a like/subscribe/share is always much appreciated if you feel so inclined! Henry
how did it feel filming on hallowed ground at Dunsfold?
i´m not a car guy ( i drive daily offroad suv´s ) but i drove the Audi R8 back when it was new, in 2008-9 with the V8 4.2 and the manual gearbox ... i don´t understand why it is ( was ) only offered with an Automatic Gearbox later. @ ITALY ( i´m sorry my english is not so good )
can i just say that i'm so, so pleased that you're doing these films for hagerty? they're wonderful.
Mr. Catchpole, I just want to thank you for bringing all of your expertise to your series. So enjoyable hearing the driving experience brought to us "real-time" by a true automotive enthusiast. And, as usual, with all things Hagarty related, kudos to the entire production crew; another excellent job by all involved!✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦
And thank you for keeping the quality automotive content flowing in the dusk of the combustion era. Can't really see the same enthusiasm about an electric R8.
The R8 has been a home run during it's entire history. Really hate to see it end.
Nice to see the Top Gear circuit still being used 😸👍
I thought I was wrong, glad I'm not the only one who saw it 🙌
TG was just such an institution back in those days. Whenever I think of any supercar launched around the ~'05-'15 era my most vivid memory of it is always of how it looked going round Dunsfold back in the TG review. Particularly with that grey R8. Such a timeless design imo
Some say the stig owns the track
Well, i thought I was wronng
I still own my 2010 Audi R8 V8 with a Manual since i bought it used back in 2012. Have driven it for over 130000 km (80k miles) myself in those Years and despite being a Supercar it never made any Issues whatsoever. All i had happen was the Cigarette Lighter stopping to work and otherwise just the usual Stuff, Oil Changes, new Tyres etc.
I never have driven one of the later Facelift Models but can definitely recommend the old ones.
Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps
How I envy you. Absolutely wonderful to read this. The original R8 is the best. Driveable daily sports cars / GTs with a torque engine and firm build quality, the gentleman's cars, are always better over screaming supercars. About 400hp is sufficient and also civilised for any GT yet still very quick. Adding a manual gear and nice interior to that... Perfect. You can go all day any day in that.
Bei meinem nächstem Besuch in Berchtesgaden, wenn ich ein Audi V8 sehe (es können nicht so viele dort sein oder?), ich werde die Daumen hoch heben 😉. Aber ich kann mir vorstellen, dass es Ihnen oft passiert! Grüße aus Zürich
Best R8.
Very lucky, I covet cars like this but I don't envy you and I'm glad these cars exist and some owners love them and use them rather than hide them away in garages.
seeing henry on the old Top Gear Track just feels right for some reason
Everyone needs to watch "One last pass" that Henry did in the R8 spider with Drivetribe 6 years back. One of the best car videos on youtube and one I always end up going back to
That's one of my favourite yt videos
I just watched it on your recommendation. It literally sent goosebumps through my body. It was short but sweet.. Amazing 👏
Thanks for the tip dude. Gonna watch it straight gate this finishes.
Catchpole has always been one of my favourite motoring journalists. He’s similar to two other ex EVO employees of his, Chris Harris and Jethro Bovingdon, in that he’s not only a good journalist but he’s a really good driver too!
Excellent recommendation !!
Thank you, Hagerty, for an uninterrupted symphony at 9:00
The first gen R8 with the 4.2 and a gated manual will always be my favorite...what a gorgeous car.
The only car that can equal a 911 .
The lengths the team has gone to produce this farewell are incredible. The sheer variety in filming locations and cars: R8 GT on track, on road, and at night; the first generation gated manual R8 V8 we all fondly remember from the XCAR days (and has been on the intro of many of their videos), and as if it weren't enough: an original R8 LMP. No reuse of footage, all newly filmed with Henry right there beside the cars. The original R8 V10 has always been my dream. I just hope I can get into one before emissions regulations make that impossible. Thank you Henry and the team at Hagerty. This film is a masterpiece.
Back in the early 2000s I worked as a surveyor for a UK construction company that was building most of the new Uk Audi dealerships. It was a busy time, Audi couldn't produce cars fast enough to keep up with demand and I was lucky enough to get any demonstrator that I wanted.
To put it into context. My company car was a 2L petrol Volvo S60 and I took home the first 07 plate R8 demonstrator that was in Yorkshire.
Opening it up was like the millennium falcon making a jump to hyperspace, or at least it felt like it compared to my S80.
It was a moment of enlightenment for me personally and one that luckily led me down a path to 911's and the joy of driving.
That's why the original manual V8 R8 will always be a special car to me. 👌
Great video as always.
This film was a wonderful and a fitting send off to the R8. Absolutely brilliant
everything from Henry, cinematography, sound design, the cars is everything top notch. Feels like watching at cinema.
my god Henry is at the top of his game right now, this video is one of the best pieces of automotive media i've seen on the internet, easily tv quality!
I got chills when I heard Tom Kristensen speak, awesome of him to join in!
Im not an Audi fan, but I am terribly sad to see this car go! Thank you Audi for all of the years we had with this incredible machine!
I mean its been out sense late 2008-2009 so i mean kinda makes sense for it to have a final model and send it on its way
@@jake78441 i feel the way way about the miata, because something with more power badly needs to take its place.
@@SupraSav oh yea the miata I question how that model is stilllll going 😂
@@jake78441 Simple, power isn't everything. There are times where lightness and driving involvement is more important than power, and the MX-5/Miata is one of them.
Ah, Henry and one of the most disregarded Supercars of our time. What a great episode. The cinematography and editing teams constantly amaze me with their proficiency. Oh, and you're not bad yourself, Henry!😂 ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦
The R8 was uber futuristic when it first hit the roads over a decade ago. It has had a great run.
When you hear sounds like this, it really makes you sad the world is pushing on with ev. Excellent video.
Love the R8 and sad to see it come to the end of production. However, so glad Audi took the bold move to compete in the supercar segment and they developed a classic that will go down as one of the best!
Great content, cinematography and first class motoring journalism at it"s finest!
ALSO CONGRATULATIONS TO HAGERTY ON 3 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS! 🎉
The R8 is a perfect example of a Halo car. Truly put Audi up as a real competitor with Merc and BMW. Sad to see the name go, hoping it stays dead and is not resurrected as a golf kart.
Honestly, I'm really sad. As a v10 engine lover, this also means the end of the era of v10 engine for a sports car, even for a supercar. 😢
Some of the best content on the interweb. Thanks for the effort, it doesn't go unnoticed!
I always felt like the Audi R8 took cues from the Acura NSX from the 90's, making a supercar that could be a daily.
Agreed. If only the R8 was as reliable or spare parts as affordable. Youd buy an old NSX with reasonable confidence. You'd be mad to buy an Old R8.
"...frickin' laserbeams..." brilliant, henry. :)
As always, another excellent video! Just an FYI - The "original" R8 actually debuted in 2004 in the movie iRobot, set in the year 2035. Well done to Audi for giving us a "sneak peek" at an iconic vehicle to come. It will definitely be missed.
Before that even, there was the LeMans Coupe Quattro concept in 2003, that looks much closer to the production R8 than the RSQ concept. Crazy to think that the R8 design is now over 20 years old!
@@RomeoKiloLimaWasTakenand that concept car had a 5.0L V10 from the original Gallardo too! These two cars were destined to be like a “Green Apple” and “Red Apple” sort of choice!
They might be the same on paper, but they are completely different.
Henry needs to get his hands on the original R8 V8 6-speed from the Heritage fleet and do another R8 tribute like this!
The first gen v8 manual was the best.
*v10
The V8 manual in this video is Audi’s heritage R8. Henry did an “old Vs. (then) new” comparison a few years ago on Carfection.
“Some say he never blinks, and that he roams around the woods at night foraging for wolves. All we know is he’s called the Stig.”
Henry + R8 V10 + Top Gear track: please don't wake up me!
A masterful piece.
What a production on this video. Incredible
I loved this video, and it is fitting that it comes just 2 weeks after I was able to obtain a 1st gen manual v10 after years of working towards it. An absolute dream of a machine that I can't wait to spend many miles with.
Never made the connection before, but now it makes so much sense that Audi would mean “listen.”
I always presumed it was to do with the old Auto union group. Every day's a school day.
Man seeing that Audi drift around Dunsfold gave me chills ❤️
I remember for awhile after the original R8's success that Audi was considering making a car they called the R4, which would be a smaller, cheaper, turbocharged 4-cylinder, mid-engined model between the R8 and TT as a competitor to vehicles like the Porsche Boxster and Cayman.
Great video. Thanks Henry and Hagerty.
The R8 is a special car, in all its iterations. I remember being passenger in an early V10 in about 2010 through Sussex and it really was a supercar, no doubt. That owner has just bought one of the last V10 quattros so I guess they really get under your skin.
Brilliant as always, thank you.
R8 is my all time favorite ❤ particularly the 1st gen
The most important word used here is ‘glorious’. Who wouldn’t want to own/drive one of these. What a wonderful machine. Thank you to those who educated themselves well enough to bring us technology like this.
fantastic video as always @HenryCatchpole, thanks!
I have a 2014 v10 plus and wouldn't trade it for the world.
We did deserve a few more generations of this.... Will miss you r8
Love the way the history was distilled here, well done.
A treat for the eyes and the ears. Thank you Henry, to the team behind you and Hagerty. And, also, it was nice to see another blast on the TG track in Dunsfold.
Who the heck did the editing and sound engineering for Hagerty!?These are some beautiful masterpieces!!
Another wonderfully eloquent review with added history. One of the best Chanels on YT 🥇🏆
A fittingly brilliant review for such an incredibly brave and brilliant car, feels like another Concorde moment, so sad to see its demise.
Pretty sure Acura's original NSX is the reason European supercars including the R8 are everyday usable. Although the 911 definitely is everyday usable and nowadays has grown into super car status.
The nsx is slow and was among the slowest compared to its competitors at the time
I love the artistic eye and beauty of the show.👍👍
Love the R8 Henry! Great test 👏👏👏
Great vid! Reminded me of the first time I saw an R8 in person in the first car show I went to. Jetblau with a gray stripe, 5 radius alloys and cream interior. What a glorious car.
“Last” just like Dodge and their “last” Chargers/Challengers
Yup. The Camaro and Bronco too. They'll wait a few years, rumors will start circulating, and a new R8 will pop out of the woodwork.
Always loved the original R8. Still one of my favorite poster cars. Never say never. Just “Listen” = Audi
More Catchpole! 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Always gonna want an R8, ever since iron man that look is iconic. Definitely a dream car
Great video .henry, thank you. Brilliant car reviews and storytelling
Great review, wonderful story and stunning car.
I'm finding another level.of complexity in your videos Henry, thumbs up! 👍👍👍
That first Gen R8 is a masterpiece. Its aging beautifully ❤❤
great cinematography and a wonderful story told along with the video
With the top gear circuit and the top gear style filling cinematography this is a cracker
Brilliant once again!!
Henry another great one really love your work and how you present really legendary cars like Audi R8, and hope to see collab with you Jason, and Randy
Had the privilege of driving an R8 around Brands Hatch a few years ago. Pulled out of the pits thinking urgh this is like an other Audi as it was so easy to drive until I buried the throttle and woke up that glorious engine behind my head. My word it had some shove up up the hill into Druids. Would have one in an instant if I had the budget.
Only Audi I would buy ! Great Video Henry
this could easily pass as a Top Gear review back in the og days
That was amazing - thank you.
I saw a R8 in the wild way back in Redmond WA, USA, and I was star struck.
This is some old top gear level of production and storytelling! Hats of to the whole team and an extra tip of the hat to whoever did the colour grading.
What a fitting finale for a great car awesome video too!
Awesome video as always Henry and team. 🎉 Great to see Hagerty is using the top gear track lol 😂
Beautiful video!
Amazing video! Thanks so much.
Brilliant Harry (yet again)!!
Only one word.... Masterpiece!!!
Excellent piece!
Brilliant Vid......i soooooo miss my Audi B7 RS4 Avant with that same glorious V8 revving to 8250......just glorious...
I could never get tired of that V10 roar!
The original R8 is still my dream supercar
So simple yet so good looking
Great video guys
Keep them coming
Shame to see the R8 gone. I'm still digging the design from both generation a lot.
Henry Catchpole, Jethro Bovington, Chris Harris, Jason Camissa, and Carlos Lagos, are the names in modern car reviewing i care about. Hagerty should definitely get more of these guys and take over the game.
Fantastic video
My dream car, what a great car and a great send off.
That original R8 was just one of the the most simple and elegantly designed cars. That’s why it’s so hard to improve on perfection, lovely cars.
That R8 TDI would’ve been amazing though, it looked better than both the production 1st gen and 2nd gen too
I remember the concept called Nuvolari (2003) that appears in Gran Turismo game. I don't know if that turned into R8, but it's very similar.
I think that may be the Le Mans Quattro Concept
Once again you've smashed it mate, I really believe you are as close as it gets to a fourth top gear presenter. Makes me feel like a kid again, and for that I say thank you. 👊🏼
Thank you, Henry Catchpole, now i cannot get the idea of owning an R8 out of my mind. Great review.
Saying goodbye to any modern Audi is something to be embraced.
They do not deserve to survive.
So sad watching a once good company go bad.
This one sounds better than the previous generations. Sounds like they tuned the intake sound a touch. I still love the sound of the 4.2 and have that in my S4. Another fun thing about the R8 over a Huracan or Gallardo is most countries list the R8 as a sports car, not an exotic one since it's mass-produced.
Great film. Looking forward to making many more brilliant memories in my bright red OG v8 manual. Le mans this year.
I remember I saw an R8 for the first time on the passanger concourse of (I think) Victoria Station on the way to work. It was like a space ship had landed.👍🏽
The R8 was always quite special - understated appearance (compared to similarly performing super cars), clean and overall just an incredible value for the money.
What a beauty!
As a BMW fan, I love that Audi is trying some RWD fun. Hope they make some RWD ICE vehicles in the future, hopefully with a manual/clutch
timeless legend
Best V10 engine ever made in most aspects.
LFA engine and Carrera GT engine both beg to differ.
Besides sound, the r8 v10 is better in every way
Wasnt it a bmw v10?
@@CyanRooper I said in most aspects, sound isn't the only thing that makes a good engine. These things last for hundreds of thousands of miles with nothing except regular maintenance. Not sure I can say the same for the LFA, or the Carrera GT, or the BMW V10.
@@CyanRooper Ah yes. The only thing an engine is good for, making noise. Big brain comment.
Not too sad to see it go, I never understood the concept because why not get a Gallardo, or, the Huracan for a bit more. Also, from the side the proportions are still off somehow. Awesome video as always though!
Such a great car! I have longed for the earlier V10 model.
Great short movie as always Henry. Keep the pedal(s) going and rubber side down. Hate to see this wonderful machine be cancelled.
SUperb video 👌🏽