1/7/09
Phil Floraday, Senior Web Editor
Driving the R8 on snow and ice is a lot of fun as long as there's not more than a few inches on the ground; otherwise, ground clearance becomes an issue. The incredible RWD bias is much more apparent on the slippery stuff and the car is very predictable and easy to drive. I just wish there were a heating element in the shifter. That aluminum shift knob isn't so nice when the temperature is below freezing.
1/13/09
Marc Noordeloos, former Road Test Editor
The R8 served as my chariot for the Detroit Auto Show. It worked very well but the first day--in eight inches of unplowed snow--was a bit scary. The R8 is not a snowmobile. It is fun, but as Jason pointed out, leave a lot of space. This is no winter rally car. It's best to turn off traction control but leave stability control on (one push of the ESP button). This keeps your yaw in check but allows wheel spin, which seems to help transfer power to the front wheels.
2/6/09
Rusty Blackwell, Copy Editor
If you're very careful, the Audi R8 is tons of fun in below-zero temperatures and on slick roads. And although it takes a while for the engine to reach operating temps, once it gets going, the small cabin heats up quite quickly. The heated seats are great, too. Other people have said it before, but I'll say it again: the R8 works very well as a Real Car. ...next page >>