Beneath that small layer of dust lies one lavish European supercar. It is the first generation Audi R8 in its most humble configuration, which is a good daily if you don't need a backseat and a large trunk.
Sharing most nuts and bolts with the Lamborghini Gallardo, this 2014 Audi R8 doesn't feature the same 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10. Instead, it comes with a V8 that has a 4.2L displacement, which used to be good for 430 horsepower back in the day.
We know what you're probably thinking: some of the finest hot hatches (ahem, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S) are just as punchy. But this is a true supercar that was designed to feast on apexes, and a naturally aspirated V8 will always be better than a turbocharged 2.0L mill. This R8 comes with quattro all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, and it could be a great way to scratch that C8 Corvette Stingray itch.
Sure, the latest 'Vette in its base configuration is more powerful than this old-timer Audi R8, as it boasts up to 495 horsepower from its 6.2-liter V8 when ordered with the optional performance exhaust system. The American blue-collar supercar takes just under 3.0 seconds to 60 mph (97 kph) and has a 194 mph (312 kph) top speed. Thus, it is capable of giving modern-day exotics a run for their money, especially since it starts at $68,300.
Photo: Garage Kept Motors
Coming across a base copy in dealer lots is trickier than finding a needle in a haystack, yet it is what it is. And since we have mentioned the pricing of a new 'Vette Stingray, we might as well tell you how much this black-on-black German supercar costs. You're looking at $79,900 to make it yours, and the vehicle has 23,129 miles (37,223 km) under its belt from two previous owners. And if you're thinking about the title, you should know it's clean.
Now, your mind isn't playing tricks on you if you feel like you have seen this particular Audi R8 before, as we crossed paths with it a little over a month ago. Back then, it was listed for $84,900, and since it failed to change hands, it has become $5,000 more affordable. Hopefully, the lower asking price will ensure it doesn't stay on the used car market for too long, as it is one great machine that deserves a new and caring owner.
The only thing that would have made it dreamier was the six-speed manual transmission, as this model came out in an era when supercars with a good-old stick shift were still available. Unfortunately, it is an automatic blue-blooded ride, yet look at the bright side: it's more suitable for driving in the urban jungle.
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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