Three years after Lamborghini launched the Gallardo, its parent company, Audi, decided it was time to introduce its own supercar with similar underpinnings. Thus, the original R8 was born, with production taking place at Neckarsulm in Germany.
Based on the same architecture as the Lamborghini Gallardo, the first Audi R8 had a less exotic appearance. It featured the same engine as its Italian cousin behind the seats, the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10, though lesser models were offered with the 4.2-liter V8.
By modern standards, 430 metric horses are nothing to write home about, as the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S hot hatch is almost as powerful. However, the combination of a proper exotic platform with a great V8 wrapped into a seductive package quickly made the R8 popular with the supercar crowd. And if it still keeps you up at night, then you have probably searched the used car market for that perfect example.
However, the definition of perfect varies from one individual to another, and what we consider to be a great proposal could be junk in your eyes. Still, we think the copy pictured in the gallery is worth a look, as it doesn't break the bank (for a blue-blooded machine). A 2014 model, it has 23,129 miles (37,223 km) under its belt, two owners in the papers, and hasn't been involved in any serious accidents.
Photo: Garage Kept Motors
It features a black look inside and out, rides on five double-spoke alloys wrapped in sticky tires made by Pirelli, and, despite getting ready to celebrate its tenth birthday, it is surprisingly clean. In addition to the car, its future owner will also get the accompanying papers, and to make it yours, you will have to fork out $84,900, which is the asking price in the Garage Motors listing.
Mind you, you can no longer buy a new Audi R8, as it was dropped after the 2023 model year, with the four-ring brand bidding farewell to it at the Monterey Car Week a few months back. The 2023 R8 V10 Performance Quattro Coupe had an MSRP of $209,700, featuring a 601 hp (610 ps/449 kW) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine. It featured a seven-speed S tronic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive, did the 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) in 3.1 seconds, and topped out at 206 mph (332 kph).
For around $80,000, you could buy a brand-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, which boasts up to 495 hp (502 ps/369 kW) from its 6.2-liter V8 when equipped with the performance exhaust system. The American blue-collar supercar has a 194 mph (312 kph) top speed and the ability to hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. But if you really had to choose between this old R8 and a new ‘Vette, which one would you go for and why? Speak your mind in the comments area below and let us know.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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