Man that late 00's era of car media is so damn nostalgic. Releases felt so much more special then. Theres just too many, too expensive and too fast things out nowadays
I just bought one myself... Absolutely loving it. Although mine is nothing like this one, in fact the opposite of your everyday supercar. Loving making content around it, such s beautiful car.
I have always wanted a Gen1 R8, what a car. Definitely a modern classic. Sam, you are always putting out something different. This Channel is brilliant 👍
You only need eight minutes... he makes quality content because he likes it not for the the money and to assume things about someone’s financial situation is just a bit rude really
That 4.2 is an iconic V8 engine. I prefer the original look of the R8 and of course that manual box is a peach. That generation of Audi was so cool and subtle they were very desirable. How times have changed in only 13 years.
The R8 has been my favorite car for years. I remember when I first saw it. It was an R8 V8 on the back of a trailer with the signature light blue and silver sideblades. From that moment on the R8 has always been my favorite car. Specifically enough the V8. At the time I didnt care about performance but looks. And to me the R8 V8 was and is the best looking R8, definitely not the fastest, but fast enough. I own a base auto Acura RSX, it is not fast at all, and I have a blast. So I can only imagine how I'd feel about the R8 V8, just that little extra power is all I need. One day soon, I will own the R8, it's great that prices are dropping, and I can find some decent conditioned ones. Great video! Greetings from the U.S.
So here's one, in the top gear review of the R8 Clarkson and Hammond put it against the 997 911. As a young lad who was in love with the R8 I coined Porsche "the most boring car company IN THE WOOOORRRLLDD" (read that in a Clarkson voice). It took some time to slowly turn around Porsche in my head but it happened when I saw my first 991 in white on the highway while road tripping through Europe. I thought it looked mega and have been in love with the brand and the 911 ever since. Now I think Porsche is "the best car company IN THE WOOOORRRLLDD". Cool enough story bro?
What I love about the original R8 is it’s aged very well indeed. Such a gorgeous car. The right amount of power too. Not too much, not too little. I would happily have one
i really love the typical V8 sound. i get the appeal of a V10 or even V12, but there is something unique about V8 that neither of the other V's (also not V6) are able to give you sound wise. V8s are more deep and rumbly while 6,10 and 12 are more shouty. which is nice, especially on track, but as far as more regular day to day use goes i find V8s more reassuring.
I bought one 2 months ago (09, gated manual) for $80K. With an aftermarket exhaust it sounds, and feels like a proper supercar. Best thing I've ever bought.
I'm looking for a manual V8 now. 80k seems decent. can I ask how many miles? where did you get it? where were you looking? not many available these days.
@@ontheotherside3 roughly 34K at time of purchase. I got lucky and a local dealership had one. They've gone up in price since then but they're out there.
@@TheZapper42 thanks. maybe if I am lucky, this recession will bring prices back down to reasonable. from what I see you could probably sell that now for close to 100k... 🤦🏼
I’ve had the Gen 1 Audi R8 V8 and recently purchased a Gen 2 Audi R8 V10 Plus. Watching this video brought back many happy memories. Who cares what spec and generation you have - Gone but not forgotten! If your in the market for one of these, remember life is too short and go for it. Fantastic cars.
I've been saying this for a while now.. I LOVE them and want one so badly. They are a modern classic supercar for sure. I reckon it's worth looking for a mint manual, low mileage, classic spec and I reckon they'll apreciate in years to come.
I still remember watching a Audi advert years ago, where they made the Audi R8 slowly. Still a advert I remember till this day. beautiful marketing from Audi
I am currently on my search for my next car and the usual suspects are on the list: 997, R8 and F Type R. A Vantage would be on the list but as I’m in the North of the US right now, AWD is needed for the winters. A couple of things you didn’t mention about the R8... If the AC goes - engine out to fix. The engines top end cokes up due to the injection system - big £££ fix. Most have magnetic suspension, which typically fails around every 30k miles. In the US that’s an $8k fix or swap out for normal suspension and electronics to delete the dash light. If you buy the single clutch auto, expect a non-auto ride. You have to drive it like a manual and it takes about a month to get used to it. Also the clutches in those don’t last long. Finally, there have been a few engines go bang for no apparent misuse reason. It’s a fantastic entry level supercar, but either get a warranty for it (though many companies won’t give you and extended warranty because of the number of expensive claims on them), be good at wrenching (I’m okay, but not ready for an engine out fix in one of these), or have deep pockets to fix it. US prices on these are around $60k at the moment with an additional $10k for a manual. Very aspirational video though! Enjoyed it.
I went for it just over six months ago now and couldn't agree more with everything you've said. They ride beautifully, sound brilliant, the throttle is razor sharp, the way it drives is sublime, it looks utterly fabulous and that gearbox is just the best one ever fitted to a car. Mine was one of the very first cars delivered to the UK, almost identical to that press fleet car and came with a great big hardback book sent to the first owner by Audi whilst the car was being built, inside is all sorts of information on the design, build, testing and heritage of the R8 including huge emphasis on the LeMans connection. You're spot on in saying how it makes you feel as though you're buying into that history. Brilliant car, brilliant review.
This has long been one of my favorite looking cars. I love how aggressive looking the new ones are but this is just very well-proportioned. The back end still looks modern
I feel the same. I think the newer ones lost some of the elegance of the original design. Especially love the original spyder... But I might be biased 🤔☺️
@Dave Thornton I bought the GT, which is the only car I think the R-Tronic box works in. Having tried both, the qualities the GT gives you in driving dynamics make up for it not being manual... I'd go as far as saying it suits the R-tronic. Kinda comes across in this video... ua-cam.com/video/D4_EI3cUJtQ/v-deo.html But I've got a video coming with the manual v R-tronic v S-tronic
Great vid Sam from a biased R8 V8 driver! It is strange that the V8 gets looked down on in the forums - it still an R8 after all. And if youve got an RTronic well youd better not join them at all!! I think in years to come the Mk1 will be coveted the most. But then I would say that of course . . . . .
Had mine just over a year now, It has been my dream car since I saw one in 2007 . Not many cars at £100k out there that I would swap it for!. Looks/ power/reliability and everything you have mentiond through your video. Best investment for £35k out there and a dream to look at as it matures. Keep up the great videos Sam...
You are spot on about how sensitive the throttle is during rev matches! I smiled when you said this because I’ve noticed the exact same thing but never heard anyone else mention it before!
I like the design of this R8 much better than any of the successors. We seem to get lost in the countless new supercar releases with amazing stats, when the look and feel is the real sensory experience we get from these toys. Somehow this one really appeals to me, great video!
A modern classic by Audi. Still looks stunning after so many years. Great usability,great engine sound and that manual gated shifter! I could listen to that awesome gated all day, who needs a radio ,cool, cool!!
Stunning shape, perfect angles on it, always loved the R8. The original looks so much better/prettier than the latest model R8. Brilliant video. Still looks futuristic and modern today, timeless design.
Seeing Iron Man drive one of these and messing around on the configurator in 6th grade was what got me into cars. Still obsessed with this design and I hope to own one in the future. Thank you for this video and reminding me of my dream!
Nice vid. Pretty much spot on. Love my manual gen 1 V8 R8...chuffed that my feelings are shared, and shared so eloquently. Yes, there are newer and there are faster. BUT this is an important car and I’m so glad you captured the essence of that Sam. Good stuff :)
I always appreciate your content and the attentnion that you pay to asthetic settings and artistic still shots in the vids. This one may have stimulated my interest in a Gen 1 Audi R-8, as well. Thank you.
One of the best presentations of this car I have seen. There is nothing wrong with having a supercar that runs like a GT car. My old boss had one of the originals with the v10 with the carbon side blade. It was an eye catcher. He installed a supercharger taking it to 700 hp and a straight piped exhaust. His other sports car was a GT2 RS. Both black and he loved them equally. Every time he fired up the R8, the windows in my office shook and it was a thrill.
I just bought a V10 Spyder and I absolutely agree. A bumper-to-bumper warranty cost all of $3K for 3 years. $5K for 5 years. It is absolutely insane value! It has a 600HP Unitronic tune so it'll keep up with most new exotics. It's unbelievably comfortable too. Nothing can touch this for under 100K
It was my dream car when i was 7 and its still my dream car now and the fact its actually affordable compared to every other super car its a goal i feel is reachable. Its also the only super car i have ever driven and it blew my mind the speed
Wednesday uploads have returned, YES PLS! Your content never fails to amaze Sam! Keep up the great work buddy and I'm particularly looking forward to your 996 first drive!!!
Sam I am loving your journey lately of finding, driving and reviewing modern classics or soon to be! This is right in the prime of my poster car era 👌spot on mate
I actually prefer the manual R8 V8 model for any other R8 just for really enjoying the ride. Such a lovely lovely car. For track use, I would maybe take faster versions but this is the one to take for curvy summer roads. It's fabulous!
This car make me so happy every time i start it, with stainless steel exhaust, sound is just fantastic !! Incredible car for the price, chassis effective, and 4WD help the car to be very secure and drive very fast in curves (or track). Don't hesitate to buy one, before price grow up !
Prices may have came down in the uk! But in North America they are still holding strong! Such a fantastic iconic car! Really being one of the first really reliable supercars made
I got to drive this very car just the other day. It will be on my channel in a few weeks. I've got to say, that gated manual! Click, click, click... So satisfying!
in 'real world covid times' any car worth buying/collecting has gone up in value incase you haven't noticed... a 15 year old sports car at near peak depreciation in most counts would be considered a good deal for those willing to pay to play, no?
@@pritompaul7177by the end of covid we maybe looking at close to 4million people unemployed as we enter a world wide recession the like the world has never seen. So as I said £35,000 is certainly no bargain. On a lighter note Audi's seem to be driven by bellends.(no offence meant)
Possibly the best-constructed video on youtube about the R8 V8. I don't understand the stigma around "v8 isn't a supercar only the v10"... Since when was a V8 not a supercar engine?!
I personally prefer the V8 manual first-gen over the V10. These will definitely be collectors items in the future. When they first came out it looked like nothing else for the price point. It has one of the most satisfying “clicks” of any gated shifter I’ve driven!
I was only 5 years old when this thing came out, knew nothing about cars. The R8 is a supercar NOW, but this original one, I would say is a sports car, going head to head with the Aston Vantage and 997 Carrera 4S. A modern day automotive icon nonetheless, I see them everywhere during car spotting and they’re so well-loved. This car at the time I’m sure, completely transformed Audi’s image, especially with the Tony Stark partnership....
I will always think that the Gen1 R8 is one of, if not, the best looking car to come out of the 2000s. Always loved it and will continue to until the end of time. Want to get one so badly but I am nowhere near in the position to get one. One day Audi ...... One day
Just swapped my 996 Turbo Tip. for a manual R8. Was really worried I was making a grave error ...but I simply adore the R8. The Porsche was a tremendous car and one of my favourite 911's with that wide body....but it didn't make me feel special like the R8 does. No looking back
I will never not look at one of these and remember that shot where Richard Hammond drifted one around the outside of a 997 911 and how blown away I was by how futuristic it looked. I'm a huge Porsche nut (would love a 997 in fact) but these are just so cool. Sod the infotainment when you have a V8 like that for 35k.
Remember when they came out, they looked awesome. Definitely prefer the r8 v10 though, drove a manual spyder 5 years ago, was awesome and liked the manual box too
Moved after 2.5 years and 30,000 miles with an R8 V8 to a 981 Boxster GTS. Absolutely loving the Porsche but the R8 beats it in virtually every category. Unsurprising, given the price difference from new. But it shows the R8 isn't just another Audi - it's something altogether more special. Easy to drive, great visibility, easy around town, but drop it a gear or two and its character changes. That being said the Porsche is close - which also tells you just how good the 981 GTS is. Both truly amazing drivers cars.
I had a V8 Manual in Daytona Grey, silver side blades and polished V10 rims as extras. Best spec out there. BTW, the V10's visual tweaks make it ice cold sitting beside the original design, plus the V8 is lighter and nimbler. Anywho, I wanted to go 991 GT3 RS so sold the R8. But every time I see one I have an anxiety attack and start wondering what I've done. Especially so after this great video, with another Daytona grey.
So many these days are obsessed with speed and less about the drama. In a straight line this is probably slower than a decent stage 1 S3 but ask anyone with a V8 R8 if they care about that! 😄
Definitely a car to add to your collection Sam. Also, you're filming literally right outside my house haha, thought it looked familiar at the start! Could of come and joined you with my Porsche 996!
I drove an R8 at Thruxton a few years ago and had a blast. Having never done anything like that before I was looking for user-friendly performance, a car that would challenge and excite me but not overwhelm me. Think 911 or NSX. The R8 suited me just fine. :-)
I've been looking for a good retro fit for that for mine but not found one I like. Have you seen one a good option? For now, I've just got a Bluetooth adapter
rtacaraudio.co.uk I updated my R8 recently using Reece at RTA Fabrication. He did a stunning job and I only wish I’d done it sooner. Can recommend him high enough.
Man that late 00's era of car media is so damn nostalgic. Releases felt so much more special then. Theres just too many, too expensive and too fast things out nowadays
Couldn't agree more
Ditto for me...but I felt like that 20 years ago already! Hahahaha!!
For sure, I haven’t been excited by a new car since a long time, which is sad.
Only one which is interesting me more than usual is the GMA T.50.
Facts
Those were the golden days
That is the exact same car that Jeremy Clarkson drove in Top Gear Season 10 Episode 2, 0Y07 MHL! Now that is cool as hell! :D
A press car turned museum piece. It certainly has pedigree 👍
Indeed it is!
Hahaha that's really cool I never thought to check anything like that
Even more reason to avoid that one Lol!
Interestingly, it hasn't been in Audi's possession for that whole time... They had to buy it back, so I hear.
This is the car I admired when I was a child and the looks still get me today
Snap!
I just bought one myself... Absolutely loving it. Although mine is nothing like this one, in fact the opposite of your everyday supercar. Loving making content around it, such s beautiful car.
I think they’ve aged really well
Had mine for a year now and I still love it just as much as the day I got it. Fantastic car.
Did you get it when you moved to the UK?
@@smithlad2563 I did yeah :)
It was seeing your Instagram posts that inspired me to get in one ! Ha
Ditto. Had mine for only a few months, although a V10, and love it so much. Can't get enough of it.
Is it expensive to run?
I read the title and agreed automatically
It’s not a super car it’s a sports car though.
It never was just because it’s mid engined
same here
I read it and thought really....some people think that’s a supercar???
I still think the first gen is the best R8, the only gen I'd really want. Definitely an icon to someone like me being born in 2000!
I agree. There's something more balanced in their design than the latest ones. But I'm biased ☺️
Being born in 2002, it is my absolute dream car.
Happy birthday with the 20 years Matteo🎉🎁🎉😉
I have always wanted a Gen1 R8, what a car. Definitely a modern classic. Sam, you are always putting out something different. This Channel is brilliant 👍
I appreciate that!
Hahaha right on the 10min mark !! somebody needs that extra christmas time ad sense :D
you don‘t need 10minutes anymore
You only need eight minutes... he makes quality content because he likes it not for the the money and to assume things about someone’s financial situation is just a bit rude really
Just use Vanced app and you'll never see another UA-cam ad again
SHHHHHH!!!!! Keep them a secret plzzzz before the prices sky rocket 😱😂 great video bro 😎
AYYYY Your last video was epic too
way to many of them in existance for prices to jump dramatically
sam newman possibly right...but how many honestly do you see on the road compared to 911's ?
That 4.2 is an iconic V8 engine. I prefer the original look of the R8 and of course that manual box is a peach. That generation of Audi was so cool and subtle they were very desirable. How times have changed in only 13 years.
The R8 has been my favorite car for years. I remember when I first saw it. It was an R8 V8 on the back of a trailer with the signature light blue and silver sideblades.
From that moment on the R8 has always been my favorite car. Specifically enough the V8. At the time I didnt care about performance but looks. And to me the R8 V8 was and is the best looking R8, definitely not the fastest, but fast enough. I own a base auto Acura RSX, it is not fast at all, and I have a blast. So I can only imagine how I'd feel about the R8 V8, just that little extra power is all I need. One day soon, I will own the R8, it's great that prices are dropping, and I can find some decent conditioned ones.
Great video! Greetings from the U.S.
Ive got a feeling that we'll look back on the 2000s as a golden era for sports cars. Seems like tech met driver involvement at exactly the right time.
I love how this guy manages to put some amazing content consistently🔥
Keep up the great work Sam👍
I appreciate that!
The car that made me a car guy.
Cool story bro. Got any more?
@@davossss many!
So here's one, in the top gear review of the R8 Clarkson and Hammond put it against the 997 911. As a young lad who was in love with the R8 I coined Porsche "the most boring car company IN THE WOOOORRRLLDD" (read that in a Clarkson voice). It took some time to slowly turn around Porsche in my head but it happened when I saw my first 991 in white on the highway while road tripping through Europe. I thought it looked mega and have been in love with the brand and the 911 ever since. Now I think Porsche is "the best car company IN THE WOOOORRRLLDD".
Cool enough story bro?
@@davossss Did someone ruin your day?
The Mk1 still looks so good, even to this day - Walter De Silva was on top form when he designed the styling on this👏
Walter De Silva really needs to go back to Audi
It was the first car to have what we now called DRL lights fitted.
Indeed. I remember Clarkson called it useless. Now it's like a standard feature, even motorcycles got em
Sweden had drl's in the late 70's, other Nordic countries followed suit shortly after
Audi’s own S6 V10 had them.
What I love about the original R8 is it’s aged very well indeed. Such a gorgeous car. The right amount of power too. Not too much, not too little. I would happily have one
The R8 has aged really well
Especially the Spyders, but I might be just a bit biased ☺️
i really love the typical V8 sound. i get the appeal of a V10 or even V12, but there is something unique about V8 that neither of the other V's (also not V6) are able to give you sound wise. V8s are more deep and rumbly while 6,10 and 12 are more shouty. which is nice, especially on track, but as far as more regular day to day use goes i find V8s more reassuring.
I bought one 2 months ago (09, gated manual) for $80K. With an aftermarket exhaust it sounds, and feels like a proper supercar. Best thing I've ever bought.
I'm looking for a manual V8 now. 80k seems decent. can I ask how many miles? where did you get it? where were you looking? not many available these days.
@@ontheotherside3 roughly 34K at time of purchase. I got lucky and a local dealership had one. They've gone up in price since then but they're out there.
@@TheZapper42 thanks. maybe if I am lucky, this recession will bring prices back down to reasonable. from what I see you could probably sell that now for close to 100k... 🤦🏼
Awesome! One of the best Audis ever made. Cheers
I’ve had the Gen 1 Audi R8 V8 and recently purchased a Gen 2 Audi R8 V10 Plus. Watching this video brought back many happy memories. Who cares what spec and generation you have - Gone but not forgotten! If your in the market for one of these, remember life is too short and go for it. Fantastic cars.
I've been saying this for a while now.. I LOVE them and want one so badly. They are a modern classic supercar for sure. I reckon it's worth looking for a mint manual, low mileage, classic spec and I reckon they'll apreciate in years to come.
Couldn't agree more! But apparently they can be expensive if they go wrong
@@seenthroughglass Yes Magride springs to mind. One for the 5 car garage perhaps.
I still remember watching a Audi advert years ago, where they made the Audi R8 slowly. Still a advert I remember till this day. beautiful marketing from Audi
“the slowest car we've ever built”
I've always thought the original R8 just looks cooler, wanted one ever since I saw that advert with the glowing red manifold :)
best color combo on any r8 ever.
I am currently on my search for my next car and the usual suspects are on the list: 997, R8 and F Type R.
A Vantage would be on the list but as I’m in the North of the US right now, AWD is needed for the winters.
A couple of things you didn’t mention about the R8...
If the AC goes - engine out to fix. The engines top end cokes up due to the injection system - big £££ fix. Most have magnetic suspension, which typically fails around every 30k miles. In the US that’s an $8k fix or swap out for normal suspension and electronics to delete the dash light. If you buy the single clutch auto, expect a non-auto ride. You have to drive it like a manual and it takes about a month to get used to it. Also the clutches in those don’t last long.
Finally, there have been a few engines go bang for no apparent misuse reason.
It’s a fantastic entry level supercar, but either get a warranty for it (though many companies won’t give you and extended warranty because of the number of expensive claims on them), be good at wrenching (I’m okay, but not ready for an engine out fix in one of these), or have deep pockets to fix it.
US prices on these are around $60k at the moment with an additional $10k for a manual.
Very aspirational video though! Enjoyed it.
Got my R8 in May 2015, one of the very last of gen 1. I love it today like I did the day it was delivered. Every drive is pure joy.
I went for it just over six months ago now and couldn't agree more with everything you've said. They ride beautifully, sound brilliant, the throttle is razor sharp, the way it drives is sublime, it looks utterly fabulous and that gearbox is just the best one ever fitted to a car. Mine was one of the very first cars delivered to the UK, almost identical to that press fleet car and came with a great big hardback book sent to the first owner by Audi whilst the car was being built, inside is all sorts of information on the design, build, testing and heritage of the R8 including huge emphasis on the LeMans connection. You're spot on in saying how it makes you feel as though you're buying into that history.
Brilliant car, brilliant review.
This car, with an exhaust, a new stereo, and updated UI with CarPlay... PERFECTION
This has long been one of my favorite looking cars. I love how aggressive looking the new ones are but this is just very well-proportioned. The back end still looks modern
I feel the same. I think the newer ones lost some of the elegance of the original design. Especially love the original spyder... But I might be biased 🤔☺️
@@sportzntouring elegance was definitely lost
Definitely a future classic, especially with the manual gearbox.
one of the most eye catching car of its time. V10 over the V8 anyday.
Speaking from experience, I completely agree
@Dave Thornton I bought the GT, which is the only car I think the R-Tronic box works in. Having tried both, the qualities the GT gives you in driving dynamics make up for it not being manual... I'd go as far as saying it suits the R-tronic. Kinda comes across in this video... ua-cam.com/video/D4_EI3cUJtQ/v-deo.html
But I've got a video coming with the manual v R-tronic v S-tronic
Great vid Sam from a biased R8 V8 driver! It is strange that the V8 gets looked down on in the forums - it still an R8 after all. And if youve got an RTronic well youd better not join them at all!! I think in years to come the Mk1 will be coveted the most. But then I would say that of course . . . . .
Had mine just over a year now, It has been my dream car since I saw one in 2007 . Not many cars at £100k out there that I would swap it for!. Looks/ power/reliability and everything you have mentiond through your video. Best investment for £35k out there and a dream to look at as it matures. Keep up the great videos Sam...
What is the maintenance like on something like this? could you give a bit of insight?
You are spot on about how sensitive the throttle is during rev matches! I smiled when you said this because I’ve noticed the exact same thing but never heard anyone else mention it before!
Really caught me out, I'm sure you get used to it?
Excellent video, just wanted to say the production quality of your videos never fails to amaze me
The R8 is a modern classic! Great car.
one of the most genuine youtuber. Love this chanel!!! keep up the good work! greetings from Slovakia
Wow, thank you!
I like the design of this R8 much better than any of the successors. We seem to get lost in the countless new supercar releases with amazing stats, when the look and feel is the real sensory experience we get from these toys. Somehow this one really appeals to me, great video!
Top video once again! I'd love to see modern classics reviews more often :)
A modern classic by Audi.
Still looks stunning after so many years.
Great usability,great engine sound and that manual gated shifter!
I could listen to that awesome gated
all day, who needs a radio ,cool, cool!!
Love the R8, fantastic car, way underrated. Thanks Sam for the video, you're doing a great job. Really cool car man cave you now have, super jealous.
So true. I had completely discounted it until I saw and drove the one I have now. Amazing car
Stunning shape, perfect angles on it, always loved the R8. The original looks so much better/prettier than the latest model R8. Brilliant video. Still looks futuristic and modern today, timeless design.
Imagine if these were even close to 35 grand now. A dream car forsure
A thoroughbred sports car tame enough to enjoy on a casual trip to the market! Awesome!
I just bought a 2014 R8 V8 manual in Sepang blue. It's an awesome car. And truly a future icon.
Seeing Iron Man drive one of these and messing around on the configurator in 6th grade was what got me into cars. Still obsessed with this design and I hope to own one in the future. Thank you for this video and reminding me of my dream!
Nice vid. Pretty much spot on. Love my manual gen 1 V8 R8...chuffed that my feelings are shared, and shared so eloquently. Yes, there are newer and there are faster. BUT this is an important car and I’m so glad you captured the essence of that Sam. Good stuff :)
Great video Sam. You summed the original R8 V8 up perfectly.
I always appreciate your content and the attentnion that you pay to asthetic settings and artistic still shots in the vids. This one may have stimulated my interest in a Gen 1 Audi R-8, as well. Thank you.
One of the best presentations of this car I have seen. There is nothing wrong with having a supercar that runs like a GT car. My old boss had one of the originals with the v10 with the carbon side blade. It was an eye catcher. He installed a supercharger taking it to 700 hp and a straight piped exhaust. His other sports car was a GT2 RS. Both black and he loved them equally. Every time he fired up the R8, the windows in my office shook and it was a thrill.
Sounds mega! Thanks for tuning in
Again great video and the edit is always fantastic. The little transition at 1.15 was nice!
I just bought a V10 Spyder and I absolutely agree. A bumper-to-bumper warranty cost all of $3K for 3 years. $5K for 5 years. It is absolutely insane value! It has a 600HP Unitronic tune so it'll keep up with most new exotics. It's unbelievably comfortable too. Nothing can touch this for under 100K
Awesome video 👌 One of the best UK car UA-camrs 🔥 Love the content
Amazing video Sam as always! I just love that car
Thanks mate
It was my dream car when i was 7 and its still my dream car now and the fact its actually affordable compared to every other super car its a goal i feel is reachable. Its also the only super car i have ever driven and it blew my mind the speed
Wednesday uploads have returned, YES PLS!
Your content never fails to amaze Sam! Keep up the great work buddy and I'm particularly looking forward to your 996 first drive!!!
Sam I am loving your journey lately of finding, driving and reviewing modern classics or soon to be! This is right in the prime of my poster car era 👌spot on mate
Loving the 90’s Jeremy Clarkson Christmas special VHS music.
I actually prefer the manual R8 V8 model for any other R8 just for really enjoying the ride. Such a lovely lovely car.
For track use, I would maybe take faster versions but this is the one to take for curvy summer roads. It's fabulous!
This car make me so happy every time i start it, with stainless steel exhaust, sound is just fantastic !! Incredible car for the price, chassis effective, and 4WD help the car to be very secure and drive very fast in curves (or track). Don't hesitate to buy one, before price grow up !
The Gen 1 R8 is one of my favorite cars! V8 or V10 with the manual all day! great video as usual Sam
The photography in this video is outstanding....
Prices may have came down in the uk! But in North America they are still holding strong! Such a fantastic iconic car! Really being one of the first really reliable supercars made
I got to drive this very car just the other day. It will be on my channel in a few weeks. I've got to say, that gated manual! Click, click, click... So satisfying!
Had mine for 3 months. 35k on the ⏰. Mint condition. 2008. Manual. £33k. Absolutely love it
!
Probably one of the best UA-camrs around. But in real world covid times no car at £35,000 is a bargain unfortunately.
Unfortunately so true
in 'real world covid times' any car worth buying/collecting has gone up in value incase you haven't noticed... a 15 year old sports car at near peak depreciation in most counts would be considered a good deal for those willing to pay to play, no?
@@pritompaul7177by the end of covid we maybe looking at close to 4million people unemployed as we enter a world wide recession the like the world has never seen. So as I said £35,000 is certainly no bargain. On a lighter note Audi's seem to be driven by bellends.(no offence meant)
The "MANUAL" V8 is my favorite, also the most difficult to find..
Possibly the best-constructed video on youtube about the R8 V8. I don't understand the stigma around "v8 isn't a supercar only the v10"... Since when was a V8 not a supercar engine?!
Very kind! Glad you enjoyed it!
I personally prefer the V8 manual first-gen over the V10. These will definitely be collectors items in the future. When they first came out it looked like nothing else for the price point. It has one of the most satisfying “clicks” of any gated shifter I’ve driven!
Something lovely about a baby supercar you’re not too bothered about getting dirty and scraping down a narrow country road. Love em.
I was only 5 years old when this thing came out, knew nothing about cars. The R8 is a supercar NOW, but this original one, I would say is a sports car, going head to head with the Aston Vantage and 997 Carrera 4S. A modern day automotive icon nonetheless, I see them everywhere during car spotting and they’re so well-loved. This car at the time I’m sure, completely transformed Audi’s image, especially with the Tony Stark partnership....
I will always think that the Gen1 R8 is one of, if not, the best looking car to come out of the 2000s. Always loved it and will continue to until the end of time. Want to get one so badly but I am nowhere near in the position to get one. One day Audi ...... One day
Just swapped my 996 Turbo Tip. for a manual R8. Was really worried I was making a grave error ...but I simply adore the R8. The Porsche was a tremendous car and one of my favourite 911's with that wide body....but it didn't make me feel special like the R8 does. No looking back
I will never not look at one of these and remember that shot where Richard Hammond drifted one around the outside of a 997 911 and how blown away I was by how futuristic it looked.
I'm a huge Porsche nut (would love a 997 in fact) but these are just so cool. Sod the infotainment when you have a V8 like that for 35k.
Awesome review Sam. One of the all time greats this!
Remember when they came out, they looked awesome. Definitely prefer the r8 v10 though, drove a manual spyder 5 years ago, was awesome and liked the manual box too
Great video, great car, definitely a modern classic.
Realistically you don't need any more performance on the road than what this offers.
Cheers.
Great video Sam, would love to see you compare a 981 cayman GTS and F Type V6S also!
Agreed. I think I'd have those two over and R8 for myself.
Moved after 2.5 years and 30,000 miles with an R8 V8 to a 981 Boxster GTS. Absolutely loving the Porsche but the R8 beats it in virtually every category. Unsurprising, given the price difference from new. But it shows the R8 isn't just another Audi - it's something altogether more special. Easy to drive, great visibility, easy around town, but drop it a gear or two and its character changes. That being said the Porsche is close - which also tells you just how good the 981 GTS is. Both truly amazing drivers cars.
Just love this car so much, i still believe audi r8 never needed a v10, it was all good with its v8. It was a gt supercar, 400hp and totally usable.
i had a 57 plate 4.2 v8 when they came out and loved it , made the mistake of selling it and buying a bentley GT !!! sold that quickly
Always super excited for the next video Sam. Watching these really makes me want to create content 😩
Awesome car. Nice Car. Keep up the good work.
I had a V8 Manual in Daytona Grey, silver side blades and polished V10 rims as extras. Best spec out there. BTW, the V10's visual tweaks make it ice cold sitting beside the original design, plus the V8 is lighter and nimbler. Anywho, I wanted to go 991 GT3 RS so sold the R8. But every time I see one I have an anxiety attack and start wondering what I've done. Especially so after this great video, with another Daytona grey.
So many these days are obsessed with speed and less about the drama. In a straight line this is probably slower than a decent stage 1 S3 but ask anyone with a V8 R8 if they care about that! 😄
You Almost said "look at it sat there" lovely vid Sam!
Hahah! Thanks for watching
Maybe the only every day super car you actually can drive every day
Great video Sam! This car hits a major soft spot of mine
Great piece. Just love the original R8. Happy holidays!
'original R8' what a definition !!! I also believe that was the true R8 Audi ever made
Great video, love the grey colour for the subtle look. 100% agree with you
This is my favorite R8 of all. And its the cheapest one. Love it!
I love the physical size of this car,saw one once in the flesh was surprised how small it looked
Definitely a car to add to your collection Sam. Also, you're filming literally right outside my house haha, thought it looked familiar at the start! Could of come and joined you with my Porsche 996!
I drove an R8 at Thruxton a few years ago and had a blast.
Having never done anything like that before I was looking for user-friendly performance, a car that would challenge and excite me but not overwhelm me. Think 911 or NSX. The R8 suited me just fine. :-)
always loved the gated manual. beef the exhaust and update the mma with apple car play and you've got all you need.
I've been looking for a good retro fit for that for mine but not found one I like. Have you seen one a good option?
For now, I've just got a Bluetooth adapter
@@sportzntouring try the Pioneer Z9200DAB
rtacaraudio.co.uk
I updated my R8 recently using Reece at RTA Fabrication. He did a stunning job and I only wish I’d done it sooner. Can recommend him high enough.
0:36 nice voice brake 👏
*break
Audi is my favorite brand. What a beautiful car!
Sam, I would love to see you do a similar video for the Ferrari 599gtb. Also aging well and can be had for pretty reasonable money