Took my V10 Manual Spyder on a 3 week, 8k mile trip across the western US from Dallas, to San Diego, to Seattle and back through Montana and Colorado. Best vacation ever. Not a single problem the entire way through every weather condition except snow. The experience of driving this through the 2 lane redwood forest highways north of Fort Bragg California is something I’ll never forget. Despite what Jay says, frunk space was big enough for me to fit 2 large duffle bags and my hiking bag in the passenger seat. In fact I over packed and sent one bag home via UPS from San Diego. 26k miles and two years later and I’m still loving it mire and more every day. Best car purchase I ever made.
@@dannewt9020 Incredibly comfortable. only thing I would watch out for is if you're tall the lack of left foot leg room due to the position of the dead pedal may be uncomfortable on really long driving days. Not sure if this is an issue with automatics as you have space where the clutch pedal would be. I'm 5'9", was 40 at the time, and had days of 8-15 hours of driving with no problems on my back or body.
His live edit video was fantastic. His technique taught me that you don't need to be a pro to get started and I'm so glad I watched it. Basically you trim the mistakes and less interesting bits and change angle to a different GoPro to conceil any cuts and it all flows beautifully. Looks like one long perfect take. Funnily enough in all my videos (and you can see Jay's videos used up to be twice as long!) it's actually easy to ramble for 30 mins but hard to cut it down to a length people are willing to watch and to pick the most essential bits. Jay's amazing skill that you can't just learn or life hack is his articulate way of delivering his thoughts and telling stories. And he gives such interesting opinions and extra ways of viewing things, as you say, without a script! He's truly one of the best, better than many many car journalists!
I love these. I think they’ve aged fantastically and they make the newer version look rather fussy. I do agree re the interior though, especially the seats. It really needs the wing backs from an RS4 to lift it a bit. A last near where we used to live used to use a V8 manual as her daily. Looked good in silver and made a lovely noise too. A chap on PH managed to pack enough stuff in his for two to tour around Europe for a reasonable amount of time. He seems to think that they’re pretty practical (well, for a super car).
We once borrowed a V10 Spyder and what struck me most of all was just how excellent the ride was. Certainly far better than the A8 we were driving and by far the most comfortable Audi I've ever experienced.
I’m currently saving up for one of these, I’m undecided as to go for the Spyder or coupe. I love track days and road trips and I normally hate convertibles, but the R8 looks fantastic with the roof down. You are bang on, the manual is the only car to buy! Hopefully they won’t have gone up to much by the time I have the money. Great video!
Hi from Canada. Thanks for this review. I just purchased a 2014 R8 manual with 20,000km in Sepang Blue. Didn't get to drive it much because of winter. But looking forward to summer to take it out. It's absolutely gorgeous. It has the extended leather with diamond stitching and alcantara roof liner. Cheers
My wife and I did a week around the NC500 in my manual V10 R8 (with the buckets!) 2 soft bags and a rucksack.....no problem! Got the same exhaust as this one too. Had mine 3 years and just cannot see me selling it, Also, there are not as many manuals as Jay implies when you do some digging, its counted in the hundreds I think.
deathbed started with the hideous enzo, which was the first superhyper car that didn't have a manual box, and the slow death of the proper sports car gearbox led to this.
@@Maurice_Moss viper acr has many many track records and comes with 6 speed manual so does the zr1 corvette c7 most powerful manual car ever. But front engined. Zonda Cinque v12 last mid engine manual v12 car made I think. F430 last manual mid engine ferrari. Is the noble m600 still in production?
@@A500-g6g yep, I follow them on insta. They'll sell you a carbon sport, with an exposed carbon body that you can have in any colour for 280k. Most companies charge million+ for that.
I love the R8, always had. I actually came close to buying one two years ago, but I only like convertible/roadster bodies and it was too wobbly for my taste. I ended up buying an R231 SL63 AMG, which is incredibly rigid even with the top down. Plus, the ABC suspension in the SL is amazing.
I never thought much of the R8 until I reviewed one. I sold my Mclaren 570s shortly after and was going to buy a 2014 manual V10. The manual transmission and the V10 sound sold me and it handles much better than I expected. Unfortunately the seller changed his mind about selling. I can’t blame him, I would have done the same thing.
Hi James, thanks for this review. Apologies for the very wordy (+weird) question - if we forget for a moment that the 1st generation R8 can be had with a "clank-clank" gated manual unlike the 2nd generation R8, would you still say that the S-tronic or R -Tronic of the 1st generation R8 is more engaging (or fun) to drive than the red RWD 2nd generation R8 you had recently? I'm intrigued because you pointed out that the 1st generation R8 comes with hydraulic power steering and torsen diffs unlike the 2nd generation. Thank you.
Being one of the lucky, or should I say very lucky few to own an LP 570 with a manual gearbox, I am now presented the opportunity to purchase a manual R8 plus, one of the very last cars produced before going to .the new body style. What do you think, should I ???
When the first R8 came out in V8 form Wi-fi the a manual gearbox I remember seeing one in Audley Square, London and I nearly wet myself ! As a slightly more expensive at to a 911 when new the sale was sensational. The glass showing the engine was a stunning feature and the noise. Remember this was cheaper than any a Ferrari at the time. Even if it drove like a pig - I still wanted one ! Personally I would love an original mint and unmolested version of this car !
As a 911 Turbo driver the R8 V10 is one of the only other cars I’d consider based on cost and value. I drove a friends R8 and when going through town it still gets a lot more looks and thumbs up than the 911 Turbo.
You can get a manual V10 for 50-60k in UK? I'm jealous. I'm looking to buy one here in USA, struggling to find a manual for less than $120k. They're like hen's teeth over here, and definitely appreciating.
Yay! Thanks James. Another great review and I agree with your perspective. RE: downsides: I agree the interior isn't as special as it could be. Whilst I don't agree with the 'carbon everything' trend, but I found the few carbon extras help here, along with some contrast stitching. I also agree with the space issue. My wife and I did a week in Europe in a Spyder and it was... a challenge. But worth it. Putting that aside: V10, Manual, great chassis, brakes and decent steering makes it very special, as you say. I went for a Sepang Blue Manual Spyder, also with the Top Gear exhaust, and I absolutely love it. I hope to never sell it. Thanks again and I look forward to the next video.
997’s will go the same way. Very under-appreciated today, but wait a few years. Great video as always, James continuing to knock it out of the park (the shirt alone could do that) :-)
The first-gen V10 R8’s Lamborghini Gallardo-derived V10 was detuned to 525 hp instead of the Gallardo’s 552hp, in order to prevent it from stealing sales from the more expensive Gallardo, because what would be the point of paying more for the Gallardo if it wasn’t any faster than the cheaper R8 V10 if the two cars had the same power as each other? They wouldn’t, so Gallardo sales would have plummeted as a result!
I agree on the base interior being a little poor for type of car the R8 is, but you can spec a non GT/LMX to have a beautiful interior. My 2011 V10 has Carbon interior pack, extended leather, alcantara roof lining, illuminated door sills. The only thing it's missing is the Recaro Wingbacks (which is a massive shame!)
First & foremost, Thank-You for not having music playing & allowing that beautiful V10 sing instead...as car videos should All do!!! Manual V10 would be my 1st choice, but regardless, a manual is the only transmission I would have. I have 4 cars, All 2 door manuals!!! Thank-You for a gr8 video, if I can ever get a chance to buy one, I will!!! Thanks from the USA 🇺🇸
You've got thinking about buying a newish R8 now. I'd love a manual but tight parking in and around London means the automatic is probably the one I'd choose. Very informative video though. I had been looking at Porsches and Jags
I think the R8 V10 Manual is a great car that divides opinion by coming from a mainstream manufacturer, but these are really good cars and represent great value for money right now - like the 550 was the last true manual v12 Ferrari the Audi R8 V10 Gen 1 is also the last of a line - both great cars in their own ways
Just bought a ‘14 v8 S-tronic live in New York major traffic everywhere so at 70 years of age and having a manual 911 choose the lazy way around but ,car is a wonder. Classy comfortable and plenty fast I’m thrilled to have it….
Agreed. If/when they stop the R8, or even just the N/A V10, it should put upward (or less downward) pressure on the range. And I expect the manuals will fair well, given the lower numbers and general rarity of a manual V10!
Gen 2 values have no bearing on gated gen 1 values. The person demanding a manual car isn’t in the market for a gen 2 at all and doesn’t care how cheap they are. I could buy a gen 2 plus for significantly less than I could sell my gated gen 1 for, but why downgrade?
I honestly cannot find another supercar (V8 - V12) in the same price range that you can get with a manual and has some reliability to it. The only comparable cars really would be an Aston or a Ferrari 360. The Aston is too big and doesnt have the sound, the Ferrari is 20 years old now; far slower and much more expensive to maintain. Even if you gave up the manual there is an argument to still suggest the R8 V10 manual is a better choice over an F430 or Gallardo LP550-2 Yes the R8 is not perfect; the interior is not particularly special and the gated manual is a bit clunky with somewhat dodgy linkages at times, but it has just about everything going for it: Performance, Sound, Handling, Driver Involvement, Storage and Reliability
Know what you mean about seeing cars in London I used to work there and see 458s every day. Nice honest video it is a great car and with all fast cars going auto on their gearboxes even the latest gen sporty audis ican only think these will appreciate very much in the near future.
Been saying this for over a year now - one of the best investments you can make. V10 check. Manual check. Understated check. Drives well check. Underpriced? Check! In fact, it's almost as if you took this video from my comment on your previous video 😉 Ps - don't buy a house as investment.
@@martinofleeds too many, where? Maybe in the UK but in the US, its a rare sight to see ANY R8 on the road. Gated manuals, esp the V10 are appreciating in value here in America and will continue to once more car enthusiasts realize its the last of its breed.
It's funny, all this TH-cam fascination with manual cars.. If anyone has driven a paddle shift hard - pedal to the metal hard, either on the track or road, I don't think many would go back to the manual. You have such a greater focus on the active "drive" - the road surface, the revs, the apex of a corner, the perception of grip under your seat.. You simply do not want to be distracted by gear shifting, or achieving the perfect heel toe. When you are in the moment, you simply do not want any distractions, and paddle shifts (obviously I mean an extremely well set up single clutch or dual - although my preference is the single, there's a reason the Aventador is still a single clutch..) offer that. And frankly, the feeling of belting through gears and achieving perfect downshift and belting up shifts.. It's a great feeling. I would admit for more leisurely pursuits the manual is more fun, and more involving. At the limit, give me paddles and perfect shifts, anytime.
100% agree. It's funny but I do think a large portion of the people that say manual, do so because they're sheep and they think that choosing a manual means you're more of a 'driver'. Of course this is totally nonsense and as you say, once you drive one they are simply immense and everything you said hits home. I usually hear - 'I like to heel & toe and the tactile response' well I've been H&T'ing that long, in everything from 70 to 700bhp+, that it is 100% a non event and thus provides zero satisfaction. The action of changing gear is a nuisance that slows me down and is 100% subconscious. Speak to any biker and they WOULD NEVER go back to not having a QS or blipper for 'the experience... Strange.
spot on! First time I took my R231 SL63 on track I could not believe how intense the whole driving experience is, how much different things are at high speeds. My brain would barely cope with negotiating the track, braking and turning points, other participants! I couldn’t even work out the paddle shifter, let alone having to take my hand off the wheel to change gears, blip the throttle, etc. I left the car in sport plus, Sport ESC and suspension, and focused on my lines.
@@peterbratu As you get used to track driving, you'll find you bin the aids as they do limit you. The DSG is the other way around and in manual select mode it really is fantastic for the track
I think,for a normal drive within the speed limits a manual is going to be more fun,and I guess something like an R8 is going to spend 90% of its time on an average road.
I bought a dark blue s tronic v10 plus earlier in the month and bizarrely saw you pass me on the m3 towards london in your 550. I was on the way back from collecting mine! Wanted a face lift v10 but manual far too rare so settled on the double clutch box. It’s epic. Keep up the excellent production work 👍
I've always thought that the Audi R8 V10 was the practical man's supercar choice, why would you give yourself the headache of trying to fit into a car with no headroom and that you can barely see out of when the Audi has the same engine. I saw a few when they first came out, but I hardly see one nowadays, and they are much more distinctive than a Porsche 911. I'm not a particular fan of convertibles, but I have to admit that the R8 version is quite stunning in the flesh, and again rarely seen.
@@stephenSF An interesting dichotomy. Buy the 70k car, drive it, depreciate it, can't sell it because now it's a cheaper car that no one wants to buy. So your only option is to buy it, not drive it and sell it so that's it's a desirable car??? I dunno, you tell me :)
No car should be an investment ? Welllllll I bought an 89 mustang notchback 5.0 for 3,200 and what you know ! They have sky rocketed just got an offer on it for 15,000 ............. so cars can be investments just have to follow the trends
Yes! I want to buy one soso bad but I‘m quite afraid that anything could go wrong. On top of that I have a mint TTRS with a 6 speed manual which I don‘t want to get rid of, as it‘s a perfect car and the last of its kind. I hope one day in the near I‘ll be able to at least afford a manual V8 R8 and my TTRS at the same time.
Trust me man, the R8 V10 feels completely different than the V8. (I drove the 2012 V8). It even comes equipped with optionals, like B&O sound system and LED lighting. Also, the V10 seems to be more reliable, for some reason
Great video, again... thanks Jay. I was thinking about R8 V8 manual but chose 997.2 S2 manual instead. Not regretting anything. I think it's a better driver's car. But still. These R8s are great cars. And they already started their climb in prices (the same case as with 997 manuals). So, it is actually a bit of investment with a lot of smiles instead of dividends... :)
You def made the right choice vs the V8. 997 is wonderful and steering feel is def better on the Porsche. But the v10 is kind of different proposition.
Literally bought one 2 days ago. Can't stop smiling.
lucky bstrd! :p Enjoy!
Good man!
Enjoy!
I had 1, and my happiest day , was when I got rid of it!!! You'll eventually see what I mean/
Hella jealous bro
Took my V10 Manual Spyder on a 3 week, 8k mile trip across the western US from Dallas, to San Diego, to Seattle and back through Montana and Colorado. Best vacation ever. Not a single problem the entire way through every weather condition except snow. The experience of driving this through the 2 lane redwood forest highways north of Fort Bragg California is something I’ll never forget.
Despite what Jay says, frunk space was big enough for me to fit 2 large duffle bags and my hiking bag in the passenger seat. In fact I over packed and sent one bag home via UPS from San Diego.
26k miles and two years later and I’m still loving it mire and more every day. Best car purchase I ever made.
Did ya happen to hit Skaggs Springs Rd? Been all around the country and it's become one of my all time favorites
Go Stars!
Can I ask how comfortable it was for that long road trip? I can't decide if I should take my r8 or my s4 for a road trip both are 2013
@@dannewt9020 Incredibly comfortable. only thing I would watch out for is if you're tall the lack of left foot leg room due to the position of the dead pedal may be uncomfortable on really long driving days. Not sure if this is an issue with automatics as you have space where the clutch pedal would be.
I'm 5'9", was 40 at the time, and had days of 8-15 hours of driving with no problems on my back or body.
you must've seen some real nice views. would you have preferred those views in a convertible or was the coupe just fine?
I always like that Jay can change his opinion and actually thinks about why something is his opinion
So true!!
He ought to change that shirt
This guy is a series of bad decisions and opinions
@@jeremiahneal501 but you're still here! 😂
@@sportzntouring yeah its always nice to see people change their perspective and tell you why
They'll always remind me of the film I-Robot...I think they've got better with age....
I'll buy it immediately with the money I don't have!
Wanna go halfsies on one? I've got 30k in imagibucks!
@@DaleSteel you're in luck! I just found our monopoly game in the closet!
As a manual V10 R8 owner--- I'm here for this! #FutureClassic
I still can't even fathom how he was able to talk with himself for 18 minutes straight with (I think) hardly any script
His live edit video was fantastic. His technique taught me that you don't need to be a pro to get started and I'm so glad I watched it.
Basically you trim the mistakes and less interesting bits and change angle to a different GoPro to conceil any cuts and it all flows beautifully. Looks like one long perfect take.
Funnily enough in all my videos (and you can see Jay's videos used up to be twice as long!) it's actually easy to ramble for 30 mins but hard to cut it down to a length people are willing to watch and to pick the most essential bits.
Jay's amazing skill that you can't just learn or life hack is his articulate way of delivering his thoughts and telling stories. And he gives such interesting opinions and extra ways of viewing things, as you say, without a script! He's truly one of the best, better than many many car journalists!
Thanks guys
I bought a 2008 v8 manual 3 months ago...absolutely love the car.
It's on my list in the next 3 years
I bought a 10 year old insignia 😫
@@davegraham4607 it aint that bad could be worst
@@davegraham4607 i feel really sad for you :-(
nice. I can't decide if paying the extra15k for v10 is worth stretching my budget
The R8, was always underrated! A great design & not fragile like the Italian makers! Long live V10 FSI!
The r8 has never been underrated.
Bought a 2009 3 days ago… absolute stunner
I just picked up a 2015 V10 Manual, two days ago. I love it.
I like the fact Jay has an opinion full stop. Too many reviews do not give any idea what the car is actually like. Keep up the good work sir!
Jay, you are one of the more intelligent car journalists. Great video as always. Gated gearbox + high revs + v10 = heaven
Very kind, thankyou
Another manual Gen1 V10 owner with a Top Gear exhaust checking in 👋🏼
You should definitely make that your profile pic. I think it's nicer than the VW
I love these.
I think they’ve aged fantastically and they make the newer version look rather fussy. I do agree re the interior though, especially the seats. It really needs the wing backs from an RS4 to lift it a bit.
A last near where we used to live used to use a V8 manual as her daily. Looked good in silver and made a lovely noise too.
A chap on PH managed to pack enough stuff in his for two to tour around Europe for a reasonable amount of time. He seems to think that they’re pretty practical (well, for a super car).
We once borrowed a V10 Spyder and what struck me most of all was just how excellent the ride was. Certainly far better than the A8 we were driving and by far the most comfortable Audi I've ever experienced.
Better than the A8?!
I’m currently saving up for one of these, I’m undecided as to go for the Spyder or coupe. I love track days and road trips and I normally hate convertibles, but the R8 looks fantastic with the roof down. You are bang on, the manual is the only car to buy! Hopefully they won’t have gone up to much by the time I have the money. Great video!
Coupe all the way! You can't see the engine on the Spyder and that's one of the best bits!!
Hi from Canada. Thanks for this review. I just purchased a 2014 R8 manual with 20,000km in Sepang Blue. Didn't get to drive it much because of winter. But looking forward to summer to take it out. It's absolutely gorgeous. It has the extended leather with diamond stitching and alcantara roof liner. Cheers
To me. A beautiful car when launched and just as so now. 2nd gen ruined by angular body & deletion of side blades
I bought the Audi R8 V10 Plus model (2014) with the S-Tronic box. Bloody love it :).
I've just bought 3 to go next to my lambos, thanks for the advice JayEmm!
My wife and I did a week around the NC500 in my manual V10 R8 (with the buckets!) 2 soft bags and a rucksack.....no problem! Got the same exhaust as this one too. Had mine 3 years and just cannot see me selling it, Also, there are not as many manuals as Jay implies when you do some digging, its counted in the hundreds I think.
This is a proper supercar not many manuals on the market
The R8 never actually had a true Quattro system. The Quattro system is actually a Viscous coupling center diff. Not Torsen.
But you prefer this over the haldex version don’t you?
100% virgin alert
RIP open-gate shifter. You died when this car went out of production. :'-(
deathbed started with the hideous enzo, which was the first superhyper car that didn't have a manual box, and the slow death of the proper sports car gearbox led to this.
The Lotus gearshift with exposed linkages is a joyous thing. But yes, an open-gate shifter is beautiful
@@Arayig1982 if you want a new hyper car with a manual, there's always the Noble m600 🤷🏾♂️
@@Maurice_Moss viper acr has many many track records and comes with 6 speed manual so does the zr1 corvette c7 most powerful manual car ever. But front engined. Zonda Cinque v12 last mid engine manual v12 car made I think. F430 last manual mid engine ferrari. Is the noble m600 still in production?
@@A500-g6g yep, I follow them on insta. They'll sell you a carbon sport, with an exposed carbon body that you can have in any colour for 280k. Most companies charge million+ for that.
I love the R8, always had. I actually came close to buying one two years ago, but I only like convertible/roadster bodies and it was too wobbly for my taste.
I ended up buying an R231 SL63 AMG, which is incredibly rigid even with the top down. Plus, the ABC suspension in the SL is amazing.
Dammit jay, im still saving up, stop increasing demand 😅
I never thought much of the R8 until I reviewed one. I sold my Mclaren 570s shortly after and was going to buy a 2014 manual V10. The manual transmission and the V10 sound sold me and it handles much better than I expected. Unfortunately the seller changed his mind about selling. I can’t blame him, I would have done the same thing.
Could listen to Jayemm all day and never get bored, proper informative and intelligent journalism.
As far as a review goes that's one of the best I've seen in quite a while.
I really love your " it is really not good enough!".
Great car, affordable supercar it’s on my bucket list love the exhaust sound 👍🏻
Hi James, thanks for this review. Apologies for the very wordy (+weird) question - if we forget for a moment that the 1st generation R8 can be had with a "clank-clank" gated manual unlike the 2nd generation R8, would you still say that the S-tronic or R -Tronic of the 1st generation R8 is more engaging (or fun) to drive than the red RWD 2nd generation R8 you had recently? I'm intrigued because you pointed out that the 1st generation R8 comes with hydraulic power steering and torsen diffs unlike the 2nd generation. Thank you.
Being one of the lucky, or should I say very lucky few to own an LP 570 with a manual gearbox, I am now presented the opportunity to purchase a manual R8 plus, one of the very last cars produced before going to .the new body style. What do you think, should I ???
Uncle has a v10 paddle shifter. The engine is very special. It sounds so good. Too bad he didnt get manual.
When the first R8 came out in V8 form Wi-fi the a manual gearbox I remember seeing one in Audley Square, London and I nearly wet myself ! As a slightly more expensive at to a 911 when new the sale was sensational. The glass showing the engine was a stunning feature and the noise. Remember this was cheaper than any a Ferrari at the time. Even if it drove like a pig - I still wanted one ! Personally I would love an original mint and unmolested version of this car !
As a 911 Turbo driver the R8 V10 is one of the only other cars I’d consider based on cost and value. I drove a friends R8 and when going through town it still gets a lot more looks and thumbs up than the 911 Turbo.
You can get a manual V10 for 50-60k in UK? I'm jealous. I'm looking to buy one here in USA, struggling to find a manual for less than $120k. They're like hen's teeth over here, and definitely appreciating.
I’m selling mine right now for £51,000 on Pistonheads. 37k on the clock
Gallardo = the TH-cam fucc boi screaming at the camera
R8 V10 = the understated gentleman whos actual name is Chad
Glad you came to your senses. Very special car.
Yay! Thanks James. Another great review and I agree with your perspective.
RE: downsides: I agree the interior isn't as special as it could be. Whilst I don't agree with the 'carbon everything' trend, but I found the few carbon extras help here, along with some contrast stitching. I also agree with the space issue. My wife and I did a week in Europe in a Spyder and it was... a challenge. But worth it.
Putting that aside: V10, Manual, great chassis, brakes and decent steering makes it very special, as you say. I went for a Sepang Blue Manual Spyder, also with the Top Gear exhaust, and I absolutely love it. I hope to never sell it.
Thanks again and I look forward to the next video.
Great review. You really has to push your shirt game to overcome the drabness of that interior but you pulled it off.
Can't beat a high-revving V10
Excellent buy jay.... Congratulations an Audi v10 and Ferrari in the garage wow 😮
The R8 is a car I have grown to appreciate.
Awesome video. I’ve had my Gen 1 V10 for 3 years and I love it more and more every time I drive it...
R8 V10 Spyder 6-speed is the closest thing to a budget Carrera GT you can buy.
997’s will go the same way.
Very under-appreciated today, but wait a few years.
Great video as always, James continuing to knock it out of the park (the shirt alone could do that) :-)
Got a Topgear exhaust on my M6. Pleasantly surprised with it. V10 sounds great.
I have a vicarious smile and butterflies from just watching this car in a video!
Always loved the R8, and that V10 has probably my favourite engine sound ever. The V8 is irrelevent just because of that sound.
The first-gen V10 R8’s Lamborghini Gallardo-derived V10 was detuned to 525 hp instead of the Gallardo’s 552hp, in order to prevent it from stealing sales from the more expensive Gallardo, because what would be the point of paying more for the Gallardo if it wasn’t any faster than the cheaper R8 V10 if the two cars had the same power as each other?
They wouldn’t, so Gallardo sales would have plummeted as a result!
Jay I suspect the 9 unlikes arise in homage to that stunning, literally stunning shirt you have on! Jokes aside great video as always!
I agree on the base interior being a little poor for type of car the R8 is, but you can spec a non GT/LMX to have a beautiful interior. My 2011 V10 has Carbon interior pack, extended leather, alcantara roof lining, illuminated door sills. The only thing it's missing is the Recaro Wingbacks (which is a massive shame!)
This is the only Audi I would ever buy. Great car.
This, the manual rs4 wagon, rs6 v10 quite cool. But all too heavy.
Why couldn't they make an r8 GT manual??? Would be perfect.
First & foremost, Thank-You for not having music playing & allowing that beautiful V10 sing instead...as car videos should All do!!! Manual V10 would be my 1st choice, but regardless, a manual is the only transmission I would have. I have 4 cars, All 2 door manuals!!! Thank-You for a gr8 video, if I can ever get a chance to buy one, I will!!! Thanks from the USA 🇺🇸
You've got thinking about buying a newish R8 now. I'd love a manual but tight parking in and around London means the automatic is probably the one I'd choose. Very informative video though. I had been looking at Porsches and Jags
I think the R8 V10 Manual is a great car that divides opinion by coming from a mainstream manufacturer, but these are really good cars and represent great value for money right now - like the 550 was the last true manual v12 Ferrari the Audi R8 V10 Gen 1 is also the last of a line - both great cars in their own ways
Just bought a ‘14 v8 S-tronic live in New York major traffic everywhere so at 70 years of age and having a manual 911 choose the lazy way around but ,car is a wonder. Classy comfortable and plenty fast I’m thrilled to have it….
Great review. Very enjoyable.
For these to start properly appreciating in value the Gen 2 R8 needs to stop collapsing in value. They are getting very close to Gen1 v10 Manuals.
Agreed. If/when they stop the R8, or even just the N/A V10, it should put upward (or less downward) pressure on the range. And I expect the manuals will fair well, given the lower numbers and general rarity of a manual V10!
Gen 2 values have no bearing on gated gen 1 values. The person demanding a manual car isn’t in the market for a gen 2 at all and doesn’t care how cheap they are. I could buy a gen 2 plus for significantly less than I could sell my gated gen 1 for, but why downgrade?
In years to come the gen1 v10s will be worth more than gen2 cars
@@trinitt I am sure there is some potential for cross-shopping. But get your point. And long term, those differences will play out.
@@stephenSF I think you are right. It will be interesting to watch and see how it goes!
I honestly cannot find another supercar (V8 - V12) in the same price range that you can get with a manual and has some reliability to it. The only comparable cars really would be an Aston or a Ferrari 360. The Aston is too big and doesnt have the sound, the Ferrari is 20 years old now; far slower and much more expensive to maintain. Even if you gave up the manual there is an argument to still suggest the R8 V10 manual is a better choice over an F430 or Gallardo LP550-2
Yes the R8 is not perfect; the interior is not particularly special and the gated manual is a bit clunky with somewhat dodgy linkages at times, but it has just about everything going for it: Performance, Sound, Handling, Driver Involvement, Storage and Reliability
Great review! Slightly envious of the manual but at the same time, I quite like the flappy paddle experience in a supercar too 🤔
Torn!!
Manual or GT... ow, my head... conclusion... you can't go wrong! Love your car.
But this is not a supercar. It may be super, but is far from being a supercar
@@julian987r4 why do you say that? It is fascinating to hear different peoples perspectives on what defines a supercar.
@@julian987r4 ... In your opinion.
@@sportzntouring of course, errr isn’t that how this TH-cam works, one voices their opinion.
One of the best sounding V10's ever made. Great video Jay, currently the best motoring show on any media platform IMO. You magnificent bugger 👍
Thankyou very much
Know what you mean about seeing cars in London I used to work there and see 458s every day. Nice honest video it is a great car and with all fast cars going auto on their gearboxes even the latest gen sporty audis ican only think these will appreciate very much in the near future.
Been saying this for over a year now - one of the best investments you can make. V10 check. Manual check. Understated check. Drives well check. Underpriced? Check!
In fact, it's almost as if you took this video from my comment on your previous video 😉
Ps - don't buy a house as investment.
Oooooo I love the outro! I think I need this retro outro in my life for my next business project.
Pretty good for an Audi. As long as it's a manual.
proper drivers car, can see this becoming a expensive classic very soon
@@DaleSteel yep. Too many about.
You’re right, very few manual box V10, rare as ....
@@martinofleeds im talking about the v10 manual variant. as it is v10's are very rare. this is probably one of the only manual v10's available in RHD
@@martinofleeds too many, where? Maybe in the UK but in the US, its a rare sight to see ANY R8 on the road. Gated manuals, esp the V10 are appreciating in value here in America and will continue to once more car enthusiasts realize its the last of its breed.
Just sold my 2012 last year. Its a great looking car but its not fast enough. Looking to buy a 2014 -2015 V10 Plus model with diamond seats.
This my dream car!
Very nice review
Audi r8 v10 plus spyder with manual. That would be the ultimate unicorn.
Agreed. Not even sure they ever did a manual, Plus, spyder? Back to Autotrader for me!
@@johntearle they did. Dont know how many, but in Europe they did.
I assume the number will be in low teens.
@@blackjacket_ ah interesting. As you say, a unicorn!
That VRN - R8, VX(Roman numeral for 10), M for Manual
You are correct sir, glad someone spotted that
now if only you could get your hands on the v12 tdi that would be interesting to watch.
great video glad to see you appreciating the car
I would love one of these, sadly by the time I'll be able to afford one it'll probably be illegal to drive petrol cars
The worst feeling ever.
can't see them ever being illegal just be prepared to be lube up when it comes to tax
@@larssonk22 You're probably right, but by 2040s if I can actually afford one it'll be very difficult to justify
@@sionjones1257 yup, maybe hybrids will be more affordable. P1 here I come!
@@larssonk22 Wouldn't say no
One of your best scripts imo. I enjoyed the fact you talked money
Thanks James. This is a good and useful review. Thumbsup!
At long last! It’s great to see this car (both V8 and V10 manual) starting to be appreciated as the incredible special car they truly are.
It's funny, all this TH-cam fascination with manual cars..
If anyone has driven a paddle shift hard - pedal to the metal hard, either on the track or road, I don't think many would go back to the manual.
You have such a greater focus on the active "drive" - the road surface, the revs, the apex of a corner, the perception of grip under your seat.. You simply do not want to be distracted by gear shifting, or achieving the perfect heel toe.
When you are in the moment, you simply do not want any distractions, and paddle shifts (obviously I mean an extremely well set up single clutch or dual - although my preference is the single, there's a reason the Aventador is still a single clutch..) offer that. And frankly, the feeling of belting through gears and achieving perfect downshift and belting up shifts.. It's a great feeling.
I would admit for more leisurely pursuits the manual is more fun, and more involving. At the limit, give me paddles and perfect shifts, anytime.
100% agree. It's funny but I do think a large portion of the people that say manual, do so because they're sheep and they think that choosing a manual means you're more of a 'driver'. Of course this is totally nonsense and as you say, once you drive one they are simply immense and everything you said hits home.
I usually hear - 'I like to heel & toe and the tactile response' well I've been H&T'ing that long, in everything from 70 to 700bhp+, that it is 100% a non event and thus provides zero satisfaction. The action of changing gear is a nuisance that slows me down and is 100% subconscious.
Speak to any biker and they WOULD NEVER go back to not having a QS or blipper for 'the experience...
Strange.
@@Hypersonik exactly ✌️
spot on! First time I took my R231 SL63 on track I could not believe how intense the whole driving experience is, how much different things are at high speeds. My brain would barely cope with negotiating the track, braking and turning points, other participants!
I couldn’t even work out the paddle shifter, let alone having to take my hand off the wheel to change gears, blip the throttle, etc. I left the car in sport plus, Sport ESC and suspension, and focused on my lines.
@@peterbratu As you get used to track driving, you'll find you bin the aids as they do limit you. The DSG is the other way around and in manual select mode it really is fantastic for the track
I think,for a normal drive within the speed limits a manual is going to be more fun,and I guess something like an R8 is going to spend 90% of its time on an average road.
I bought a dark blue s tronic v10 plus earlier in the month and bizarrely saw you pass me on the m3 towards london in your 550. I was on the way back from collecting mine! Wanted a face lift v10 but manual far too rare so settled on the double clutch box. It’s epic. Keep up the excellent production work 👍
Still loving the outro.
I've always thought that the Audi R8 V10 was the practical man's supercar choice, why would you give yourself the headache of trying to fit into a car with no headroom and that you can barely see out of when the Audi has the same engine.
I saw a few when they first came out, but I hardly see one nowadays, and they are much more distinctive than a Porsche 911. I'm not a particular fan of convertibles, but I have to admit that the R8 version is quite stunning in the flesh, and again rarely seen.
this one i can see will be a future classic
Great review 💯👍
Out of curiosity, can you get an aftermarket lift suspension?
One of favourite cars ever.
iliftsystems.com/product/audi-r8/
Although, the nose isn’t really low on the R8. Mine is lowered and I never scrape the front end.
If I had 70k to buy an exciting car I wouldn’t feel like I had ‘limited choice’. Come on James, come back down to earth mate!
You can by an R8 V10 manual for £50K and V8 manuals can be found for less than £30K...
@@ChrisVonBron you wouldn’t want to pay that low for either though.
@@stephenSF An interesting dichotomy. Buy the 70k car, drive it, depreciate it, can't sell it because now it's a cheaper car that no one wants to buy. So your only option is to buy it, not drive it and sell it so that's it's a desirable car???
I dunno, you tell me :)
@@Hypersonik mileage has little bearing on the value of an r8. Buy, drive, sell for more than you paid.
@@trinitt Ok...
Selling my R8 V10 Manual. It’s advertised on Pistonheads for £51,000 with 37k on the clock.
No car should be an investment ? Welllllll I bought an 89 mustang notchback 5.0 for 3,200 and what you know ! They have sky rocketed just got an offer on it for 15,000 ............. so cars can be investments just have to follow the trends
I’m scare, I’ve got the opportunity to get one but I’m not sure if I have money enough to keep the car
You don't want the Mag ride because its guaranteed to fail every 20 000km and is stupidly expensive to replace. Replace with coils and enjoy
It isnt though is it
Amazing, stunning ❤
Good review 👍👌😎
Yes!
I want to buy one soso bad but I‘m quite afraid that anything could go wrong.
On top of that I have a mint TTRS with a 6 speed manual which I don‘t want to get rid of, as it‘s a perfect car and the last of its kind.
I hope one day in the near I‘ll be able to at least afford a manual V8 R8 and my TTRS at the same time.
On this side of the pond, 1st generation R8 V10s manuals are already going for stupid money.
Great video, classic car👍
I think I'd rather go for the V8
I don't think another £10-20k justifies 100hp extra
once I saw a twin supercharged v8 with 750hp for £55k lol
Trust me man, the R8 V10 feels completely different than the V8.
(I drove the 2012 V8).
It even comes equipped with optionals, like B&O sound system and LED lighting. Also, the V10 seems to be more reliable, for some reason
@@xxxxxtrxxx13 100% - I’ve driven the V8 and the V10 is next level, it revs to 8,700 too...
@@Maxbann exactly, V8 is good but V10 is amazing
Great video, again... thanks Jay. I was thinking about R8 V8 manual but chose 997.2 S2 manual instead. Not regretting anything. I think it's a better driver's car. But still. These R8s are great cars. And they already started their climb in prices (the same case as with 997 manuals). So, it is actually a bit of investment with a lot of smiles instead of dividends... :)
You def made the right choice vs the V8. 997 is wonderful and steering feel is def better on the Porsche. But the v10 is kind of different proposition.
The only Audi that id like to own. There’s something about the front though that’s always looked a bit clumsy. The sound is fantastic though