I’m not the world’s biggest fan of the Audi R8, but that doesn’t stop it getting my vote for car of the decade.
For why? Because 10 years ago it would have been unthinkable that Audi would make a car like this.
Vote for your car of the decade here
Since then, however, Audi's consolidation as a major premium car maker has been combined with such careful manipulation of its image that today it is able to successfully launch a car into any market sector it chooses. The R8 represents the pinnacle of that evolution.
There's more to it than just that, of course. The R8 is quite brilliant to drive too.
Sure, there are things to dislike about it: a soggy brake pedal, the flat-bottomed steering wheel and a contrived manual gearlever gate.
But look beyond the places where Audi has tried just too hard to impress and you'll find the rest of the package is superb.
The R8’s aluminium construction, mid-engined layout and rear-biased four-wheel drive are so finely attuned to each other that this is one of the world’s best modern driver’s cars.
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softlove010
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
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Plunkers
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
"Since then, however, Audi's consolidation as a major premium car maker has been combined with such careful manipulation of its image that today it is able to successfully launch a car into any market sector it chooses. The R8 represents the pinnacle of that evolution."
This is the reason I don't like the R8. It's not so much a product of great engineering, more a product of marketing genius. The GTR by contrast is the complete opposite of this, its definitely my car of the decade.
sportwagon
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
It may have moved the game on for Audi, but that isn't enough; it has to something more than just be a bit better than a 911. It has to be groundbreaking, Tata Nano and Prius do it in one way, or the ultimate in its class, the Phantom and Veyron do it in another. There are several other criteria that have been mentioned here, which are all worth thinking about, but I just can't see the R8 coming out on top, whichever one you choose
vidgena
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
If you're going to pick a supercar for COTD I think it has to be cheltenhamshire's choice of the Veyron, although my budget wouldn't cover the cost of the pedastal on which it sits
underdog
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
For me its the new Jag XK which is a really good piece of repackaging, design and innovation on a budget just about big enough to develop an Audi windscreen.
But hey that's just my opinion.
ThwartedEfforts
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
If you think me calling the author goofy or indeed that anything in my post was "over intellectualising" things, John McToon, perhaps you would care to explain to everyone assembled here - most of whom have argued along exactly the same lines - why you think we're wrong?
In a non-intellectual manner of course.
Cheltenhamshire
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
Car of the decade? You are kidding .... this is a lower priced Lambo with a few bespoke bits. Yep Audi could not have made this car a decade ago because they did not own Lambo ....
Ironic car of the decade is the Mini, it has really come into to its own and shown that with the right image people will buy anything for any price .... so all the excesses of this decade are represented by this car.
Real car of the decade, no idea really .... people talking of the Prius ... yes it is technically interesting but no more frugal or clean than a TDI. I think the Bugatti Veryon is the car of the decade simply because we will never see anything quite so outrageous and over engineered ever again.
amble
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
Heart says Veyron, head says another Audi the A2. Light, aerodynamic and economical. Simple, clever engineering solutions to bring about better economy rather than heavy battery packs or the problems with hydrogen.
Also a bespoke Audi product, showing how clever the bods at Audi really are, rather than an interpretation of a VW or Lambo.
Unfortunately also a bit of an acquired taste to look at, expensive to build and too far ahead of its time (premiun supermini buyers bought Mini's instead!).
autohead
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
I think it's a reasonable choice given that it took the fight to an automotive icon (Porsche 911) therefore it must be of some merit. Audi will let you drive one for three days unaccompanied and put you up for two days in a luxury hotel for 600 euros which isn't bad at all. I found it to be an epic car, flat out at 190mph it felt incredibly stable and forgiving and the brakes are mighty (mine had carbon ceramic discs however but well worth it for German driving).
I also drove it through the Tyrol and did the Stelvio pass too and it was superb with great exit speed from corners and a tremdously good ride (unusual for an Audi). So epic as it is I would choose something different I think that the Veyron, Prius, Clarity FCX or Nano are true landmarks either because of their technology or the direction they have taken the industry. I personally would choose the Prius/Clarity fcx as propulsion systems are the key source of debate rather than any sort of packaging, performance or cost. These other issues will be addressed once we get propulsion tackled.
jl4069
re: Audi R8 is my Car of the Decade
In no important way does the R8 move the art of the Automobile onwards from the
NSX
especially the type r
Most drivers would actually choose a Type r nsx over a R8 for pure driving fun/enjoyment etc.
The R8 was not and is not a landmark car in any way. j
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