Miles to Date: 32,714
Months in Fleet: Nine
Spring is here, we've removed the R8's snow tires, and the twenty-somethings on our editorial staff have been hogging the car, those greedy guys. It's understandable: for new assistant editor David Zenlea and new road test coordinator Mike Ofiara, the R8 is their introduction to the world of exotic, mid-engine sports cars. Now they're hooked. Here's what they had to say:
David Zenlea, Assistant Editor
I'll do my best not to sound like a school girl gushing about the whatever-brothers-band-group, but...how can you not with a car like this? Turning the key and listening to the starter churn up that V-8 is absolutely intoxicating. Then you pull out into the street and it just casually winds up to about 7000 rpm. Yes, it's pretty special. And, of course, everyone's staring at you. I think someone even whistled at me - me! I'll admit, the attention takes some getting used to, and the Woody Allen-like self consciousness that's hard-wired into every Jewish man's DNA had me wishing at times I could enjoy the exotic car experience in anonymity.
That's one part of the R8's identity. Underneath the fashion model exterior lies a perfectly comfortable, luxurious grand tourer. I especially appreciated the fact that it doesn't seem to sacrifice every ounce of ride quality in return for its ungodly handling. My mother is three weeks removed from a painful surgery but never grimaced from a bump when I gave her a ride around the block. It almost makes you wonder why Audi has so much trouble finding this balance on some of its mainstream cars.
Rusty Blackwell, Copy Editor
With my buddy Stimpy riding shotgun, I drove the R8 to Bellaire, Michigan, where we met a few other friends at Schuss Mountain. For a supercar, the R8 is comfortable for such a four-hour drive, although footroom is a bit tight, particularly with the positioning of the dead pedal (far aft, making room for the LF wheel). The on-the-floor height of the seats also makes long sessions a bit tiring. But who cares? I wouldn't hesitate to take this car on a cross-country trip. The looks you get, the always-ready torque, and the drives-like-a-normal-car personality quickly washed away any feelings of discomfort.
Luggage space is decent if you pack both your luggage and the car carefully. My lunchbox cooler fit perfectly on the shelf behind my seat, and my handbag fit on the shelf behind Stimpy's seat, even though he's 6'4". A 24-can case of Labatt Blue fit perfectly on the floor of the front boot, and there was still room for a backpack, a duffle bag, Stimpy's case of fancy poker chips, a couple bags of Doritos, and some hot-dog buns. ...next page >>