Hi James. At the time, it was 100% a supercar. 100hp more than a base 911Carrera (sports car) and only 60hp less than the F430. At a time When Ferrari was far ahead compared to nowadays. Then add mid-enginded, the looks, V8 etc. 100% a supercar at that time. No shame in saying otherwise. The Ferrari 360 had 20hp less and was in production until 2005 i believe. Hopefully i can own an original R8 one day haha.
@@MrJWW not only that. This particular car changed the view on the Audi as an brand completly. And for the Ferrari especialy ( ok, for the other sport car brands also ) this particular car caused, that they had to drasticly improwed quality of their interiors. ... in which, Audi was and is the benchmark ;)
Iconic isn't it. This car brought me into being an enthusiast as a kid. At the time other cars felt somewhat unrealistic to ever truly appreciate until this thing came along. Such a drivability and controllability. It felt simple yet unique. For the 1st I felt like that world was not unattainable. When I get my 1st sports car, I will dedicate it to this bad boy.
You were right the first time, Super car. You don't have to have a V12 or 1000HP to be an exotic. This car is special. First car with DRL's, also with the turn signal turning off to show the direction better. I remember when I first saw the car in Iron Man and I was like whoooaa! So last December I bought a Black Audi R8 in black with the carbon side blades. To be honest I already own my house but if I were in your shoes I would of done the same thing.
@@MrJWW After all these monumental events and occasions, it's nice to go back to you hammering a car through some B Roads with that excellent commentary and beautiful soundtrack. Gallardo superleggera/Gumpert Apollo next ?
Fantastic personal story James. A true petrol head. House deposit or Audi R8 Mmmmmm. Yes I'll go for the Audi. I can totally understand your parents losing it on your new purchase. But your heart rule your head that day. Great choice. No Audi no Mr JWW, Bravo.
The Audi R8 V8 will always be near to my heart, its one of the cars I've wanted as a high school student, and its like your first love, it never gets old.
It's hard to convey how truly sublime the gated 6 spd manual on the r8 v8 was until you've driven it. Paired with the v8 sound, they overshadow all of the r8s shortcomings.
The 9 people that didn’t like this video is wrongly born! Loved your story, I’m sure many of us been through similar paths. If you do what you love, you’ll meet likeminded people and magic occurs!
Modern classic and it will be a future classic! I fell in love with this car when I first saw it and its still a dream car of mine. I do believe it is a legit supercar. Look at the way it was manufactured, with a full aluminum space frame body in a dedicated facility much like exotic cars are built. I believe these 1st Gen R8's, esp the V10 gated manuals, will eventually become highly sought after collectible cars in 10 years for its rare config, pop culture status, and Audi's only true halo car. Thanks for featuring a truly epic car, JWW!
This car is aging amazing! I’m close to being able to buy a Audi R8 V8 manual...V10 is unrealistic right now. At the moment I’m enjoying the sound of a flax six Porsche Boxster until then!!!
Really nice to hear someone advocating the V8. The V10 gets so much attention and so many positive reviews that it made me think the V8 wasn't even worth considering. But it's a more affordable proposition which I'm not going to rule out. Need to drive them both :)
Agreed! There’s a particularly good video by Zak from The Smoking Tyre where he interviews a guy who went through the education and effort of converting a cheaper R-tronic V8 R8 to a gated manual one- for cheaper than the cost of acquiring one equipped with a MT! I love the V8
Great review. We have had a 2009 V8 manual for the last 2 years. it has been utterly fantastic in pretty much every way and relatively sensible to maintain in comparison to more exotics. Thoroughly involving to drive, turns heads wherever it goes, still after 11 + years, and to cap it all its barely lost any value in our ownership! Highly recommended.
Thank you so much for the "Modern Classic" series! So many of these represent awesome cars that folks with normal financial means could aspire to. These manual R8's are definitely on my list.
this car is a gem in the car world ! The original R8 V8 and V10 will go up in prices i guarantee you. Too bad this is what i wanted for my first supercar. There selling good at around 45k
I kind of doubt the value will go up any time soon. Maybe in a few decades when a bunch of them have been ruined or crashed, but today they're too common. Cars go up in value when they're special, and hard to get your hands on. With rare exceptions.
@@Erowens98 It is slowly already happening in North America. I only speak for the manual versions though. If you look at the production numbers, the manual ones are significantly lower than R-Tronic. It is also one of the last cars with a gated manual when production went up to 2014/2015 for the gen 1 R8's. Only very few came in the manual for the late cars.
One of the reasons I love this car, is because time has allowed it to evolve. It was introduced as an everyday supercar to rival Porsche, which it was very successful at. However, over time its graceful looks and that open-gated manual transmission and ease of use has turned it into a still relevant grand tourer in today's car scene, a sporty and elegant car that you can take on cross country roadtrips. Nobody will ever question its performance, because the R8 sits above that. It has had growth very similar to a character in a movie, and it all boils down to its utterly timeless package (maybe except the infotainment system haha). This specific R8 was the one that sparked my love and devotion to cars back in 2007 (and 2003 with the concept car). I have been living most of my life in a country that has no interest in cars (Denmark), but this car, the original R8, sparked a dream inside my youthful mind, that has now led me to studying car design in Italy. So I really get your mindset of how this car has changed your life, because it did so with my life as well. A lovely nostalgic review of an all time modern classic. Thank you for that Mr JWW.
5:27 Well tbh back in 2007-2008 It was a supercar, 0-60 in 4 sec and 180mph+ top speed were supercar stats and even today it's still very fast for what it is
A sabbatical on mars lol , love it and so true for Audi, which I own and love .. I have always believed in every fiber of my being , if you pursue your true passions in life , you can't and won't fail, whatever imagine that picture finally defines itself as.. You did just that and look where you are today .My hat is off to you James. I love watching your passion and enthusiasm in each of your video's, not only for the various cars but also the people whom you have attached yourself too. Their excitement fuels you and vice versa . Anyone watching these videos please see that as well as the beautiful cars . James you are all about following your passion, thank you .....
I agree completely. The R8 changed things and shook up the industry. It was almost a reset where manufacturers had to rethink what was possible in that price point. Nothing at that price point existed at the time with super car design language. The original NSX2 decades previously was the last time that happened.
Mr JWW the best of the best car journalists... the bias of a pertrol head, the combination of the words he uses to discribe the things aaahhh.. he is just phenomenal. In fact it was your video 3years ago with the 675LT that got me subscribed to your channel right away cuz I knew you are special. I just want to thank you James for these series I really enjoy them as well as all the other videos. What a journey you're taking us in!! Keep it up!!
Man what a story, that’ll be one to tell the kids growing up 😂 this car has aged beautifully, I remember watching this on top gear as a 12 year old thinking wow, I want that far above all. It really is a classic
i've been watching R8 V8 videos all day the last weeks, because im going to buy one next year when im 22. its been a dream since i first saw it. and this pops up in recommended and i thought it was an old video i havent seen from JWW but no it just came out! so happy
I've always viewed the original R8 as the spiritual successor to the original NSX. We certainly live in spoiled times when a car that does mid 4 second 0 to 60 romps is considered slow. You showed that it's more than outright speed which makes a car interesting. I hope one day I'll hear the clink of an R8 shifter banging through the gates, It must make every drive an adventure.
Sold one last year after 4.5 years of ownership and agree with everything you say. I've had faster cars but the R8 V8 pretty much hit the sweet spot for road use in the UK. Just the right amount of power that you can rev the nuts off it without ending up doing silly speeds or compromising the car in other areas. A great sports car.
This proves that occasionally (just occasionally) doing sonething reckless reeps benifits! This car was such a gamechanger it was displayed in the middle of (I think) Victoria Station around the time it was launched.
Love the R8. Ever since I first saw one it just felt like the car for me. There’s something larger than life about them when you see one on the road and they tick all the boxes for a sports car for me. If my financial situation ever improves considerably then the R8 will be my first purchase.
Has been my dream car for almost 14 years. I will own one soon and it will be the V8 manual. I genuinely think it will be a collector's item one day. it is timeless. but I'll be buying mine to drive. I remember watching iRobot in 2004 (when I was 14) and loving the concept model Will Smith drove, then Iron Man came out and I've never pined for a car more. Drove one once on a track day with the manual gearbox and V8 burble, it just cannot be beaten, in my opinion. Also drove a GTR the same day and was disappointed after the R8.
It’s great that you mentioned Clarkson since I had just mentioned my memory of him and this car to you on your Instagram. Matt LeBlanc is leaving Top Gear and you sir, should be the new host. You are So good at this.
analogue car manual gearbox that's what i love about my car. yes, double clutch paddle shifts are fast but nothing better than letting a manual rev out hit that limiter, real connection and emotion with manual gearbox cars. and they are now a dying breed.
Fun car!! I remember when the TT first came out and I wanted one. Then the R8 hit. Then the V10 version. I wanted one!! Audi has so many great cars. An RS5 with that engine and DSG? Sweetness!
I found this video because I'm about to buy my first expensive car and I'm tossing up between one of these, a gallardo and a DB9.... this has probably sold me I also agree with how much better the original are better than the new R8
Like you, every time I drive one it puts a smile on my face. Recently drove a manual first edition R8 round Thruxton track and thoroughly enjoyed it, while the same drive in a Cayman and a Jag Ftype left me cold. The R8 felt a more complete and planted fast drive. Yes the infotainment is dated and awkward but the car itself is fabulous. Love the vid, keep them coming
This is in the feels, I had the deposit ready for my house and a friend was selling his r34 gtr back when they were under 30k..... I messed up and purchased the house with the thoughts it would retain its value and be a better investment.... now r34 gtrs are 75k+ .... but having a true place to call home and store cars is nice.
Great background story James ! I was doing building works for a client who took delivery of the first one into Australia. He took me in it often which was the start of my 11yr love affair with the car. My daughter recently did hot laps around Philip Is circuit in a gen 1 V10 and we bond over our experiences and always 'report in' when we catch a glimpse of one on the road. Love it.
New video on Mother's Day! You're going to get me in trouble... but all right. Never been a huge fan of the R8's looks but I agree that the early models have cleaner lines that I think will age better, I've also seen some with a slight lower and after market wheels that give them a slight retro vibe like a a Porsche 356.
Lovely... great story James! And, meeting and marrying into the Gumball Family has to have been one hell of an induction into the deepest and most wonderful petrolhead world. Yep, the R8, in it's purest form is a classic in the making. Onwards and upwards!
Thanks Mr JWW, I was having a bit of a crap day, watched this vid, ran downstairs grabbed the keys to the westfield and went out for a long drive! life is much better again :)
Thank you for this amazing video. Just Become a super happy Audi R8 v8 Manual owner 2 weeks ago, and I am in love with the car, my story purchasing the car is almost the same as yours, was about to drop a deposit on my new house, then I found this bad boy instead :))
Several years ago, I saw a new Audi R10 spyder at a special private showing of all of the James Bond movie Aston Martins. This Audi caught my eye among all of those rare and splendid Aston Martins. The other thing that caught my eye was the window sticker for the Audi : $175,000!
Utterly off topic, but one of the things pulling me to visit EVERY of your videos is your fantastic use of the English language. As a non native speaker, these are lessons to me how to use the English (well, British) language, properly. Thanks, James ! Oh, and: fabulous idea to go after classics. More, please !
James, the Audi R8 borrowing brakes from the RS4 is only half the story. The RS4 and the R8 both borrowed their FRONT brakes from the Lamborghini Gallardo. The rears are Audi’s own brake construction. Until recently I owned a B7 RS4. I never experienced brake fade, even from 140-ish mph. And that’s an even heavier car. I don’t know why yours faded. Sorry to hear that. I do agree with you about the infotainment. My wife’s newer 2015 Q7 is updated, but still is a bit of a headache at times. Great vid and great story!
This car has aged pretty gracefully! For the money it’s still one hell of a car
Best looking car for the money.
Yeah still beautiful car
I’d be inclined to agree! A manual Gallardp would be another great example although twice the price
Truth!
The V10 is a supercar bargain
Hi James. At the time, it was 100% a supercar. 100hp more than a base 911Carrera (sports car) and only 60hp less than the F430. At a time When Ferrari was far ahead compared to nowadays.
Then add mid-enginded, the looks, V8 etc. 100% a supercar at that time. No shame in saying otherwise. The Ferrari 360 had 20hp less and was in production until 2005 i believe.
Hopefully i can own an original R8 one day haha.
When you put it like that! 😃👍🏻
@@MrJWW not only that. This particular car changed the view on the Audi as an brand completly. And for the Ferrari especialy ( ok, for the other sport car brands also ) this particular car caused, that they had to drasticly improwed quality of their interiors. ... in which, Audi was and is the benchmark ;)
Iconic isn't it. This car brought me into being an enthusiast as a kid. At the time other cars felt somewhat unrealistic to ever truly appreciate until this thing came along.
Such a drivability and controllability. It felt simple yet unique.
For the 1st I felt like that world was not unattainable. When I get my 1st sports car, I will dedicate it to this bad boy.
Me 2 but I would prefer the v10 manual
The only problem was that the v8 almost never made the power audi promised just like in the rs4/rs5. But still an amazing machine!
I was 8 when I saw Iron Man and the most fascinating machine was the R8 for me and not Tony's suit, manual R8 V10 is my dream car 😍
This is awesome!
I have a manual R8 V10 : )
@@bneyens in Forza or Gran Tourismo ?
soundofeighthooves I drive it on my channel
I now feel very old 😳
You were right the first time, Super car. You don't have to have a V12 or 1000HP to be an exotic. This car is special. First car with DRL's, also with the turn signal turning off to show the direction better. I remember when I first saw the car in Iron Man and I was like whoooaa! So last December I bought a Black Audi R8 in black with the carbon side blades. To be honest I already own my house but if I were in your shoes I would of done the same thing.
This video reminded me sooo much of the old JWW videos, don’t get me wrong but I got 2-3 year ago vibes. Keep up the great work!
😊 thanks for watching!
@@MrJWW After all these monumental events and occasions, it's nice to go back to you hammering a car through some B Roads with that excellent commentary and beautiful soundtrack. Gallardo superleggera/Gumpert Apollo next ?
Fantastic personal story James. A true petrol head. House deposit or Audi R8 Mmmmmm. Yes I'll go for the Audi. I can totally understand your parents losing it on your new purchase. But your heart rule your head that day. Great choice. No Audi no Mr JWW, Bravo.
This is essentially it with hindsight there definitely would not be a MrJWW
The Audi R8 V8 will always be near to my heart, its one of the cars I've wanted as a high school student, and its like your first love, it never gets old.
It's hard to convey how truly sublime the gated 6 spd manual on the r8 v8 was until you've driven it. Paired with the v8 sound, they overshadow all of the r8s shortcomings.
This is my dream car. Saw this in iron man and I love it still this date
harsh gulzar cant believe i found someone that have the same view as mine. I started to love v8 r8 due to watching iron man 😅
the original shape isnt too expensive (relatively) nowadays so get hunting
about 40k in the UK
Me 2
The 9 people that didn’t like this video is wrongly born!
Loved your story, I’m sure many of us been through similar paths. If you do what you love, you’ll meet likeminded people and magic occurs!
Modern classic and it will be a future classic! I fell in love with this car when I first saw it and its still a dream car of mine. I do believe it is a legit supercar. Look at the way it was manufactured, with a full aluminum space frame body in a dedicated facility much like exotic cars are built.
I believe these 1st Gen R8's, esp the V10 gated manuals, will eventually become highly sought after collectible cars in 10 years for its rare config, pop culture status, and Audi's only true halo car. Thanks for featuring a truly epic car, JWW!
A true modern classic..
Your Royal oak offshore is looking good as you change those gears
This car is aging amazing! I’m close to being able to buy a Audi R8 V8 manual...V10 is unrealistic right now. At the moment I’m enjoying the sound of a flax six Porsche Boxster until then!!!
Save up for the r8 v10. Test drove a manual spyder one 3 years ago. Awesome car, sound , manual, roof down
I remember seeing this car in Iron Man 1, that was it for me😍
Really nice to hear someone advocating the V8. The V10 gets so much attention and so many positive reviews that it made me think the V8 wasn't even worth considering. But it's a more affordable proposition which I'm not going to rule out. Need to drive them both :)
Agreed! There’s a particularly good video by Zak from The Smoking Tyre where he interviews a guy who went through the education and effort of converting a cheaper R-tronic V8 R8 to a gated manual one- for cheaper than the cost of acquiring one equipped with a MT! I love the V8
What an awesome story on how you met your Mrs!
Great review. We have had a 2009 V8 manual for the last 2 years. it has been utterly fantastic in pretty much every way and relatively sensible to maintain in comparison to more exotics. Thoroughly involving to drive, turns heads wherever it goes, still after 11 + years, and to cap it all its barely lost any value in our ownership! Highly recommended.
At the top of my list of cars I want to own. Manual with the V8 seems perfect and proven to be very reliable.
Thank you so much for the "Modern Classic" series! So many of these represent awesome cars that folks with normal financial means could aspire to. These manual R8's are definitely on my list.
this car is a gem in the car world ! The original R8 V8 and V10 will go up in prices i guarantee you. Too bad this is what i wanted for my first supercar. There selling good at around 45k
I kind of doubt the value will go up any time soon. Maybe in a few decades when a bunch of them have been ruined or crashed, but today they're too common. Cars go up in value when they're special, and hard to get your hands on. With rare exceptions.
@@Erowens98 It is slowly already happening in North America. I only speak for the manual versions though. If you look at the production numbers, the manual ones are significantly lower than R-Tronic. It is also one of the last cars with a gated manual when production went up to 2014/2015 for the gen 1 R8's. Only very few came in the manual for the late cars.
One of the reasons I love this car, is because time has allowed it to evolve. It was introduced as an everyday supercar to rival Porsche, which it was very successful at. However, over time its graceful looks and that open-gated manual transmission and ease of use has turned it into a still relevant grand tourer in today's car scene, a sporty and elegant car that you can take on cross country roadtrips. Nobody will ever question its performance, because the R8 sits above that. It has had growth very similar to a character in a movie, and it all boils down to its utterly timeless package (maybe except the infotainment system haha).
This specific R8 was the one that sparked my love and devotion to cars back in 2007 (and 2003 with the concept car). I have been living most of my life in a country that has no interest in cars (Denmark), but this car, the original R8, sparked a dream inside my youthful mind, that has now led me to studying car design in Italy. So I really get your mindset of how this car has changed your life, because it did so with my life as well.
A lovely nostalgic review of an all time modern classic. Thank you for that Mr JWW.
5:27 Well tbh back in 2007-2008 It was a supercar, 0-60 in 4 sec and 180mph+ top speed were supercar stats and even today it's still very fast for what it is
A sabbatical on mars lol , love it and so true for Audi, which I own and love .. I have always believed in every fiber of my being , if you pursue your true passions in life , you can't and won't fail, whatever imagine that picture finally defines itself as.. You did just that and look where you are today .My hat is off to you James. I love watching your passion and enthusiasm in each of your video's, not only for the various cars but also the people whom you have attached yourself too. Their excitement fuels you and vice versa . Anyone watching these videos please see that as well as the beautiful cars . James you are all about following your passion, thank you .....
If I could only have one sports car, it would be this one. It's just sublime with the manual gear box.
🥰
Would you consider buying one just like this and keeping it for ever?
Yeah I would!
I agree completely. The R8 changed things and shook up the industry. It was almost a reset where manufacturers had to rethink what was possible in that price point. Nothing at that price point existed at the time with super car design language. The original NSX2 decades previously was the last time that happened.
Mr JWW the best of the best car journalists... the bias of a pertrol head, the combination of the words he uses to discribe the things aaahhh.. he is just phenomenal. In fact it was your video 3years ago with the 675LT that got me subscribed to your channel right away cuz I knew you are special.
I just want to thank you James for these series I really enjoy them as well as all the other videos.
What a journey you're taking us in!! Keep it up!!
Im a big fan of Audi build quality and its wonderful V8 engine. If not a modern classic today, it won't be long. Its on my list.
Man what a story, that’ll be one to tell the kids growing up 😂 this car has aged beautifully, I remember watching this on top gear as a 12 year old thinking wow, I want that far above all. It really is a classic
Love the real life story! And the heel and toe camera work. My dream car will have a gated manual...
These modern classic videos are much better than any other content
i've been watching R8 V8 videos all day the last weeks, because im going to buy one next year when im 22. its been a dream since i first saw it. and this pops up in recommended and i thought it was an old video i havent seen from JWW but no it just came out! so happy
I've always viewed the original R8 as the spiritual successor to the original NSX. We certainly live in spoiled times when a car that does mid 4 second 0 to 60 romps is considered slow. You showed that it's more than outright speed which makes a car interesting. I hope one day I'll hear the clink of an R8 shifter banging through the gates, It must make every drive an adventure.
Best looking car for the money
This series of modern classics has probably been the coolest stuff I have seen about cars on YT for a long time!!! Loving it James, thank you!!
I’ve owned 6, had the exact same manual v8 in that grey colour in 2007, it also changed my life !
Sold one last year after 4.5 years of ownership and agree with everything you say. I've had faster cars but the R8 V8 pretty much hit the sweet spot for road use in the UK. Just the right amount of power that you can rev the nuts off it without ending up doing silly speeds or compromising the car in other areas.
A great sports car.
Seriously considering picking up a 11'-12' 6-Speed R8 this year. Great video man.
Just wondering how much are they in the US? Here theyre like 100 - 180k USD. Did you get the r8?
How’s it going?
+1 for showing some footworks. Extra effort but worth it when it comes to manual !
This proves that occasionally (just occasionally) doing sonething reckless reeps benifits! This car was such a gamechanger it was displayed in the middle of (I think) Victoria Station around the time it was launched.
Such a lovely story James! The way you put it made me fall in love with the car! Keep the modern classic series coming!
Love the R8. Ever since I first saw one it just felt like the car for me. There’s something larger than life about them when you see one on the road and they tick all the boxes for a sports car for me. If my financial situation ever improves considerably then the R8 will be my first purchase.
The first generation R8 with the v8 is so much more beautiful and distinctive than the generations after!
You keep killing it with this series!
16 engineer, dreaming of this thing since i was 10,already saving got 4k, 36 to go 🤞🤞
I wanted one for over a decade. Great video.
I was so lucky to find a V10 6MT 2014 and I will cherish it forever.
Has been my dream car for almost 14 years. I will own one soon and it will be the V8 manual. I genuinely think it will be a collector's item one day. it is timeless. but I'll be buying mine to drive.
I remember watching iRobot in 2004 (when I was 14) and loving the concept model Will Smith drove, then Iron Man came out and I've never pined for a car more. Drove one once on a track day with the manual gearbox and V8 burble, it just cannot be beaten, in my opinion. Also drove a GTR the same day and was disappointed after the R8.
A true icon! The Sport Quattro of the 00s!
It’s great that you mentioned Clarkson since I had just mentioned my memory of him and this car to you on your Instagram. Matt LeBlanc is leaving Top Gear and you sir, should be the new host. You are So good at this.
analogue car manual gearbox that's what i love about my car. yes, double clutch paddle shifts are fast but nothing better than letting a manual rev out hit that limiter, real connection and emotion with manual gearbox cars. and they are now a dying breed.
Still recall when this came out and everyone was blown away!
Ever since I saw it in NFS Carbon it became my dream car. It still is and soon I'm going to buy it. What a timeless car!
This car still looks like it could be brand new. Fantastic car
I also love this V8 R8 over the other R8 variants.
Fun car!! I remember when the TT first came out and I wanted one. Then the R8 hit. Then the V10 version. I wanted one!! Audi has so many great cars. An RS5 with that engine and DSG? Sweetness!
I found this video because I'm about to buy my first expensive car and I'm tossing up between one of these, a gallardo and a DB9.... this has probably sold me
I also agree with how much better the original are better than the new R8
In 20 years, these will have gone way up in value. I wish I could buy one.
first gen. R8 looks still the best
Like you, every time I drive one it puts a smile on my face. Recently drove a manual first edition R8 round Thruxton track and thoroughly enjoyed it, while the same drive in a Cayman and a Jag Ftype left me cold. The R8 felt a more complete and planted fast drive. Yes the infotainment is dated and awkward but the car itself is fabulous. Love the vid, keep them coming
This car is a perfect example of a modern classic. Love it 👌
Thanks for the story about meeting your wife and giving us an insightful reason to appreciate the history of the Audi R8
This is in the feels, I had the deposit ready for my house and a friend was selling his r34 gtr back when they were under 30k..... I messed up and purchased the house with the thoughts it would retain its value and be a better investment.... now r34 gtrs are 75k+ .... but having a true place to call home and store cars is nice.
For me it's the perfect sports car for real world use. It does absolutely everything good enough.
I'm a massive fan. I found a lovely, clean V8 Manual with only 12K on the clock a while back and was so tempted to invest.
Great video! Glad I bought my 2014 V8 manual before this came out as it will no doubt be the start of them going up on value.
best series on tube to date
Great background story James ! I was doing building works for a client who took delivery of the first one into Australia. He took me in it often which was the start of my 11yr love affair with the car. My daughter recently did hot laps around Philip Is circuit in a gen 1 V10 and we bond over our experiences and always 'report in' when we catch a glimpse of one on the road. Love it.
Such a beautiful video! We can see the sentimental connection you have with the car 😊 really loved it, cars are about giving us the right memories!
You're making the people happy mate!
Keep up the good work
This was the video that made up my mind. I just bought a 2012 manual R8 (V8).
Keep it coming James, great content per usual!
True modern classic.
Litterly have my house deposit sitting in my account this very moment.. this sir is a confusing video :D
The sound is just lovelY!
A realistic dream car of mine now they're knocking on £35-40k Theres just something about them that I never noticed before. Now I love them.
A word that i would use to describe that car is "ICONIC" !
The manual R8 V8 imo is already an amazing classic sport cars. Should skyrocket in value in few years.
agree! economy is bad , ppl want cheap cool cars so this is the perfect one! Demand and supply ;)
I don’t think it will as maintenance and because there’s so many made are in high figures
Such an achievable place to start with a super car, maybe a good place for me to start if I can stumble over a manual.
Love seeing Mr JWW videos pop up on my notifications!
Things worked out great... wife,baby and UA-cam. What a wonderful life James.
New video on Mother's Day! You're going to get me in trouble... but all right.
Never been a huge fan of the R8's looks but I agree that the early models have cleaner lines that I think will age better, I've also seen some with a slight lower and after market wheels that give them a slight retro vibe like a a Porsche 356.
Best car videos on UA-cam
It’s just such an iconic car! As you said, even today, all these years later, it still looks amazing👌🏼
A timeless classic!! Nice video.
"And also, I met my wife as a result of the original R8" now I ain't sayin she a gold digger....
🤣🤣🤣
11:55 on the money. well put, a lot of people don't get that the fastest car isn't the most enjoyable/thrilling.
Lovely... great story James! And, meeting and marrying into the Gumball Family has to have been one hell of an induction into the deepest and most wonderful petrolhead world. Yep, the R8, in it's purest form is a classic in the making. Onwards and upwards!
now I gotta risk my family disowning me too and get an R8 to meet my wife. I needed this video. thanks mate
This is the best channel on UA-cam. Greetings from Vermont.
Thanks Mr JWW, I was having a bit of a crap day, watched this vid, ran downstairs grabbed the keys to the westfield and went out for a long drive! life is much better again :)
Back in '07, great car to have, in manual of course, especially if one is a petrol head.
Great story!
I’m with you in that I think the original design is far better than the new models, even though they do look good, the original is sublime!
So much love for this series that its dulled my enthusiasm for the normal content. More, more, more please.
Ha ha great to hear you enjoy it!
Thank you for this amazing video. Just Become a super happy Audi R8 v8 Manual owner 2 weeks ago, and I am in love with the car, my story purchasing the car is almost the same as yours, was about to drop a deposit on my new house, then I found this bad boy instead :))
Such a great car, enjoying ours a lot!
Several years ago, I saw a new Audi R10 spyder at a special private showing of all of the James Bond movie Aston Martins. This Audi caught my eye among all of those rare and splendid Aston Martins. The other thing that caught my eye was the window sticker for the Audi : $175,000!
Utterly off topic, but one of the things pulling me to visit EVERY of your videos is your fantastic use of the English language. As a non native speaker, these are lessons to me how to use the English (well, British) language, properly. Thanks, James ! Oh, and: fabulous idea to go after classics. More, please !
There isn't such thing as "British" language. He is speaking "English"
Not Welsh,Irish,or Galic
I agree with you James I love this R8 and hope to one day get one
The only Audi I have ever liked the look of,great series James,thanks!
James, the Audi R8 borrowing brakes from the RS4 is only half the story. The RS4 and the R8 both borrowed their FRONT brakes from the Lamborghini Gallardo. The rears are Audi’s own brake construction. Until recently I owned a B7 RS4. I never experienced brake fade, even from 140-ish mph. And that’s an even heavier car. I don’t know why yours faded. Sorry to hear that. I do agree with you about the infotainment. My wife’s newer 2015 Q7 is updated, but still is a bit of a headache at times. Great vid and great story!