Comparing 2017 Audi R8 v10 and v10 Plus | AUTOBUNCH
While the Audi r8 has always been the definition of cool, so cool in fact, that Tony Stark aka Ironman, the coolest character in the Multiverse, owns one, which already tells you that this car is on a level of its own.
But, sometimes movies can be misleading and more about the hype than the practicality and functionality. Fortunately, the 2017 audi r8, not only lives up to the hype but often surpasses expectations when you are in it, especially the v10 plus.
Before we get into the differences, lets go over the similarities, which are many..
Lamborghini Huracan Engine
The 2017 R8 all-wheel-drive model is essentially known as the cousin or brother to the Lamborghini Huracan as they share the same Lamborghini-derived 5.2-liter V10 naturally aspirated engine and a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The previous 2015 Audi R8 edition had a V8 engine and manual transmission.
While the most common gripe about the 2017 model is the lack of an option for a manual transmission is not available, as the feeling of driving a stick often seems more familiar and fun for certain drivers.
If you are one of the many that prefer a manual transmission, the S-tronic automated gearbox is arguably more precise than one could ever be with a stick (yes, even you). More importantly, it allows you to keep both hands on the steering will when you are driving at high speeds and through curves on the road.
exterior
spoiler/rear wing
The carbon fiber spoiler/wing was the initial differentiating factor for the v10 plus, as the v10 did not come stock with a spoiler/wing.
In the aftermarket/2nd hand world, this is much harder to detect, as many owners have chosen to add or modify their spoiler/wing.
Check out our collection of best selling rear spoiler/wings for all models here.
brakes
The 2nd most noticeable exterior difference was the ceramic brakes on the v10 plus model, which were not only visually appealing but great for performance, as would be expected. The ceramic brakes are extremely responsive, with little to no fade even after heavy braking.
driving
By incorporating carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic into specific areas of its foundation, such as the roof pillars situated behind the side windows and the central tunnel running between the seats, the latest R8 model has shed up to 110 pounds compared to its forerunner.
handling
From the driver’s seat, one of the most prominent differences is in the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission gearing. Even if the R8 base model and the V10 Plus demonstrate the same power output, the former feels slower. This results from the numerical difference in gearing from gears three through seven. Specifically, the gearing in the base model is taller, and as such the standard R8 feels more like a 450-hp sports car than a 540-hp supercar, especially in mid-range acceleration. However, as the RPMs climb beyond 6,000, the power output ramps up, and the car’s 540 hp rating becomes evident.
Quattro
The latest R8’s genuine innovation lies not only in its incredible driving thrill but in the intuitive control at your fingertips. Its fully reimagined front end and reinforced frame give way to a steering precision unlike any other, particularly when cornering.
Quattro all-wheel drive also plays a definite role in the R8’s performance, simultaneously enhancing its abilities while making them more accessible. Drop the hammer on 600-ish horsepower in a rear-drive coupe while the wheel is still a bit crossed up on a cool, sandy mountain corner, and you’re as likely to make a new vein of carbon-rich mountain wall as you are to come out the other side. Do the same in the R8, and the car scrabbles right out of the corner, the only drama happening behind you as the big V-10 sings its way to the limit.
interior
A significant change is seen on the inside of the car. The 2017 R8’s cabin design and features have been updated with Audi’s modern design and technology.
The redesigned 2017 Audi R8 gains a more modern cockpit and more power while still retaining the old model’s easy-to-drive nature and Hollywood style. It’s undoubtedly a top pick for a high-end sports car.
The R8’s cabin has always offered an ergonomic control layout and fine materials, unlike some other “exotic sports cars”. While the first-generation model was hampered by anachronisms like an early version of the MMI infotainment system that utilized a relatively clunky dashboard-mounted control knob. Thankfully, the new R8 gives up nothing inside to any other Audi model before.
Following the 2017 TT’s lead, it employs the innovative Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, which groups all driving and infotainment functions into a single high-resolution screen in front of the driver. Also, the MMI controller has the ability to recognize inputs scrawled via fingertip, and it’s located on the console between the seats, where it falls readily to hand. The downside to this driver-centric system, however, is that the passenger has little ability to look at or adjust those infotainment functions.
The R8’s two available seat designs occupy opposite ends of the spectrum. The base 18-way power chairs are both supportive in spirited driving and comfortable for touring, but the racing seats that come standard in the V10 Plus lose the power functions (except height) and aren’t even able to recline.
If you plan to take your R8 to the racetrack on a regular basis, these seats may hold appeal, but we’re glad that Audi makes the more luxurious seats an option for less aggressive V10 Plus buyers.
Audi pegs the 2017 R8’s cargo capacity at just 8.0 cubic feet, which includes both the front trunk (remember, the engine’s in the back) and a small space behind the seats. That’s stingy even by supercar norms.
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