test drove the R8 V10 on SPA Francorchamps race circuit

[youry]

Guys, wanted to share my thoughts ith you guys.

on Monday I participated to the Belgian AUDI Sports Car Experience (www.asce.be (http://www.asce.be)).

and we had a total of 20 cars to test (10 R8 V10 and 10 S4 V6.

we were two per car, so we had the possiiblity to drive the cars pmenty of tiome durign the day. the afternoon was really making actual laps around the circuit at fast pace (without being a race of course).

I had done this activity last year on R8 V8, and was already please with the handling/chassis of the car, but owning a RS4 V8, was not that much impresed with the acceleration (logical, since its same engine).

but the V10 engine put you in a different world really.

now you have the performance that matche the beasty looks of the car... thsi car is simply perfect:

* handles like crazy, cornering is superb, you always feel confortabel that the car will not go where you do not want it to go even ar very high speeds
* brakes like crazy as well, with no fading
* OEM seat are really good although I would certainly take the optionnal bucket seats
* the sound of the OEM exhsust is already a piece of art, its magical to hear it really.
* the R tronic gearbox is a littel agressive when switching gear but is giving its performance

in other words, I'd have the money I'd had ordered ir yesyerday...

but I dont' and will order either TT RS or RS5 which is in my budget. I could buy a second hand R8 V8, but not interested, if I own a R8, it has to be a V10, V8 is not what the car deserves in my view...

here are some pics:


http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/9954/asce1redimensionner.jpg[/url ([URL]http://img44.imageshack.us/my.php?image=asce1redimensionner.jpg)]
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/4167/asce2redimensionner.jpg[/url ([URL]http://img44.imageshack.us/my.php?image=asce2redimensionner.jpg)]
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/5826/asce3redimensionner.jpg[/url ([URL]http://img44.imageshack.us/my.php?image=asce3redimensionner.jpg)]
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/6691/asce4redimensionner.jpg[/url ([URL]http://img44.imageshack.us/my.php?image=asce4redimensionner.jpg)]
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/5990/asce5redimensionner.jpg[/url ([URL]http://img44.imageshack.us/my.php?image=asce5redimensionner.jpg)]

[R1]

all i can say is wow
:R8kiss:

[mr]

wow ... sounds like you had a really great day.

did you also have the opportunity to testdrive the b8 s4 ?
if yes - how does it perform?
it's clear, that it can't really compete with an r8 v10 - but how does it perform - compared to your rs4 v8?
rgds
mr

[Ruergard]

Is there a better way to spend a day? R8 V10 + SPA? :D

Thanks for sharing!

[youry]

wow ... sounds like you had a really great day.

did you also have the opportunity to testdrive the b8 s4 ?
if yes - how does it perform?
it's clear, that it can't really compete with an r8 v10 - but how does it perform - compared to your rs4 v8?
rgds
mr

sorry for late response here.

Yes like you mention after driving the R8 V10, the S4 looks like driving a motorcycle with 50cc.... exagerating of course !

What is very dissapointing on the S4 B8 on the track is its suspension even with drive select on dynamic mode, you don't feel that safe in the corners (maybe its just also becasue the R8 is so great in tht respect).
I do remember my RS4 V8 what way better in that respect.

I was surprised positively of the power and endurance of the S4 B8 brakes. of course far from the R8's but for still simple brakes (I mean no4-6 or 8 piston type) I was impressed.

DSG (S tronic is great), perfect gear changing. accleration is not bad, difficult to compare it to my RS4 B8 since I did not drive it since April 08 (sold), so my memory for that is gone. I have certainly the impression the RS4 V8 gave more sensations...

one thing I hate on, the S4 B8 is the sound of exhaust (you hear nothing guys... where is the sound of the V6....) for a me a muist to mod for sure on that car...