► New R8 V10 and V10 Plus launched
► We spec a V10 Plus for you
► You’ll need a big budget for options list
New R8 launches as £118k V10 and £133k V10 Plus – and there’s a reason Audi’s online configurator pre-selects the latter. Including an extra 69bhp, carbon-ceramic brakes (£7k on their own) and Performance driving modes, 60% of buyers so far agree that £15k is a bargain. Also good to know that the UK gets the most generous standard equipment tally in the world.
Starting price: £132,715
V10 Plus Sport suspension might upset the haute coiffure on bumpy UK roads, so first box to tick is variable Magnetic Ride. This is £1600 or £3500 as part of the Sport Plus Pack, which also includes £1800 Sports Exhaust and £1200 Dynamic Steering. Save £100 and avoid the latter for a purer supercar experience.
Running total: £136,115
Early customers are speccing bold colours – including Vegas Yellow. Surely even Elvis wouldn’t go that far? Thankfully Dynamite Red and Ara Blue are most popular. We like the latter, paired with diamond cut 20in alloys.
Running total: £137,465
V10 Plus comes with plenty of carbonfibre as standard but there’s always room for more. Carbon trim for the illuminated-as-standard engine bay and Audi Exclusive carbon door sill finishers are strong choices.
Running total: £142,265
Ditch the uncompromising V10 Plus buckets for no- cost regular sports seats, upgraded with diamond-pattern stitching. We’d also go for pneumatic huggy bolsters, best ordered with extra leather and a B&O hi-fi in the Comfort and Sound Package.
Now you’re sitting comfortably: £146,215
The £650 Driver Assistance Package adds cruise control to keep you legal and a reversing camera to save embarrassment, while the £100 83-litre fuel tank will cross continents faster thanks to fewer fuel stops. The £3k laser headlights are up to you…
Running total: £146,965
Grand total price on the road: £148,750. Still nearly 40 grand cheaper than a Lamborghini Huracan
