The second-generation Audi R8 caused quite a stir among driving enthusiasts when it was revealed without a base V8 engine or a manual transmission option. Instead, the supercar is offered only with a 5.2 litre V10 motor with either 540 hp or 610 hp (V10 plus), paired exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox.
So why the sudden change? Because customers hardly bought or even expressed interest in the V8 and manual versions of the original R8, that's why. Heinz Hollerweger, head of Audi's quattro GmbH told Automobilemag the dire truth at the 2015 Geneva motor show. "The take up rate was almost nil," he said.
Apparently, the V10 variant of the first-gen R8 outsold the V8 model by such a large margin - exceeding Audi's own initial expectations – to a point where they now "have no interest in a V8." As for the dual-clutch-only decision, Hollerweger told reporters to "look at lap times," where steering paddles would clearly be superior to a three-pedal setup.
It all makes sense, once you really think about it. But, that still doesn't mean that we have to agree with this direction. What do you think of this matter?
Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 and V10 plus
Audi R8 e-tron
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