2012 Audi R8 V10 Coupe

The Germans have never been known for genuine mid-engined exotics. Whilst they have a storied history of legendary race and rally cars, none had ever really transferred to their road-going range unlike such brands as Lamborghini or Ferrari. What they were good at was producing a reputation for solid, high-quality executive vehicles. However, in 2006, Audi broke its own mould and produced a car with the presence and charisma of its exotic counterparts combined with its famed meticulous engineering – the R8.

Audi’s R8 was originally conceived as the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car. Revealed to eager members of the public in 2003, many couldn’t believe what they were seeing, competitors were on the backfoot (we’re looking at you, Porsche) and the R8 – named after Audi’s iconic and dominant Le Mans race car – was greenlit for production. Utilising a very similar V8 engine to the RS4 of the time (though converted to a dry sump lubrication system) the car was an instant hit.  Whilst the V8 was full of character, some felt the car could benefit from a further increase in performance. Audi was also thinking the same, and in December of 2008 unveiled the R8 V10 taking their sports car into supercar territory.

The feeling of selecting gears manually is becoming a must-have

Making use of Lamborghini’s V10 as a base, the new R8 produced an additional 111 bhp and 74 lb-ft of torque over the V8-engined model. Performance became explosive: 0-62mph took 3.9 seconds, 60mph to 124mph only 8.1 and the top speed was 196mph. Complementing the power increase, Audi introduced a raft of changes to the R8 V10 including LED lights, improved brakes, a new dual exit exhaust system, different alloy wheels and a Bang & Olufsen sound system to name but a few.

Being an Audi, it isn’t much of a surprise to hear the ergonomics are second to none, and sliding down into the fine Nappa leather seats simply ‘feels like home’. Feeling familiar to anyone who’s driven a high-end Audi product, the seating position is comfortable and welcoming, switchgear is laid out sensibly and within easy reach. The R8 doesn’t have the exuberance of some of its Italian counterparts, but it's aimed at an entirely different audience. For those wishing to have their cake and eat it in the supercar world, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a top three without an R8 in it.

Whilst the R8 is a bonafide supercar, it is still an Audi so the options list was vast, including both an automatic and manual transmission option. The lightning-fast shifting of the auto is impressive, but the feeling of selecting gears manually is becoming a must-have for those wishing to remain an integral part of the machine. Thankfully, Audi knew this and provided those who left the automatic option unticked with a beautiful gated 6-speed manual transmission, the familiar click-clack of the gearstick added plenty of aural excitement to an already impressive car.

This particular example – looking menacing in Phantom Black Pearl with contrasting Lava Grey side blades – has covered a mere 33,787 miles from new and benefits from that very same manual gated transmission. Having an impressive specification as standard, this car is enhanced with the addition of an extended black fine Nappa leather interior package with further optional coloured stitching. Audi’s advanced parking system and cruise control add a further £4,325 to the £107,445 retail price. Its most recent service was in July (only 757 miles ago) by Northampton Audi and the car benefits from a set of near-new Michelin tyres.

Specification:

• 19in alloy wheels - 10-spoke Y design
• ASR - anti-slip regulation
• Airbags - front passenger
• Airbags - front side system
• Anti-theft alarm
• Audi magnetic ride
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• ESP - electronic stability programme
• Headlights washers
• LED headlights
• Satellite navigation system - DVD-based
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

Optional extras:

• Extended fine Nappa leather package - £2,555
• Coloured stitching for fine Nappa leather - £275
• Audi parking system advanced - £1,275
• Cruise control - £220

Service History:

• 06/11/2014 - Installation of Scorpion Track 5 tracking system - £600
• 14/11/2013 at 6,154 miles: Interval inspection and oil service
• 09/07/2015 at 10,572 miles: MOT - first time pass with advisories for undertrays fitted and a rattling noise from nearside rear wheel
• 26/11/2015 at 11,509 miles: Interval inspection, oil change service and brake fluid change
• 11/07/2016 at 16,897 miles: MOT, second time pass after replacing windscreen wipers, with advisories for N/S/R tyre close to legal limit and N/S/F shock absorber having a light misting of oil
• 10/11/2017 at 26,692 miles: MOT, second time pass after rectification of O/S/F shock absorber having a serious fluid leak and tyre pressure monitoring system warning light illuminated. Advisories N/S/F and O/S/F tyres close to legal limit and O/S/R and N/S/R brake discs worn but not seriously weakened.
• 10/11/2017 at 26,681 miles: Interval inspection, brake fluid change
• 02/11/2018 at 30,950 miles: MOT, first time pass with one advisory for rear brake discs worn but not seriously weakened.
• 08/10/2019 at 31,628 miles: Oil change service along with rear brake pads and three parking sensors, carried out by German specialist Tamworth Street Motors - £1,069.01
• 18/10/2019 at 31,628 miles: MOT, clean first time pass.
• 25/11/2020 at 32,029 miles: MOT, clean first time pass.
• 30/07/2021 at 32,156 miles: Engine oil change service and MOT (clean first time pass) carried out by German specialist Tamworth Street Motors
• 22/06/2022 at 33,030 miles: Interval inspection, oil change service, pollen filter replacement and MOT (Clean first time pass), tyres checked: N/S/F - 6.5mm, N/S/R - 6mm, O/S/R - 6mm, O/S/F - 6.5mm, carried out by Northampton Audi
• 20/07/2022: Refurbishment of two alloy wheels

Condition:

Having just been subject to a full paint detail and correction, the R8 V10 presents well and swirl-free. Areas to note include the front bumper and leading edges of the rear wheel arches showing 'road rash' peppering. The interior shows little sign of wear, in keeping with the car's low mileage. Accompanying the car is a rather fitting cherished registration plate.