@@cagsanozbek4210 If you had watched the video you'd know. As James says; N/A 4,2 V8, 420HP. More or less the engine from the RS4 of the time, but with a dry sump.
@@Samaldoful Gearstick or shifter, same thing. Different countries use the different terminology and you ask me to use my brain before correcting someone yet you tried to correct someone who used THEIR correct term 🤦🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️ duuuuuuurrr... You don't need a brain cell to realise you don't correct someone when you're wrong, you'll do well to remember this next time.
The early 2nd gen cars were a bit meh for me. But the facelifted one... I genuinely love it. Especially in striking colours like Arablau, Javagrun or Vegasgelb.
The R8 is a pretty car. Worth mentioning regarding movie presence, the RSQ - a futuristic spinoff of the Le Mans quattro. Featured in "I Robot" four years before the R8 was shown in Iron Man.
Another great review mate, apart from the fact that you made me realise what I thought! I made a real mistake selling my almost identical R8. Needless to say I’m trolling autotrader for another. Keep doing what your are doing with your review style Jay....
Only Audi I ever lusted for. Beautiful car, never asked about the specs, just thought it was well done. AND congrats on getting the same car that one my heroes drove - Cheers!
@@borisjohnson7553 not that easy here, its a pain in the hole. I was in the market 2 years ago and searched high and low, but a more sensible opportunity arose.
Great video James. I had the opportunity to drive a 997.1 GT3 back to back with a gen1 V8 R8. It was the R8 that left the lasting impression. It might be inexperience but at no time in that drive did I think that 414hp was too little.
Jay beginning to scare me . Whatever car I spend the last 2 days looking at , jay makes a video on. Even the obscure ones like the fiat coupe , GTV cup v6 , Ferrari 360 , 306 rallye, v12 vantage and even the CITROEN C6 fgs! It’s like you are reading my mind and dropping videos about the cars I am thinking of, literally .
James, you need to drive one with an aftermarket exhaust, its a completely different animal. As you know I also have a 996 Turbo, but I must say I really love the R8V8 with the manual gate. And as far as looks are concerned I think it's one of the most beautiful designs of all time. I agree the steering is probably one let down, but apart from that its a joy to own and drive - I am really surprised by it. I mean just the tactile experience of how you change gear using that manual gate makes the driving experience quite unique and very special.
Nice video, but disagree on the design. The new R8 is way too convoluded and aggressive for no good reason. It almost looks like a cartoonish Mansory bodykit. The first generation R8 remains a design classic, with odd design solutions but weirdly it works. It has a certain gracefulness and curvature to it. The current one is a bit of a mess.
Perfectly said! But remember style can be subjective, and as eloquent and thorough as this gentleman “jayemm” seems to be, his personal personal style/attire is indicative of his taste of car design…..lacking.
When I was consulting in Kentucky, I was driving a Red Cayman. I stopped at a grocery in a small town to take a break. It was 8:30 at night an a mother and her daughter walked up to me and said, "My daughter loves your car, can she have a picture in front of it?". Of course she can, and I was happy to watch them take a picture. I don't even think they knew it was a Porsche...but it was a young person that had a dream. Dream now, and become that person in the future. If a car does that to a person...that's a great thing.
Surely that V10 dyno advert was the more important cinema outing than Iron Man? The older I get the more I think a V10 manual would be the perfect car for me to buy in terms of price, specialness and running costs.
You shattered my dreams (wanted this to be an amazing driver’s car!) and you still get a like for the honest, thorough review! Keep up the awesome work - love tuning in (rants and all!). Curious to know whether you think this, the 997C2S or the Vantage V8 is the best driver’s car of the three??
Idk man, much more experienced journalists and professional drivers have a very different take than his. And I believe the vast majority of them are in fact giving honest reviews.
I have owned a vantage V8 and would not recommend buying one for many reasons, just look up the maintenance and repair costs. I sold mine and got a V8 R8. As a driver that, has fun.... you cannot beat it for what you get it’s impeccable. If you can afford one and wanted to buy one you will not be disappointed many people (the majority) know this car is a magnificent creation. I haven’t found anywhere in England yet to really test its limits but my god it’s great. You have to get used to it it’s not just the easiest car to be confident with but when you do nothing else compares for excitement. The hard part with reviews if you’ve never owned a car like this before is every detail matters as you want to secure a purchase you’re happy with. Go out drive one and enjoy it! If you have the money I can guarantee it’ll make you loose sleep and throb to own one. I actually have that gut desire to own one even when I do and watching a video like this makes me want to drive one and then I remind myself I can, then I go outside at 10pm at night just giving it a little wipe over and waiting to drive it on a nice day or when I have some extra time. It’s a car when you own you want more, and more, and more you get out of it and you just want to get back in, the response is so positive for a 2008 car. I’m 22 so take that as you will but it’s the best materialistic purchase I’ve made so far, just hope the AC doesn’t cut out. (Touch wood)
@@thezerastora Nice! Great to hear an owner’s feedback! I tried one but was to tall - 6ft5 - so head touched the ceiling. Ended up getting a 997 C2S instead. Have that same feeling re always wanting to drive it, although I’ll admit it didn’t look as special as the R8. Drives amazingly though! PS like the hill stream loach!
I have a vivid memory of touching one of these when it first came out, it was in my local Audi dealer and locked of course! I was only about six but I still vividly remember it was the Iron man spec.
an interesting place to start is the Audi "Rosemeyer" concept car of 2000. Look at a picture and you will see the Bugatti Veyron. So the Audi and Bugatti design teams were sharing ideas it would appear and Bugatti got first bibs.
Had a red V8 r8, actually the one that was in the “1 gallon of petrol super car race” on top gear. Had to sell to buy a house 💔 I’ll have another. But probably a 911 lol
I think it’s important to note that the depressing the Sports button, in an R-Tronic model, totally transforms the behaviour of the car, unleashing a surprising level of sharpness and directness to the chassis and awakening the engine to rev what seems like 3x faster than it did when it was just pottering about town. It really turns what is a lumbering beast at slow speeds into a proper quick and sure-footed sports car that shrinks around you the faster you go, and the steering just fills you with confidence. The car really has 2 personalities when you’ve experienced this and experiencing it maybe reveals why Jeremy Clarkson thought so much of it on his first go. It’s looks surprisingly have aged far better than anything out there from it’s time and I think that it really has kept a lot of its charm successfully through the years. But it’s true. It lacks the cache of marques like the Lambo and McLaren, and it can’t hold a candle to the purity of the Porsche GT cars…. But it was never trying to! What Audi set out to do with the R8 V8 was to challenge the 911’s supremacy at its own game at that segment of the market. And I’m afraid I have to agree that given the option of a 997.1 C4S or an R8 V8… the R8 wins.
I like these more than when they were new. I considered buying one about 8 years ago but I realised that running costs are much, much higher than a comparable Porsche 911, which - if it doesn't go wrong - could be ran for very little.
In year 2023, April, finally tried the R8 on GT7. Such a friendly car to tune. Hope it can run synth fuel later. For new, I hope more hybridization for the MPG.
You are absolutely correct James, in that R8's do drive very differently and this mostly depends on mileage, and how well looked after and treated they have been over the years. I bought one 2 years ago and almost gave up looking as most, even from reputable garages were terrible. Fortunately, I have a lot of experience being an engineer and I eventually found one privately owned with very low miles and that was that. It drove beautifully and was everything it should be. Thankfully its a well designed super car that won't make you feel like you've been "rogered" every time you take it to the garage... P.S. I have also owned a number of Porsche including some 911s and I would take the R8 over a 911 any day. As you say, no matter where you take the car it creates a lot of interest...
I first saw one of these scything through traffic on i-285 in Atlanta. It was so low and wide and purposeful looking. I would still love a manual v8 model.
the Audi R8 1st gen V8 Manual is like wine, the older it gets, the more special it becomes, this car been on my maybe possible super car dream for a long long time, the sound alone, look, i adore V10's, but if I was to get a R8, would def be 1st gen V8, this 1st gen V8 is like what Honda NSX was back in the day, tick all the boxes w/out having to sell your kidney. Monterey Green, thank you very much.
As always good review. If memory server me right Clarkson was/is not a Porsche fan... Taste is very personal of course. Me, I prefer the far more elegant (in my view) sport(ing) cars with the engine where it belongs: up front...
Also I actually really like the interior design, aside from the dated screens of course. Someone needs to make a retrofit LED screen for the dash and radio to mimic the factory look just crisp and fresh.
2009 major US magazine review on track where race car driver Randy Pobst noted the R8 was unlikely to be bested, and then he drove Cayman PDK and said “race car, race car, race car. Wow” Meanwhile, R8 v8 sounds fab but widely rated as a sports car, whereas v10 vaulted it into super car class. Jay hits that square though re super car not necessarily better drivers car; r8 v8 vs v10 review w Catchpole and other = similar conclusion. Yes, I’m a 911 and Boxster owner, they are great, but from idle to 2,700 rpm few hear a flat-six and say “that sounds better than a v8”. It’s great to have these choices vs crap we had in 1970s-1980s....
Fairly new to the finance and economic side of things here in depreciated sports/supercars. What would be a recommendation for fairly cheap to run/economical car? Obviously with a focus more on running costs more than mpg.
The amount of sports/supercars driving around all depends on the town/area. Where I live, I never see the likes of a 911 or R8 so if somebody were to get one it would be a special head turner indeed.
The first gen is such a mixed bag to me. It's the best looking (apart from the side panels like you mentioned) but the sound is a close second to the V10 plus. The V10 is just more sonorous, the V8 is a bit too brash. It has a manual transmission unlike the later ones but the interior is not as good. Such a weird mix.
I really enjoyed this video James. Informative, constructive and enjoyable. For most, me included, a Mk1 R8 Manual, would be my only way into R8 ownership. I think they sound great, better than the Vantage, but the vantage looks better IMO. Yes, I'd agree the interior is a little poor, but in 2007 when released, it probably wasn't then. Put an aftermarket exhaust on one, like Paul @Supercarsoflondon did with his, and it will wake the gods!! Great vid...
In few years the electric steering will surely beat the hydraulic in every way But for reaching the manual, is still a long way to match. But easily people will like the advantages of electrical system without significant feedback loss with further advancement in accuracy and simulation of feedback ultimately it reaches a point where they are balancing feedback vs comfort
I imagine you have driven an Elise, or one of the higher end models, Exige/Cup. I'm just wondering if you compared one against your Evora 4 when you bought it? Or if you knew what their driving dynamics or characteristics were like against one another? I've always wondered. I've only seen 3 Lotus's up here in Alaska in my whole life, and I love the Exige, but I've never seen an Evora. Thnx!
@@JayEmmOnCars how tall are you? 'cause someday I would love to get either an Elise or Exige, or an S2K (yeah, I'm Jealous of your garage! Past & Present!:Hah!), preferably AP2 for ripping around all night in the Alaskan summer, but I don't know how well I'd fit... Being 6'2"-ish, and 240 lbs...I don't know what the metric conversion would be, but I'll just say I'm big! I had a NB Miata before, and supprisingly I was just within the parameters of the cockpit, just so... Even when I had my Si CRX I had just enough room to shift, but those sporty, street legal go-karts are few and far between up here.
I'd take an R8 any day, i love them. I'd take an R8 over a 911 (although i do love the Turbo and its awd) on poor UK roads/near daily rain they've gotta be the sensible choice. Maybe if you were buying a car purely for track use, then a 911 might be more rewarding to tame. But real world the R8 would be fast all the time, a rwd 911 would be trying to put you into the nearest ditch.......backwards haha!
Surprised to think that the bosses of Audi thought that wins at Le Mans would bring Americans to the showrooms. I thought the successes of the Audi 200 quattro Trans-Am and the crushing dominance of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO in the late 80's had taken care of that.
Uninspired looks and a nagging doubt that what I was looking at was a cut priced Lamborghini with all the charm and panache removed meant I've never really respected or liked the TT-RS, sorry I mean R8.
Some good info there. Interesting that you feel the electric racks in gen 2s is better than the hydraulic. Is the V10 steering mechanically different to the V8 or is it a weight distribution thing? Also most have said the throw of the gearbox is longer than they would think, think you're first I've seen comment that it is short!?
IMHO, the reason the steering is not working well is because of its excessive trashing by road-testers and owners over the 13 years. There are a lot of factors which affect the handling of course, and I doubt Audi did much to make it as good as new or a well-maintained, un-brutalised version. If you recall Clarkson was full of praise for the handling, describing the cornering smooth “like smearing honey into Kiera Knightley”.
James, what's the story with the signatures on your jacket, is it a style thing or are they autographs? Love R8. Although I had a 997 2s in period I always hankered after R8 V8, which was out of my league here in Ireland.
An R8 is a dream far that i don’t think i could ever afford but a 911 (997) is. I also prefer the 911 but an R8 would make me feel more special. #supercar
Driving a 911 does not get old with a manual, especially if you have a different car for alternate days. My jag XKR was simply not as engaging per driving...
I remember seeing this for the first time and was amazed. But after seeing them a bit more I realized the body style was not something I liked. I’ve grown to dislike the silhouette and blade design. It’s similar to a vehicle seen in a movie that seems cool but in reality would just not work. I’m sure they appeal to a lot of people but it is not in my top ten cars I would have if I wanted to spend the money.
Personally I prefer the first R8 to the current one which looks rather fussy next to the original. I think you’re being a bit harsh on the interior. Most other journos seem pretty happy with it. The wing back seats certainly lift the interior. Yes sone bits feel similar to those of lesser Audi’s but it no worse than finding Fiat switchgear in a Ferrari or Ford / Volvo parts in an Aston Martin. For a first attempt in this market they pretty well. Most owners seem pretty happy with luggage capacity. One chap on PH has managed to tour Europe with his other half for a few weeks and he was pretty complimentary about storage. As for this example having creaks and rattles, it’s clearly not had the easiest life starting out as a press car.
The only Audi R8 that I would consider as a sports car are the two wheel drive version, I like to drive my car and not be driven by the car, as analog as possible. Edit: manual is a must and the dogleg is the cherry on top!
~~ I recently drove a friend's Lexus SC 430...It's a hard top convertible, n/a V8 with a muffler delete and aftermarket wheels...People passing by would just stare at it, give me compliments and lust after what Jeremy Clarkson called, "the worst car in the world."...
@@Rosco0754 M&T. Probably Hannu Mikkola's signature is the other ? Stig's house went up in flames last week in the recent bushfires in Perth, W.A. ! V.
The early R8 V8 is the only R8 that's ever spoken to me. ..and it still does. The looks, the sound, the wheels. I really like this car.
Does this model has turbo ?
@@cagsanozbek4210 If you had watched the video you'd know. As James says; N/A 4,2 V8, 420HP. More or less the engine from the RS4 of the time, but with a dry sump.
@@cagsanozbek4210 no r8 had ever had a turbo
@@dylanwakley2553Thanks God
Agreed... I hope I can achieve this one day!
This R8 is one of the best looking cars ever, and hands down the best audi
This car will always be a classic, the look, the driving experience and the cool factor.
And the gated shifter :)
I think you mean gear stick!
@@Samaldoful No, it's gated, that is what he's talking about. Like the old Ferrari 355.
@@azlean5323 we are English it’s a gated gear stick! We don’t say shifffterrrrr! Use your brain before trying to correct people!
@@Samaldoful Gearstick or shifter, same thing. Different countries use the different terminology and you ask me to use my brain before correcting someone yet you tried to correct someone who used THEIR correct term 🤦🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️ duuuuuuurrr... You don't need a brain cell to realise you don't correct someone when you're wrong, you'll do well to remember this next time.
First gen is still the most beautiful, imo. Unlike the later gen it has more harmonious shapes, round surfaces, i hate angular shapes on cars.
Put them side by side and the Gen2 is an absolute weapon. Gen1 looks soft.
@@dlg78 It really depends on your taste. Some people prefer softer curves rather than sharp angles.
The early 2nd gen cars were a bit meh for me. But the facelifted one... I genuinely love it. Especially in striking colours like Arablau, Javagrun or Vegasgelb.
Weapon? Relax.
I agree! 1st gen is so smooth!
I own a white v10 manual spyder gen 1 , been nothing but a pleasure for the last 4 years.
Probably the pick of the crop
Good choice. This is a hold till you die car
First car to come with LED daytime lights, this was the new NSX. An affordable and practical supercar
The R8 is a pretty car. Worth mentioning regarding movie presence, the RSQ - a futuristic spinoff of the Le Mans quattro. Featured in "I Robot" four years before the R8 was shown in Iron Man.
30min video from you on a Saturday winter morning, couldn't ask for more
This beauty looks so good even by today...😍
I believe also that the RSQ from 2004 film I Robot was a huge influence on the final design!
I appreciate you also mentioning the metric numbers. Keep up the good reviews!
Another great review mate, apart from the fact that you made me realise what I thought! I made a real mistake selling my almost identical R8. Needless to say I’m trolling autotrader for another. Keep doing what your are doing with your review style Jay....
Only Audi I ever lusted for. Beautiful car, never asked about the specs, just thought it was well done. AND congrats on getting the same car that one my heroes drove - Cheers!
Would just love a V10 manual. Have never seen a manual V10 here in Australia.
You can always import one!
They do exist. There have been 1 or 2 for sale
@@borisjohnson7553 not that easy here, its a pain in the hole. I was in the market 2 years ago and searched high and low, but a more sensible opportunity arose.
@@Matthew-ll9ke haven’t looked in a while but spent about a year lookin.
@@superdooperoofer8941 oh they're certainly rare. Just got to get lucky with the timing I suppose.
This design should never have been abandoned. New ones are bland
Personally, I prefer the sound of the V8 over the v10.
same here, but with aftermarket exhausts for the V8. Stock exhausts muffled too much.
The V8 just sounds muscular with aftermarket exhausts. Love em.
The V8 is a fine sounding machine
Can't beat the howl of a V10!
Both sound equally amazing.
Great video James. I had the opportunity to drive a 997.1 GT3 back to back with a gen1 V8 R8. It was the R8 that left the lasting impression. It might be inexperience but at no time in that drive did I think that 414hp was too little.
Jay beginning to scare me . Whatever car I spend the last 2 days looking at , jay makes a video on. Even the obscure ones like the fiat coupe , GTV cup v6 , Ferrari 360 , 306 rallye, v12 vantage and even the CITROEN C6 fgs! It’s like you are reading my mind and dropping videos about the cars I am thinking of, literally .
I just stumbled upon your channel and I’m so glad I did. Such great content! Keep it up, you really have a unique way to way to tell a story.
After just watching all your videos relating to the R8 .... I just had to go and give my old A5 a hug.
I have such a soft spot for the original A5
James, you need to drive one with an aftermarket exhaust, its a completely different animal. As you know I also have a 996 Turbo, but I must say I really love the R8V8 with the manual gate. And as far as looks are concerned I think it's one of the most beautiful designs of all time. I agree the steering is probably one let down, but apart from that its a joy to own and drive - I am really surprised by it. I mean just the tactile experience of how you change gear using that manual gate makes the driving experience quite unique and very special.
Awesome video James learned so much in the last 30 mins!
Top Gear and royalty in the same sentence 😁👌🏻
Nice video, but disagree on the design. The new R8 is way too convoluded and aggressive for no good reason. It almost looks like a cartoonish Mansory bodykit. The first generation R8 remains a design classic, with odd design solutions but weirdly it works. It has a certain gracefulness and curvature to it. The current one is a bit of a mess.
Perfectly said! But remember style can be subjective, and as eloquent and thorough as this gentleman “jayemm” seems to be, his personal personal style/attire is indicative of his taste of car design…..lacking.
When I was consulting in Kentucky, I was driving a Red Cayman. I stopped at a grocery in a small town to take a break. It was 8:30 at night an a mother and her daughter walked up to me and said, "My daughter loves your car, can she have a picture in front of it?". Of course she can, and I was happy to watch them take a picture. I don't even think they knew it was a Porsche...but it was a young person that had a dream. Dream now, and become that person in the future. If a car does that to a person...that's a great thing.
Surely that V10 dyno advert was the more important cinema outing than Iron Man? The older I get the more I think a V10 manual would be the perfect car for me to buy in terms of price, specialness and running costs.
You shattered my dreams (wanted this to be an amazing driver’s car!) and you still get a like for the honest, thorough review! Keep up the awesome work - love tuning in (rants and all!). Curious to know whether you think this, the 997C2S or the Vantage V8 is the best driver’s car of the three??
Idk man, much more experienced journalists and professional drivers have a very different take than his. And I believe the vast majority of them are in fact giving honest reviews.
I have owned a vantage V8 and would not recommend buying one for many reasons, just look up the maintenance and repair costs. I sold mine and got a V8 R8.
As a driver that, has fun.... you cannot beat it for what you get it’s impeccable. If you can afford one and wanted to buy one you will not be disappointed many people (the majority) know this car is a magnificent creation. I haven’t found anywhere in England yet to really test its limits but my god it’s great.
You have to get used to it it’s not just the easiest car to be confident with but when you do nothing else compares for excitement.
The hard part with reviews if you’ve never owned a car like this before is every detail matters as you want to secure a purchase you’re happy with. Go out drive one and enjoy it! If you have the money I can guarantee it’ll make you loose sleep and throb to own one. I actually have that gut desire to own one even when I do and watching a video like this makes me want to drive one and then I remind myself I can, then I go outside at 10pm at night just giving it a little wipe over and waiting to drive it on a nice day or when I have some extra time.
It’s a car when you own you want more, and more, and more you get out of it and you just want to get back in, the response is so positive for a 2008 car. I’m 22 so take that as you will but it’s the best materialistic purchase I’ve made so far, just hope the AC doesn’t cut out. (Touch wood)
@@thezerastora Nice! Great to hear an owner’s feedback! I tried one but was to tall - 6ft5 - so head touched the ceiling. Ended up getting a 997 C2S instead. Have that same feeling re always wanting to drive it, although I’ll admit it didn’t look as special as the R8. Drives amazingly though! PS like the hill stream loach!
This look of R8 with the V10, gated manual will always be something I will lust after
I have a vivid memory of touching one of these when it first came out, it was in my local Audi dealer and locked of course! I was only about six but I still vividly remember it was the Iron man spec.
You are producing amazing videos, period
Thankyou
an interesting place to start is the Audi "Rosemeyer" concept car of 2000. Look at a picture and you will see the Bugatti Veyron. So the Audi and Bugatti design teams were sharing ideas it would appear and Bugatti got first bibs.
Had a red V8 r8, actually the one that was in the “1 gallon of petrol super car race” on top gear. Had to sell to buy a house 💔 I’ll have another. But probably a 911 lol
Yet another brilliant video.
Thank you James
I think it’s important to note that the depressing the Sports button, in an R-Tronic model, totally transforms the behaviour of the car, unleashing a surprising level of sharpness and directness to the chassis and awakening the engine to rev what seems like 3x faster than it did when it was just pottering about town.
It really turns what is a lumbering beast at slow speeds into a proper quick and sure-footed sports car that shrinks around you the faster you go, and the steering just fills you with confidence.
The car really has 2 personalities when you’ve experienced this and experiencing it maybe reveals why Jeremy Clarkson thought so much of it on his first go.
It’s looks surprisingly have aged far better than anything out there from it’s time and I think that it really has kept a lot of its charm successfully through the years.
But it’s true. It lacks the cache of marques like the Lambo and McLaren, and it can’t hold a candle to the purity of the Porsche GT cars…. But it was never trying to! What Audi set out to do with the R8 V8 was to challenge the 911’s supremacy at its own game at that segment of the market.
And I’m afraid I have to agree that given the option of a 997.1 C4S or an R8 V8… the R8 wins.
I like these more than when they were new. I considered buying one about 8 years ago but I realised that running costs are much, much higher than a comparable Porsche 911, which - if it doesn't go wrong - could be ran for very little.
The fact that this car still looks particularly modern today just shows that Audi know what their doing although underdogs in the super car market.
In year 2023, April, finally tried the R8 on GT7. Such a friendly car to tune. Hope it can run synth fuel later.
For new, I hope more hybridization for the MPG.
You are absolutely correct James, in that R8's do drive very differently and this mostly depends on mileage, and how well looked after and treated they have been over the years. I bought one 2 years ago and almost gave up looking as most, even from reputable garages were terrible. Fortunately, I have a lot of experience being an engineer and I eventually found one privately owned with very low miles and that was that. It drove beautifully and was everything it should be. Thankfully its a well designed super car that won't make you feel like you've been "rogered" every time you take it to the garage...
P.S. I have also owned a number of Porsche including some 911s and I would take the R8 over a 911 any day. As you say, no matter where you take the car it creates a lot of interest...
I remember driving the concept on GT4 back on the ps2 in 2004 haha
For me the proportions are perfect
I first saw one of these scything through traffic on i-285 in Atlanta. It was so low and wide and purposeful looking. I would still love a manual v8 model.
Nice review this, the build up was excellent. Never been an Audi fan though, I'd always take a Porsche or Aston for the price range.
Another great history lesson in how the r8 came to be and what a lucky guy you are James to drive car royalty
I manage to disagree completely with Jay about the R8, i think the 1st gen is the most beautiful one.
I loved these back when they first came out then completely lost track of these cars. Now thanks to your videos I want one again 🙄
I like it!............great homage to the traditional top gear vocal inflection too. 10/10
Now I want one. Auto trader here I come
the Audi R8 1st gen V8 Manual is like wine, the older it gets, the more special it becomes, this car been on my maybe possible super car dream for a long long time, the sound alone, look, i adore V10's, but if I was to get a R8, would def be 1st gen V8, this 1st gen V8 is like what Honda NSX was back in the day, tick all the boxes w/out having to sell your kidney.
Monterey Green, thank you very much.
As always good review. If memory server me right Clarkson was/is not a Porsche fan... Taste is very personal of course. Me, I prefer the far more elegant (in my view) sport(ing) cars with the engine where it belongs: up front...
Also I actually really like the interior design, aside from the dated screens of course. Someone needs to make a retrofit LED screen for the dash and radio to mimic the factory look just crisp and fresh.
I always forget how good that Audi 4.2 v8 sounded in this car
2009 major US magazine review on track where race car driver Randy Pobst noted the R8 was unlikely to be bested, and then he drove Cayman PDK and said “race car, race car, race car. Wow” Meanwhile, R8 v8 sounds fab but widely rated as a sports car, whereas v10 vaulted it into super car class. Jay hits that square though re super car not necessarily better drivers car; r8 v8 vs v10 review w Catchpole and other = similar conclusion. Yes, I’m a 911 and Boxster owner, they are great, but from idle to 2,700 rpm few hear a flat-six and say “that sounds better than a v8”. It’s great to have these choices vs crap we had in 1970s-1980s....
Perfect summary James 👌 thank you
Clarkson drove that exact car on Top Gear back when it was new 🔥
yes , thats what JM said
Gen 1 V8 manual is one of my goals
An excellent review indeed ! Thank you.
great intro - great
wish there was more colour variety in these...... green, red etc
They did green and red, but nobody really bought them!
that's actually a decent sounding v8
Fairly new to the finance and economic side of things here in depreciated sports/supercars. What would be a recommendation for fairly cheap to run/economical car? Obviously with a focus more on running costs more than mpg.
The amount of sports/supercars driving around all depends on the town/area. Where I live, I never see the likes of a 911 or R8 so if somebody were to get one it would be a special head turner indeed.
The first gen is such a mixed bag to me. It's the best looking (apart from the side panels like you mentioned) but the sound is a close second to the V10 plus. The V10 is just more sonorous, the V8 is a bit too brash. It has a manual transmission unlike the later ones but the interior is not as good. Such a weird mix.
Love these early examples.
I remember seeing the concept in the cinema watching AI, loved it then and love it now!
Great vid Jay
I really enjoyed this video James. Informative, constructive and enjoyable. For most, me included, a Mk1 R8 Manual, would be my only way into R8 ownership. I think they sound great, better than the Vantage, but the vantage looks better IMO. Yes, I'd agree the interior is a little poor, but in 2007 when released, it probably wasn't then. Put an aftermarket exhaust on one, like Paul @Supercarsoflondon did with his, and it will wake the gods!! Great vid...
I wish "The Story 1999-2007" would have also featured the Audi RSQ from "I, Robot".
Brilliant. I’m really warning to these.
In few years the electric steering will surely beat the hydraulic in every way
But for reaching the manual, is still a long way to match.
But easily people will like the advantages of electrical system without significant feedback loss with further advancement in accuracy and simulation of feedback
ultimately it reaches a point where they are balancing feedback vs comfort
I really hope Audi goes back to styling that’s similar to their models from 2009-2014. I hate their overly aggressive style with fake vents and such.
As an Audi fan that lives in a Toyota budget, what would you rather? B7 rs4 or v8 r8?
Looks like you’ve upgraded your camera James, what are you using now the quality is superb?
Panasonic S5, I'm not enjoying it though
I imagine you have driven an Elise, or one of the higher end models, Exige/Cup. I'm just wondering if you compared one against your Evora 4 when you bought it? Or if you knew what their driving dynamics or characteristics were like against one another? I've always wondered. I've only seen 3 Lotus's up here in Alaska in my whole life, and I love the Exige, but I've never seen an Evora. Thnx!
The Evora is a superb car, very different feel to Elise/Exige. Those are more immediate, but far less refined
@@JayEmmOnCars how tall are you? 'cause someday I would love to get either an Elise or Exige, or an S2K (yeah, I'm Jealous of your garage! Past & Present!:Hah!), preferably AP2 for ripping around all night in the Alaskan summer, but I don't know how well I'd fit... Being 6'2"-ish, and 240 lbs...I don't know what the metric conversion would be, but I'll just say I'm big! I had a NB Miata before, and supprisingly I was just within the parameters of the cockpit, just so... Even when I had my Si CRX I had just enough room to shift, but those sporty, street legal go-karts are few and far between up here.
@@jaydub5515 you would probably fit in the Elise, but you might need to fix the driver seat in place
Evora has bags of room
Great critique
I'd take an R8 any day, i love them. I'd take an R8 over a 911 (although i do love the Turbo and its awd) on poor UK roads/near daily rain they've gotta be the sensible choice. Maybe if you were buying a car purely for track use, then a 911 might be more rewarding to tame. But real world the R8 would be fast all the time, a rwd 911 would be trying to put you into the nearest ditch.......backwards haha!
Surprised to think that the bosses of Audi thought that wins at Le Mans would bring Americans to the showrooms. I thought the successes of the Audi 200 quattro Trans-Am and the crushing dominance of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO in the late 80's had taken care of that.
love the r8 so much
This press car is a work horse
James do you know why the R8 didnt go for the honeycomb grill to begin with? Is it because it wasnt a 'RS' car? Always wondered. Cheers.
Jeremy Clarkson licked that steering wheel
9:38 where is this?
My favourite car is the "Best car he has driven"
Uninspired looks and a nagging doubt that what I was looking at was a cut priced Lamborghini with all the charm and panache removed meant I've never really respected or liked the TT-RS, sorry I mean R8.
Totally agree.
Some good info there. Interesting that you feel the electric racks in gen 2s is better than the hydraulic. Is the V10 steering mechanically different to the V8 or is it a weight distribution thing? Also most have said the throw of the gearbox is longer than they would think, think you're first I've seen comment that it is short!?
I think the gearboxes throw is just right- similar to what I would expect in a Ferrari etc. In truth better than many of them.
Me: Sees Le Mans Quattro
Also me: Darius?
IMHO, the reason the steering is not working well is because of its excessive trashing by road-testers and owners over the 13 years. There are a lot of factors which affect the handling of course, and I doubt Audi did much to make it as good as new or a well-maintained, un-brutalised version. If you recall Clarkson was full of praise for the handling, describing the cornering smooth “like smearing honey into Kiera Knightley”.
Get the tyres changed that will completely change the drive !
Tyres make the difference. The V10 was on PS4S and the press V8 doesn’t exactly seem in the finest of fettle... odd.
James, what's the story with the signatures on your jacket, is it a style thing or are they autographs?
Love R8. Although I had a 997 2s in period I always hankered after R8 V8, which was out of my league here in Ireland.
They are the autographs of Stig Blomqvist and Tom Kristensen
An R8 is a dream far that i don’t think i could ever afford but a 911 (997) is. I also prefer the 911 but an R8 would make me feel more special. #supercar
Driving a 911 does not get old with a manual, especially if you have a different car for alternate days. My jag XKR was simply not as engaging per driving...
I remember seeing this for the first time and was amazed. But after seeing them a bit more I realized the body style was not something I liked. I’ve grown to dislike the silhouette and blade design. It’s similar to a vehicle seen in a movie that seems cool but in reality would just not work.
I’m sure they appeal to a lot of people but it is not in my top ten cars I would have if I wanted to spend the money.
Personally I prefer the first R8 to the current one which looks rather fussy next to the original.
I think you’re being a bit harsh on the interior. Most other journos seem pretty happy with it. The wing back seats certainly lift the interior. Yes sone bits feel similar to those of lesser Audi’s but it no worse than finding Fiat switchgear in a Ferrari or Ford / Volvo parts in an Aston Martin. For a first attempt in this market they pretty well. Most owners seem pretty happy with luggage capacity. One chap on PH has managed to tour Europe with his other half for a few weeks and he was pretty complimentary about storage.
As for this example having creaks and rattles, it’s clearly not had the easiest life starting out as a press car.
The only Audi R8 that I would consider as a sports car are the two wheel drive version, I like to drive my car and not be driven by the car, as analog as possible.
Edit: manual is a must and the dogleg is the cherry on top!
None are fitted with a dog leg manual. Buy a 928 manual for that
~~ I recently drove a friend's Lexus SC 430...It's a hard top convertible, n/a V8 with a muffler delete and aftermarket wheels...People passing by would just stare at it, give me compliments and lust after what Jeremy Clarkson called, "the worst car in the world."...
Who cares what that w4nker says. God hes so overrated
Am I seeing stig blomquist signature on your jacket?
Yes
@@JayEmmOnCars how am I the only one to notice this? The other signature is who? And any story to the jacket Jay?
@@Rosco0754 M&T. Probably Hannu Mikkola's signature is the other ? Stig's house went up in flames last week in the recent bushfires in Perth, W.A. ! V.
Cheers
Dad owns a porsche didn't realise you were a toff
The only Audi I'd want to own. Superb car. A diamond amongst their consistently bland looking range...
90's quattro?
@@ldwp6395 Good point! I should have said 'modern Audis'. The Quattro is timeless.
Are you kidding? I would love to come home after purchasing a special car and see my neighbor had the same. Then I’d have someone to race
Are we gonna forget the I, Robot connection!?
That thing might need new engine mounts btw.