Audi R8 V8 review - see why it's a £40,000 bargain supercar!
This review of the original Audi R8 is in partnership with Stereo. Download Stereo and follow me there to check out my latest show with Yianni: stereo.com/matwatsoncars
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The Audi R8 V8 is an instant classic. When it was released in 2007 it showed that Audi could build a genuine rival to the Porsche 911.
With a mid-mounted 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 with 420hp combined with Quattro all-wheel drive, the R8 had the performance to match its futuristic looks. A few years later the addition of the 5.2-litre V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo transformed the R8 from a sports car into a supercar.
In this video I review this 2007 version of the R8, talk through common faults to look out for as part of a buying guide, take it for a drive and see how quick the it can accelerate from 0-60mph.
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The OG R8 is such a masterpiece. After all these years, I still turn my head when I see one
Same bro , I've started to see a lot of them recently
I’ll turn my head at a type r Honda Civic lol
@@omsteve4761 Me too , you don't see much of them
@@omsteve4761 I've seen more Lambos than Type R's in my life
These things have an amazingly timeless road presence you are so right.
YES GET ONE !!!
Didn't expect to see u here!. Lol
Hi Lair
Lol hi lair
Need help should i buy a R8 2010 V10 or 2019 audi tt RS?
Never expected you here! Hi!
I bought one myself and is just the best thing ever. It’s perfect as a daily driver, if you want to go on a trip it’s actually amazing how comfortable it is. Please Mat, get one!
daily driver.. holy bet that costs a fortune to run everyday
@@pumpkin8680 have you ever heard of Daily driven exotics???
my sister has one, manual as well..anyway I am always surprised how comfortable it is, incredibly sophisticated suspension
Daniel, how costly is the normal maintenance on this vehicle?
Save up the money for when it breaks
This old model is a lot better looking. Beauty.
it looks like really beutiful woman. the new ones are more masculen
@@kediyeyolgosterenadam5245 what women are you looking at?
@@rorymilsom1491 german ones
@@kediyeyolgosterenadam5245 yes the olds models are definitely more sleek the newer model looks more aggressive which is not always a good thing.
The manual is the reason for an oldschool R8
My aspirations - Audi R8 My wallet - Fiat Punto 😂
Reality: a bus
You're not alone bro!
@@yes8032 A bus in these times? Nah fam, i'd rather walk
Me too 😭
Me with my 2005 fiat Punto that I got for £650 25k miles 😂
That car still looks like it’s new
Should I get one though?
@@MatWatsonCars yes
@@MatWatsonCars Ehm, is that Even a question! Get one now! The value on these cars will only rise! And they are wonderful cars as well
@@MatWatsonCars Please Get one so you can poke it with the carwow stick of truth
@@MatWatsonCars yes
That's my daily driver. If you can get the manual, go for it. I've been using it since 2008. Driven 80000+ km in it. Never thought of selling it. Probably never will. Always enjoy your videos. Love from India🇮🇳
Thats impressive, especially driving in India👍
@@agplotus8038 R8's are pretty common here in Mumbai. You'll be amazed.
@@spandan8837 I haven't been to Mumbai for many years now, it's good to know that these type's of cars are becoming more common. I wouldn't drive mine there unless I changed the horn :). BTW, I love India and will take my wife one day.
@@spandan8837 you daily ur R8 here? kzhead.info/sun/ibWIebuGjHedjYU/bejne.html&ab_channel=TravelwithLukeDamant
Why wouldnt one recommend an automatic? (I live in a big City with lots of traffic and hate to shift)
Welp this will be very tempting if one ever shows up near me
did not expect you here...nice surprise
wow nice to see you here
They have some bullshit mechanical fault w their aircon its a simple part that costs about £40 however to replace that part the whole fucking engine and gearbox have to be dropped out the car which costs 6grand..
You and exotics both here, wtf is going on 😂😂😂
Wait there are other people who like cars and reptiles
Hi Mat here. Should I buy an old R8. Let me know and please follow me on the new Stereo App to listen to my latest talk show with Yianni: stereo.com/matwatsoncars
Pawri karoge kya😂 Will you do pawri...
I am suprised you did not brag about your big nob in this video.
Yes mat. Also go and watch my Audi A3 video to see what I’m like doing a review of an Audi of this era. Anyway, loving the content you’re pushing out during lockdown. Keep up the good work.
Go for it. You could even change the name of your channel to 'Just one more Car' perhaps?
Sell the Porsche 996 and buy the R8
Fun fact This R8 was also driven by Jeremy Clarkson back in 2007
I just looked it up, it's true. It's crazy you noticed that
crazy thing to notice
Yeah JC reviewed it and then drag-raced it against Hammond's 911 Carrera 2S
Fuck yeah... awesome dude... a while ago i was ODing on old TG vids and i came across that episode...
That is fun indeed
I'm so glad you're getting more opportunities to get cars you love, you deserve it Matt
In 50 years it will still look beautiful. A work of art!
The r8 looked so good when it was first released that they could only make it worse. The new cars don’t look bad but they traded elegance for aggressiveness.
As follows ;) 1. R8 future classic. 2. My dream car 3. Buy one!
I've had a huge soft spot for the V8 R8 manual for years and years...it's one of the all-time great V8s, wonderful gated manual, it's a styling classic but also a livable modern car. It may be a wee bit "slow" by supercar standards but I think it's actually the right amount of fast for real roads vs. today's insane supercars. I'm all about it!
That particular car is definitly going to be a classic, it's the exact car Clarkson drove on Top Gear all those years ago, with Hammond in the 911.
Heh I checked the old video it is, how did you know this?
@@anthonylloyd4425 I thought it looked familiar. Also I watched someone else review it the day before 😂
THE BACK END IS SOOO GOOD...
Lovely arse
@@MatWatsonCars you’re a legend
@@MatWatsonCars LMAO MAT-
@@kaustubhkashyap9750 ...no he means arse.....we’re from the midlands pal
@@kaustubhkashyap9750 how exactly is it a joke?
Back when there was no soft limiters...
😔
You can just turn it off via tune. It isn't expensive either!
@@sprefamefa5034 yea but the drive was more pure back then now its just electronics
@@matamikulic504 yea gonna miss the N/A engines. Only option is the manual mustang, corvette and the GT3 911 manual
@@sprefamefa5034 and the new m3 and 4 will have manuals but not N/A
Darn, perfect timing as I am shopping for one right now! Thanks for the video Mat!
Was actually looking to buy one of these 2009 and V8. Thank you for this cause I’ve been checking for good current videos and was coming up short.
“It’s a bit of a bargain “ yeah to buy but not to maintain !
That's why it's an Audi and the V8, pretty much an Audi S4 if you think about it, much simpler than most supercars
@@saturndesigns2339 you mean RS4?
@@Grnbaracuda b8 s4 is V8
@@smallshaq8521 the 4.2L in the s4 is detuned, aka its balls got chopped off.
@@xe8145 it’s still a V8, lots of opportunity to tune it
Look up the word "timeless" in a dictionary and this comes up
along with a jaguar xk8
@@rapierr8394 Along with Liz Hurley.
@CannaMukbang didnt find no audi r8
Timeless = 911
True story
Love your reviews,no bull just straight as it is,great stuff.
In 2009 my sister got married and I hired this car for a whole week (Asian thing to hire cars at weddings), anyway that week was the best week of my life! Ive driven other supercars since but nothing will compare to an r8 manual. Brilliant car!
Wait, so you hired the car for her? Or is it really a thing to get yourself something nice to drive around in just to celebrate someone else's good fortune? That's a very odd tradition since it seems nothing at all is benefitting the subject of the celebration, but whatever. Far be it from me to judge.
This will definitely shoot up in value some time in the future especially with that gated manual 😍. Lucky for those who will start buying these now
I just spotted, when you’re standing at the driver’s side of the R8 towards the end of the video, that the driver’s side front vented brake disk is the wrong one, and is actually for the passenger’s side... I looked back, and the passenger’s side front vented brake disc is correct... the vents are directional. Whoever changed them last, put 2x passenger side vented brake discs on the front of the R8 in error. 🤓
It's crazy you noticed that
Talk about attention to detail!
On the drivers side ,both disc drilled holes (front and back ) go in the same direction,the passenger side however the front disk drilled holes go in the opposite direction.
No they didn't. The discs are not side specific. You can't see the 'vents'. You can see the drilled holes which, while they do help vent gasses from between the pad and disc, are not the 'vents' that are meant when talking about 'vented discs'. Those vents are internal to the disc and dissipate heat. The discs are manufactured the same, hence the drilled/dimpled holes on one side, will curve in the opposite direction to the other side.
@@stu2418 The discs are side specific, when they have the particular pattern, as seen on this Audi R8. Whilst you cannot see the vents themselves from that angle, you can tell their direction, based on the drilled holes. Look up the parts list for this R8, and you will see that they are directional, i.e.: side specific. 🤓
A great straight forward R8 review, very nice thanks🤗 Always been so tempted by the R8, absolutely love the things🤔
Get itt !! Audi R8 is like one of the best engineered car on the road even toady!!! (After 13 years) get it get it get ittt !!
Literally have seen lots of these recently , they're sooooo good! You should definitely buy one Mat!
This is my favourite car ever and my dream car, I absolutely love this upload.
Had one and blew a engine at just 6 months old in 2008 on the track(timing chain failed big).Audi was the best and so good at looking after me I bought another 2 variants over the next 4 years Moved onto Porsche since but your review Matt is spot on in regards to the drive and design of the classic R8.
Absolutely love this car. Always wanted one and very fortunate to now be a proud owner of one. A beautiful vehicle in every sense of the word.
Amazing nice detailed review bro..
me with 600 bucks salary: It's a bargain!
Love your content Mat! - please post more videos of “Supercar bargains”
I have the same age rs4 with a very similar engine. I agree when you say it’s all you need on uk roads, you can have some fun without doing 100mph plus. I drove plenty of r8’s whilst working for audi and I still think that old manual v8 is the best all rounder, the newer v10 plus is too quick for our roads (different on a track but who buys one just for the track?). The carbon clean makes a huge difference as much as 50bhp as I found out when doing mine. Great video as always matt.
Love your videos
Even though it has a V8 underneath, that back glass still has heater wires 🤔
It still fogs up surprisingly lol
@@dan.p really they fog up even with the engine heat? That’s mental.
I've got a 2008 S5 4.2 V8 Manual. It's an absolute pleasure to drive with the manual gearbox. The styling never gets old.
Mat I enjoy watching your videos, they are entertaining. Keep up the good work. :)
Always liked these, nicely understated compared with a Gallardo. They also make twin turbo kits for them... 😉
The legendary car! You defiantly need to get one
Superb review as always, my dream car! So yes if you can afford one definitely get one! The one you reviewed looked in excellent condition too.
Always loved these and the wall-e reference makes me like it even more! 🙈👍
Definitely a futur classic but I'd spend the extra money on the v10
Or you can get a fully specced Passat
@@dragospahontu Lols
V8 is better less fuel
@@nicsmjs7170 yea but the sound of a V10. Can’t beat it.
@@nicsmjs7170 You dont buy a R8 to save fuel 🤣🤣
I don't care if its old, not as fast or anything. I saw this car on the streets in Germany when I was around 4 years old and I absolutely fell in love. Our neighbour had one and everytime he would come to park I would just keep staring at its beauty.
I used to own one of these beauties. Was one of the best cars I've owned by far. A couple of recommendations for anyone looking to buy one- avoid the R-Tronic single clutch auto box. It was clunky and mine had an expensive failure. And go for an aftermarket exhaust- this engine with a Capristo or Tubi is one of the better V8 engine sounds out there.
Great video Mat!!! Please do more reviews of older cars like a ferrari f355
Mat have you heard the news about synthetic fuels? Eco-friendly petrol that can be used in any current engine forever!
Stereo is literally what radio was some time ago 😂
Just shows how fast technology has advanced in a few years!
Doing that LT Grubber's german accent you could call it "my little tank"!! Love your videos! Best of lucks!
Great video Matt more of these! Isn’t there an issue with the front of the chassis snapping with it being ali.... or is that internet myths 🤷🏼♂️
Mat, the original R8 is timeless and is an absolute pleasure to drive and own, can get pricey to insure and maintain and stuff but was well worth it for me back in the day. Edit: Had an original V10 manual but the V8 is arguably a better driver's car, doesn't sound as good of course but makes for a better balance on twisty roads because that V10 is a tiny bit overpowered on some roads. But then again, I've got a diesel now lol so what do I know
Mat doing impressions is the funniest thing ever 😂
I just picked one up for 34k with only 55000 on clock and is immaculate with recently new discs lol, I'm in love ❤
Thanks for the video. I'm considering buying one. It's been on my list for years.
Get one! My dream car ever since it was released! One day I will own one, just need to work another 20 years at this rate to even be able to consider it 😭🤣
This thing still an amazing car
Have one for close to 3 years now and it is an absolute blast! Pure emotion every time I take it out. All you need is this... so what are you waiting for?
My absolute dream car since I saw one in Finland in 2010 and I have set a goal that I will buy one before I turn 30 so I have 5 years to go
fuck yes, Do it man! Feels great to buy something you saw when younger. Mine was a little cheaper, its was yamaha FZ6-S.
Mat should have his own carwow certified "stick and/or log of truth" on his reviews in his KZhead channel.
Nice to see this review! I've owned an identical car since 2007! You missed two things. First, if you have to leave the car outside in the rain (a shame I know) and then the sun comes out, it causes water beneath the car to evaporate and them condense on the engine's window. this then rains down on the engine bay, corroding those nice perforated covers on either side and the cam covers. Not the end of the world, but annoying. Second, the fuel filler cap has a plastic tether - be sure to always rotate this tether away from the lock when closing. If you don't do this, the flap can become jammed completely shut. Mine has screw driver marks around it from when I had no choice but to prise it open.
Good info! Would love one but no space in my garage (already occupied).
Hey! Great review, thanks! I'm trying to learn a bit more about cars - you mention that you'd replace all of the suspensions on the car. Why is that? What exactly would you replace them with? I'm really trying to understand the thought process. Thanks!
You behave just like me when I am fiddling or driving my R8 manual😂 Nice review! And yes, the gated manual V8 R8 is already a future classic, its just waiting for the appreciation🔥
No mention of the structural frame problems at the front strut towers within the first model years? That would be the first place i'd look when looking for an R8.
100% anorak
True but it was only a problem if you had a heavy front end impact/crash/smash up a kerb. Some people like to make out it was some sort of inherent flaw but the cracks were vanishingly rare.
Mats loving his R8 reviews 😅😍
Old or new. Which is best?
@@MatWatsonCars new apart from the manual option on the old
@@MatWatsonCars old one
@@MatWatsonCars old V8 with Manual gearbox 👍
The Wall-e reference... I cannot unsee it now... Thank you Mat 😄
One of the best V8's ever made. Someone in my village recently got an old RS4 with that V8.
This car is definitely worth having an extra car for!
2:11 the accent😂
Killed me lol
You should definitely get one!!! My father and I purchased a 2010 Manual V8 in October of 2019 and it's such a fun car to drive! I think it will it will become a future classic.
What a timeless design, the interior and exterior still looks so cool even for today.
Are you going to pay? "Of course not" lol
Dear Mat, GET THE CAR Yours truly. The viewers
I honestly love the car and especially that gated shifter being a Manual Elitist! Though I'm quite surprised to learn it's slower to 60mph than my 2014 WRX 5-speed. Before a tune, I was getting 4.6 on the 0-60 in a sedan with a huge trunk. I'd love to catch one at the Tail of the Dragon and see if it can keep up, lol.
I would love one but repair costs put me off so I got a 225 tt which I love hopefully b a classic as well
You know that Mat loves his job when he can’t get enough of doing reviews for Carwow, so he does them on his spare time as well
The car that changed Audi and made it the brand it is today
True
@@MatWatsonCars did not expect you to comment lol. Been following since the carbuyer days, keep it up! Big fan
Love the content keep it up
Awesome vid! Hope to see more of its kind :D
The R8 without the V10 is just like the GR Yaris without the track pack.
Take the R8 V8 any day over any tin can GR Yaris
@@7spower998 wtf has that got to do with what he said?
The V8 has more identity is more special
@@guioinc19 you got that the wrong way around. 🤣
I dream about buying the R8, my dream car ... Maybe some day, untill that i have to stick with my A6 and imagine 5.2 instead of 2.0 😂
Yes but the A6 is still a lovely looking car. I’d buy one if I didn’t have a company car, I think they look great.
It is great, i have it for few months now and no regrets, beautiful car. You can get one anytime in te future, they're very affordable now (i have 2014. model)
Love the Audi R8! My friend has one of the V8’s and absolutely loves it!
I love the look of this one and you are correct it does look better than the current version
You sat where clarkson once sat. I am incredibly jealous
Why
I've just checked that, and you're right! That's the same Audi R8 Jeremy Clarkson drove around the track back in Top Gear! And i knew i've seen that number plate somewhere XD
Stereo: Step aside Raid Shadowlegends
Love your chanel. Great video,great car. One day i will do review on one like this as well.
Excellent review Mat. I've had one for 4 years and would add 4 points: 1) another watchout is the aircon compressor, if it needs replacing it's an engine out job. 2) mag ride units will fail just like all shocks over time and it's over £2k a pair. Many are changing to coilovers but I think they are part of the R8 DNA. 3) audio bluetooth - easy to fit an aftermarket kit in the glovebox using the feed to the CD autochanger. Luggage storage looks small but exactly big enough for 2 cabin bags, with space behind the head rests too - enough for 2 people for a whole week away. Finally I'm glad you didn't open up the debate about whether it's a supercar or not - if anybody asks, they're missing the point - the R8 has nothing to prove - it's an R8.
The compressor in mine has just gone 😭. Luckily I found an audi specialist who can do it without taking the engine out.
is it worth the high running costs?
6:21 - “I’m like a cat that’s presented with an open box”.
The new ones might be faster, but they've lost all the good looks
Yes agreed the new models look too aggressive.
I remember seeing one of these on a transporter on its way to the dealership just before launch & thinking “That’s a great facelift for the TT”
Mat...you have a lot to answer for,...in fact my wife wants a word with you....I'm about to sell my 996 Turbo which ive owned for 3 months... to now buy a Mk 1 V8 R8....thanks in no small part to watching this video about 5 times ! Cheers....keep up the good work mate !
I will never get over shiny steering wheel and seats.
same haha, but that is something which is easily fixed...
This r8 maybe not depreciate a lot than v10 versions.Because is v8 and this is the only generation of r8 that having v8 engine.And maybe the 4.2 liter audi v8 is quite famous for tuning.Well you can comments if I wrong.
Love the original style R8... truly stunning. So much more eye catching than the models in recent years.
ok got the R8...love it...the absolutely the right thing to do. I loved the Turbo but this is a better drivers car. You are soooo right about that bloody keyfob...my knee managed to turn off the ignition twice,...the first time i was on the M40 coming back to the midlands after buying the car...OMG !
I could only dream of owning this car. Its a beauty, I actually fell in love with it when I used to play Need for Speed Carbon on the PS2. The main boss Darius was the R8 and it was a pleasure to go against. Every time I see one on the road I cant help but look, wishing it would happen but in these days and with the cost of living in the UK I just cant imagine me ever owning one. Maybe, it would make my decade tbh, never mind year. Much love awesome video!
Very cool car,by the way how is the progress with the Jimny going cheers
I just purchased a 4.2 V8 S5 and what an engine. I agree with Matt, you really don't need more power on UK roads.
Friends of mine bought one each. Clutch was going on one of the them and he had to sell the car for £5000 rather than have the engine taken out.
Absolutely get one. Now I'm gonna have to get one too, thanks a lot Mat lol