2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus
As far as Motor Trend goes, they've collectively always been a big fan of the Audi R8. The last time they had one in a comparison test (a V-10), it beat the Porsche Turbo and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
This is not an Audi problem per se. Ever since Lieberman first drove the single-clutch automated manual, he has "rabidly" disliked it. The problem is, once manufacturers make the decision to go with a single-clutch automated manual transmission, they don't -- can't -- backpedal. But no longer Audi, which, following in the footsteps of BMW, just binned its old R-Tronic in favor of a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission called S-Tronic. Why the, ahem, shift? Stephan Reil says that they Audi's team has been working on the S-Tronic Transmision for, "a little more than four and a half years."
The V-8 version captured Motor Trend's Best Handling Car crown back in 2008 (it took second in our re-named Best Driver's Car competition the following year). The Pro's said, "personally, I've never cared that much for the R8. The reason why: R-Tronic." That's Audi's name for its single-clutch, automated manual transmission. The first time they drove the R8 V10 with R-Tronic, Lieberman notes "I thought it was broken." They describe the transmission as "drunk." At low speeds, the lousy gearbox had the car heaving and lurching and changing gears more slowly than a conventional automatic.
 |
| 2014 Audi R8 V10 Paddle Shifters |
According to Motor Trend, around town driving, the S-Tronic is docile; you would never know it was anything more than an ordinary automatic transmission. But press the Sport button and start pulling the paddles, and you are at the controls of one of the "fastest, smartest transmissions on Earth". Lieberman couldn't get a straight, exact answer out of anyone at Audi, but the upshifts happen in the 100-millisecond range, which is "eye-blinkingly" fast.
Motor Trend is saying that in terms of dual-clutch transmissions, the top three are the Nissan GT-R, the Ferrari 458 Italia, and the best of all, the second-generation PDK in the 991 iteration of the Porsche 911. There's now a fourth player, and Audi has built it.
Now to the driving experience. The V10 Plus erupts when you kick the throttle. Every single person was surprised at how quick the car gets out of the hole. "It's simply explosive", Lieberman states. Audi's quoting a 0-62 mph time of 3.5 seconds, but manufacturers always go conservative. The testing crew will drop the time down to 3 flat, and maybe lower. Lieberman said that the Plus' "skull-smashed-to-seat acceleration" is quite reminiscent of the 2013 Nissan GT-R. When I heard this I turned and scratched my head in thought.
 |
| 2014 Audi R8 V10 |
Both the Audi and Nissan have AWD and feature "hot-potato-quick" dual-clutches. Lieberman thinks that the comparison, is inevitable, and wouldn't be surprised if Godzilla finally meets its "Mothra". The V10 Plus is also crazy quick at exiting corners -- another GT-R trait.
I see this comparison as pointless. The GTR cost $80k less, gets better fuel economy, has back seats, is quicker to 60 mph, faster overall with higher top speed, has 4 less cylinders yet has 3 more hp and 45 more torque. Audi could finally have the ballsy edge it needs. But keep in mind this V-10 animal will cost you a bundle, reaching somewhere in the ball park of $180,000. The biggest question is wether it's worth it to you?
