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My every day car is a safe, reliable model that offers a reasonable ride for a ‘girl-on-the-go’ like myself. The fastest I had ever gone down the highway was 120kmph and the second my car beeped at the speed limit I reduced pressure on the accelerator pedal immediately. Yes, I am what you would call a practical, safe driver.
However, perhaps there is a speed demon hidden deep within my psyche awaiting the opportunity to escape? How better to put this notion to the test than behind the wheel of an Audi R8 at the Bahrain International Circuit.
The Audi R8, I was told, was a celebrated supercar offering blistering speed with awe-inspiring handling. It features the legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system providing traction when required, regardless of road conditions, and was available to test drive during the motor show.
There was also a choice, V8 or V10. The V10 propels the R8 5.2 litre engine to 100km in only 3.9 seconds. The 4.2 litre V8 engine rockets the car from zero to 100km in only 4.2 seconds. Altogether, speeds to ensure goosebumps.
I knew I was in good hands when I met James Burnett, the man who looks after Audi’s drivers’ training in the Middle East and now my co-pilot. Before taking the V10 super car out for a spin, he gave me a thorough briefing and some tips on how to handle the beast on the track.
He said: “The Audi R8 is more of a driver’s car. The steering is so precise. It is Audi’s version of a super car. The road holding and grip level is absolutely unbelievable.
“We have ‘the magnetic ride’ which is a damper system giving the driver the option of using it like an everyday car – like an Audi TT – or transforming it into a super car by simply pressing a button. It stiffens up the whole car and makes it much more rigid in the corners and dynamic on the bends.
“As for driving the R8, it’s pretty simple. Drive as smoothly as you can and as we drive around the circuit I will direct you towards the cones on the track.
“There is a breaking point, turning point and an apex which we call the clipping point of the corner. We will try and straighten out every corner as much as possible rather than going the long way around and keeping the momentum going. Think about technique and don’t think about speed because that will come automatically. If you get a smooth line you will drive quickly.”
The expert suggested I first drive Audi’s RS5 Coupe, starting from BD35,000, to get a feel of the track. It also boasted a 4.6 litre V8 engine and travels from 0 to 100km in 4.9 seconds.
Aside from a hidden engine, as the R8 engine is displayed under a transparent panel and nestled within an optional carbon fibre matte engine bay, it is a four-door vehicle.
It hugged the corners beautifully and was luxurious to drive. I was completely sold on the Audi RS5 but I couldn’t wait to try out the R8.
The most obvious differences came in the shapes of the panels and the buttons. Even the gear box was sleeker and cooler.
There can only be one word to describe this monster of a ride, sexy!
I barely pressed down on the pedal and the car started to rumble under me. I am so used to pressing down hard to the floor of my own runaround just to get some sort of power out of it that, in comparison, the responsive feel of the R8 V10, which starts from BD56,000, was amazing (The V8 starts from BD41,000).
It was smooth, just like the instructor promised. Every time I took a corner my co-pilot would call for more power and I would reply: “Geez, are you sure? OK, here we go!”
I let it rip and actually hit 220km straight down the track. All I can say is, move over Sebastian Vettel. When I put the pedal-to-the-metal I was literally sucked into my seat. I felt an intense adrenaline rush and started to crave more speed.
I completely understand why this is considered a driver’s car. It’s for the motoring enthusiast who enjoys the drive as much as getting to the destination … and, in this instance, for the girl who found she enjoys life in the fast lane after all.
For more information contact The Audi Centre Bahrain on 17459933.
