Vorsprung Virtuoso

Eight brand new Audi R8 V10 Pluses
sit brooding in front of me in the pit lane
of the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Abu Dhabi F1 grand Prix. This is the regional launch of the all-new r8 on the south circuit, which includes the section under the Yas Viceroy hotel.

Visually, the new car has done away with the curved lines of its predecessor. the front is more aggressive, with LED lights as standard on the V10 Plus. these were developed for the LMP1 programme and have moved across to Audi’s road cars for the very first time. The lights use a reflected laser and gas to create a white beam that can project twice as far as conventional LEDs.

The famous ‘side blades’ are now split into two sections, interrupted by the continuous shoulder line. At the front there’s a low profile, single-frame grille. at the rear, the lower section is shaped by the diffuser, and—on the V10 plus—there’s an aggressive looking fixed wing.

Sliding into the beautifully crafted cabin gives me the feeling of being a fighter pilot. The low-mounted, lightweight bucket seats are entirely new and are available in either Alcantara or fine Nappa leather.

If you want to read the full review of our R8 experience check out Virtuozity latest issue.