Often dubbed the “useable supercar”, or some similar nickname, the Audi R8 is both an elegant, user-friendly everyday vehicle and a breakneck monster machine. The newest R8, the spearhead of Audi Sport, has officially landed on South African soil, with deliveries taking place to VIP customers. But being a VIP customer isn’t cheap.

This thing is gR8

The new R8 arrives in two models, the Spyder and Coupé. Both are equipped with a 5.2 FSI V10 naturally aspirated engine, managing 449kW and a peak torque of 560Nm, capable of launching in 100km/h in just over three seconds. Transmission is automatic, and is handled by a 7-speed S tronic gearbox.

The R8 offers both standard power and dynamic steering, which adjusts gear ratio depending on driving speed and the selected drive mode (Auto, Performance, or Comfort), ensuring precise handling even at top speeds. Performance mode also offers three additional programs to handle braking in various weather conditions, like rain or snow.

Functions and features, such as starting and stopping the engine, switching drive modes, using the MMI, are controlled by various buttons on the steering wheel. The MMI (Multi Media Interface) has a 12.3-inch display which is mainly used for the tachometer. But various gauges can be placed around the tachometer by the user to display torque, lap-time, tire pressure, and other handy bits of info.

Additional standard equipment includes a rear view camera, seat heaters, parking aid plus, and others.

Sleek, Sharp, and Stylish

The R8 is a sharp, stunning piece of machinery, adorned in sporty curves that apply even to the new ovular tailpipes. Customers have the option to paint colours blended if they aren’t satisfied with the standard range of hues. The sill trims, diffusers, and front splitter are capped by black accents, and the iconic Audi rings and badges are high-gloss black. The interior is also decked out with Nappa leather available in red, white, or black.

Of course, being a luxury sports car, it’s not cheap. The new Coupé model comes in at R3,336,000, and the Spyder will set you back R3,592,500. As part of a pre-launch strategy, only VIP deliveries of the new R8 have begun. You’ll know that you’re a VIP if you wake up and find one in your driveway (also, you have to have ordered it). The car officially launches from 1 April 2021.