Audi R8 V8 review - see why it's a £40,000 bargain supercar!

[@TarasBuria]

The OG R8 is such a masterpiece. After all these years, I still turn my head when I see one

[@ballsackgameing]

Same bro , I've started to see a lot of them recently

[@omsteve4761]

I’ll turn my head at a type r Honda Civic lol

[@ballsackgameing]

@@omsteve4761 Me too , you don't see much of them

[@ballsackgameing]

@@omsteve4761 I've seen more Lambos than Type R's in my life

[@inbloom08]

These things have an amazingly timeless road presence you are so right.

[@ExoticsLair]

YES GET ONE !!!

[@MetalHead1904]

Didn't expect to see u here!. Lol

[@aplonicycommunity7407]

Hi Lair

[@TheOfficialPositivePerk]

Lol hi lair

[@pulie2330]

Need help should i buy a R8 2010 V10 or 2019 audi tt RS?

[@AndorRadnai]

Never expected you here! Hi!

[@danielusoltsev9912]

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!

[@pumpkin8680]

daily driver.. holy bet that costs a fortune to run everyday

[@bennett_walters221]

@@pumpkin8680 have you ever heard of Daily driven exotics???

[@kubek555]

my sister has one, manual as well..anyway I am always surprised how comfortable it is, incredibly sophisticated suspension

[@josephdonnelly3169]

Daniel, how costly is the normal maintenance on this vehicle?

[@cars4life458]

Save up the money for when it breaks

[@joneslaakso]

This old model is a lot better looking. Beauty.

[@hanmbsalyokbg]

it looks like really beutiful woman. the new ones are more masculen

[@rorymilsom1491]

@@hanmbsalyokbg what women are you looking at?

[@hanmbsalyokbg]

@@rorymilsom1491 german ones

[@matty6848]

@@hanmbsalyokbg yes the olds models are definitely more sleek the newer model looks more aggressive which is not always a good thing.

[@nyndndkdkjs6683]

The manual is the reason for an oldschool R8

[@kcspeed9980]

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.

[@spandan8837]

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🇮🇳

[@agplotus8038]

Thats impressive, especially driving in India👍

[@spandan8837]

@@agplotus8038 R8's are pretty common here in Mumbai. You'll be amazed.

[@agplotus8038]

@@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.

[@rich0ne]

@@spandan8837 you daily ur R8 here? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIKyeoqEiqqakK8&ab_channel=TravelwithLukeDamant

[@milhouse147]

Why wouldnt one recommend an automatic? (I live in a big City with lots of traffic and hate to shift)

[@LightningMcqueenFan-vf2hh]

That car still looks like it’s new

[@MatWatsonCars]

Should I get one though?

[@LightningMcqueenFan-vf2hh]

@@MatWatsonCars yes

[@Dijkjord]

@@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

[@Bismarck6969]

@@MatWatsonCars Please Get one so you can poke it with the carwow stick of truth

[@muji8715]

@@MatWatsonCars yes

[@GoHerping]

Welp this will be very tempting if one ever shows up near me

[@FexAtila]

did not expect you here...nice surprise

[@TheDopeGamer0906]

wow nice to see you here

[@iCozzh]

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..

[@ldus]

You and exotics both here, wtf is going on 😂😂😂

[@keshavkrishna6782]

Wait there are other people who like cars and reptiles

[@maarioambel2005]

Fun fact This R8 was also driven by Jeremy Clarkson back in 2007

[@akshatshahi718]

I just looked it up, it's true. It's crazy you noticed that

[@duhtz237]

crazy thing to notice

[@endlesswisdom2765]

Yeah JC reviewed it and then drag-raced it against Hammond's 911 Carrera 2S

[@99gentsia]

Fuck yeah... awesome dude... a while ago i was ODing on old TG vids and i came across that episode...

[@yorkshirerose4225]

That is fun indeed

[@Trendyflute]

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!

[@SW46NH]

My aspirations - Audi R8 My wallet - Fiat Punto 😂

[@yes8032]

Reality: a bus

[@johnholst]

You're not alone bro!

[@PalpatinesPlumber]

@@yes8032 A bus in these times? Nah fam, i'd rather walk

[@gulboro]

Me too 😭

[@paolocaliendo5373]

Me with my 2005 fiat Punto that I got for £650 25k miles 😂

[@ThompterSHunson]

In 50 years it will still look beautiful. A work of art!

[@lonsdaleashley23]

As follows ;) 1. R8 future classic. 2. My dream car 3. Buy one!

[@LogicPak]

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!

[@moogle68]

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.

[@matamikulic504]

Back when there was no soft limiters...

[@sprefamefa5034]

You can just turn it off via tune. It isn't expensive either!

[@matamikulic504]

@@sprefamefa5034 yea but the drive was more pure back then now its just electronics

[@sprefamefa5034]

@@matamikulic504 yea gonna miss the N/A engines. Only option is the manual mustang, corvette and the GT3 911 manual

[@matamikulic504]

@@sprefamefa5034 and the new m3 and 4 will have manuals but not N/A

[@nazimdz2457]

@@sprefamefa5034 R8 is still NA but no manual

[@FreeGreatBritain]

I just picked one up for 34k with only 55000 on clock and is immaculate with recently new discs lol, I'm in love ❤

[@shayansjm889]

How's the experience so far? Any issue or repair?

[@Stuub.]

Also curious how it’s treated you. I’m in the market for one of these, if all else fails I’ll grab a GTR or 981 Cayman haha

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

“It’s a bit of a bargain “ yeah to buy but not to maintain !

[@saturndesigns2339]

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

[@Grnbaracuda]

@@saturndesigns2339 you mean RS4?

[@smallshaq8521]

@@Grnbaracuda b8 s4 is V8

[@xe8145]

@@smallshaq8521 the 4.2L in the s4 is detuned, aka its balls got chopped off.

[@smallshaq8521]

@@xe8145 it’s still a V8, lots of opportunity to tune it

[@nathant8951]

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.

[@anthonylloyd4425]

Heh I checked the old video it is, how did you know this?

[@nathant8951]

@@anthonylloyd4425 I thought it looked familiar. Also I watched someone else review it the day before 😂

[@CaptainBlitz]

Look up the word "timeless" in a dictionary and this comes up

[@rapierr8394]

along with a jaguar xk8

[@mikees60]

@@rapierr8394 Along with Liz Hurley.

[@CobnutVTS]

@CannaMukbang didnt find no audi r8

[@ahmedal-oraifi8926]

Timeless = 911

[@ShannonSouthAfrica]

True story

[@poulsen5750]

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.

[@aehsanurrahman2025]

THE BACK END IS SOOO GOOD...

[@MatWatsonCars]

Lovely arse

[@abeergupta224]

@@MatWatsonCars you’re a legend

[@algerianmapper3]

@@MatWatsonCars LMAO MAT-

[@jarradmoore6939]

@@kaustubhkashyap9750 ...no he means arse.....we’re from the midlands pal

[@jarradmoore6939]

@@kaustubhkashyap9750 how exactly is it a joke?

[@TheSpikeStoryMobile]

I'm so glad you're getting more opportunities to get cars you love, you deserve it Matt

[@colmj.cleary6272]

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. 🤓

[@MrYugideck]

It's crazy you noticed that

[@inamhassan2694]

Talk about attention to detail!

[@brianiswrong]

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.

[@stu2418]

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.

[@colmj.cleary6272]

@@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. 🤓

[@hellotheregeneralkenobi365]

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.

[@oversteer_9339]

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

[@r8pilot296]

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.

[@yash.kapoor]

Toyota needs to take notes

[@ham00dh36]

Definitely a futur classic but I'd spend the extra money on the v10

[@dragospahontu]

Or you can get a fully specced Passat

[@MatWatsonCars]

@@dragospahontu Lols

[@nicsmjs7170]

V8 is better less fuel

[@iamjames8200]

@@nicsmjs7170 yea but the sound of a V10. Can’t beat it.

[@ivangf14]

@@nicsmjs7170 You dont buy a R8 to save fuel 🤣🤣

[@lichh64]

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.

[@Alphamig]

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 !!

[@dwdrum11]

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.

[@donclarke4924]

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.

[@tomhill2497]

Mat have you heard the news about synthetic fuels? Eco-friendly petrol that can be used in any current engine forever!

[@kargi42]

Even though it has a V8 underneath, that back glass still has heater wires 🤔

[@dan.p]

It still fogs up surprisingly lol

[@matty6848]

@@dan.p really they fog up even with the engine heat? That’s mental.

[@thedriversseat1522]

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.

[@Hello5Jack]

This is my favourite car ever and my dream car, I absolutely love this upload.

[@TheCoBBus]

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

[@edn5170]

fuck yes, Do it man! Feels great to buy something you saw when younger. Mine was a little cheaper, its was yamaha FZ6-S.

[@ryuhayashi97]

me with 600 bucks salary: It's a bargain!

[@paulweis9797]

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?

[@valiantdiesel1332]

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

[@datsunsss5456]

Drove one for the first time yesterday and my thoughts exactly when you said you do not need anything more than this on the road today.....oh, and it's not old at 13 years if you are a normal human

[@hariskhurram8115]

Love your videos

[@MrContulmeu]

Dear Mat, GET THE CAR Yours truly. The viewers

[@blueryxfalls7949]

Stereo is literally what radio was some time ago 😂

[@matty6848]

Just shows how fast technology has advanced in a few years!

[@arandomperson5371]

What a timeless design, the interior and exterior still looks so cool even for today.

[@hamiltonr]

Always liked these, nicely understated compared with a Gallardo. They also make twin turbo kits for them... 😉

[@sebastt1an]

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.

[@warrior8154]

The legendary car! You defiantly need to get one

[@EddieRicks-i8v]

This car is great and I am leaving it stock and it’s sad it’s not being made anymore 😢

[@charliemolda297]

This car is definitely worth having an extra car for!

[@detonater1348]

This is my favorite audi super car ever, especially the first gen. Timeless and comes with V8,V10 and V12 TDI. Such a beautiful design and that gated manual wraps it up. I remember when it first debuted and got showcased on iron man. It looked outta this world and thought it was concept and that it will never look like that in production. But boii was i wrong. R8 fa lyfe ya heard!

[@xhetanpali306]

This thing still an amazing car

[@andrewgibbs5096]

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”

[@ChrisN06999]

Mat should have his own carwow certified "stick and/or log of truth" on his reviews in his KZbin channel.

[@David_S1985]

Worth mentioning that a decoke won't do much as the decoke chemicals go through the direct injection so still don't clean the valves. You're looking at walnut blasting the back of the valves to clean it up.

[@paulenescu9206]

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.

[@NubletPie278]

100% anorak

[@stu2418]

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.

[@glaize5005]

This is the same car that Jeremy Clarkson drove back in the day. They still have that video though but my God, it still looks stunning since the day it was driven by Jeremy. A modern classic for sure.

[@96Rozzer]

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 😭🤣

[@refinedzero]

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!

[@i4u4]

Amazing nice detailed review bro..

[@kevinpollard1550]

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

[@dnzry2218]

The car that changed Audi and made it the brand it is today

[@MatWatsonCars]

True

[@dnzry2218]

@@MatWatsonCars did not expect you to comment lol. Been following since the carbuyer days, keep it up! Big fan

[@northframing]

I’m 21 and this is always been a dream car for me Audi R8 v8 with the Manual gated gear box just checked the insurance and it’s 1.8k 😳😳😳😳😳😳 that is mad

[@ottob9356]

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

[@m.r.9336]

I have a 2008 Audi TT quattro 3.2 and it's such a reliable car regardless of being 12 years old and Audi's sports cars from this era already had a dynamic mode preinstalled in them because comfort, sport, they gave you what you want!

[@mrsb4985]

Mats loving his R8 reviews 😅😍

[@MatWatsonCars]

Old or new. Which is best?

[@RR-us2kp]

@@MatWatsonCars old one

[@V8Hungry]

@@MatWatsonCars old V8 with Manual gearbox 👍

[@villaman4818]

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 !

[@MatWatsonCars]

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

[@aehsanurrahman2025]

Pawri karoge kya😂 Will you do pawri...

[@DashCamSerbia]

I am suprised you did not brag about your big nob in this video.

[@01howardproductions92]

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.

[@simsalb]

Go for it. You could even change the name of your channel to 'Just one more Car' perhaps?

[@7spower998]

Sell the Porsche 996 and buy the R8

[@villaman4818]

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 !

[@zooreaction1490]

Mat doing impressions is the funniest thing ever 😂

[@dazmorland]

My mate had a 2008 one last year and threw it in a ditch, and wrote it off! He let me have a go before he binned it, and it was awesome. Automatic with paddle shift on the wheel, nice :)

[@BeefIngot]

Are you going to pay? "Of course not" lol

[@Kayobong]

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.

[@Nonegiven14582]

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.

[@hazzaknox1069]

You sat where clarkson once sat. I am incredibly jealous

[@Kylirr]

Why

[@Destroyah53]

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

[@marksapollo]

One of the best V8's ever made. Someone in my village recently got an old RS4 with that V8.

[@aleksababic3730]

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 😂

[@matty6848]

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.

[@aleksababic3730]

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)

[@cosminmihu9963]

It's definitely a car to buy, especially nowadays when manual high displacement engines are pretty much gone. Not to mention that everything is turbocharged and does not compare to the sound of this engine. The manual V10 is one I would love to drive once in my life.

[@TheWatchman1893]

The new ones might be faster, but they've lost all the good looks

[@matty6848]

Yes agreed the new models look too aggressive.

[@JayyKumarr]

C’mon I love those rear headlights of the first R8 over any other R8, it looks so beautiful, never would change that design

[@boitumelobruh4967]

2:11 the accent😂

[@XtrAMassivE]

Killed me lol

[@roddydykes7053]

Just bought a 2011 A5 S-Line (university, already a very pricey choice lol) and I like how many similar interior and the handful of exterior similarities there are

[@eriksantoso1741]

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.

[@samb5327]

Just something about the original r8 especially with that manual gearbox such a timeless design 👌

[@PalpatinesPlumber]

Stereo: Step aside Raid Shadowlegends

[@johncole3393]

Yes Mat Get one providing servicing is reasonable It is a good looking car

[@petercarey5400]

6:21 - “I’m like a cat that’s presented with an open box”.

[@reflexfusion9830]

Yes you need to get one. I’m planning to get an R8 in the next 6 years I love those cars

[@arashk1849]

I will never get over shiny steering wheel and seats.

[@hofgof4453]

same haha, but that is something which is easily fixed...

[@GMRS4]

Just got myself one! Collect it next week, can’t wait!!

[@diogodimas8677]

I´d recommend the second gen R8 V8, 2014 and up V8 R8 are much more reliable (the best way to know is by the exhaust, gen 2 R8 all have the oval tailpipes). If u want a V10 R8, either get a gen 1 manual or a one with S-tronic.

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaa4151]

My mate had one, third gear went on the box, we stripped it out & fixed it, but it still cost over £4K in parts , be very carefull!!

[@davidjennings9253]

Yeah Matt - Just go for it - I'm kinda surprised you don't already have one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zyoungson215]

It looks like it could have rolled off the production line yesterday. Amazing piece of design

[@pye007]

GET ONE!! WITH AN AFTERMARKET TOPGEAR AFTERMARKET EXHAUST, IT SOUNDS EPIC. THE DESIGN IS TIMELESS. I ALSO HAVE A MODIFIED 996 TURBO WITH 560BHP and THIS IS AS MUCH FUN TO DRIVE. YOU CERTAINLY NEED THE MANUAL GATE WHICH IS SUCH A JOY TO USE!! A GREAT CAR.

[@simonbuckley6154]

Thanks for the video. I'm considering buying one. It's been on my list for years.

[@foursolo9235]

This r8 still looks good, better than the new one

[@PierreColombo900]

Design icon. V8 + gated manual = best combo

[@shaundavenport621]

The side-blade is the only thing that put me off the car.I did see a white convertible with the lid down once and it looked better than most of the other supercar soft tops on the road!Phenomenal!

[@garethherring7261]

Love the original style R8... truly stunning. So much more eye catching than the models in recent years.

[@jamessheehy4895]

Definitely better looking than the new one!

[@JK-xn4mj]

The original R8 has been one of my dream cars since I learned how to drive. Please get one if you can. So good.