First drive review: Audi R8 V10 Plus S-tronic review

Most V10 plus owners should go for it for three reasons: firstly, because it adds a launch control function that brings the car’s 0-62mph sprint down to just 3.5sec, making it one of the quickest cars in the class.

Secondly, because it means you don’t have to put up with the god-awful clackety metal gearchange gate of the manual R8 – annoying enough in itself to make you reach for the crowbar and attempt an aftermarket modification all of your own. And thirdly, because it’s a much smoother and quicker-shifting unit than the semi-auto it replaces, handling the stop-and-start challenges of everyday traffic much more consummately, and swapping cogs in manual mode with little noticeable delay.

The suspension changes do little to change the R8’s excellent ride and handling, which is also good news. There are times, over uneven surfaces, you’ll miss the softer mode on the standard V10’s magnetorhelogical dampers. Larger lumps and bumps aren’t dealt with as fluently as they would be buy a less aggressively controlled version of the car. But if you’re a track regular you’ll consider the trade well worth it, given the added incisiveness of the ‘plus’ coupé’s steering and the improved body control. 

The R8’s extreme handling balance is largely unaltered by the suspension changes, with gentle and reassuring understeer presenting as you approach the limit of grip, which can be transformed into a fast but neutral cornering line, or a superbly controllable tailslide, either with a flick of your wrists, a well-timed dab of the brakes, or a generous helping of power. 

Like all other versions of the car, this is the kind of mid-engined machine that you wouldn’t have believed could ever be made 25 years ago: it forgives and flatters the novice readily, and then spectacularly rewards you as your confidence and familiarity grows. It’s the perfect introductory route into proper supercar ownership in that respect: one of those cars you should own before you take the plunge with a Ferrari or Lambo.