Awesome power of a shuttle surprises at Audi

When I arrived at the Audi Mbombela Terminal on October 23, it looked like the whole church council – suits and ties galore, was out in force – only then did I realise it was the workshop staff. The early morning reception of Audi owners who have booked their cars for a service, is quite an elaborate affair. But wait, the dealer principal was also there – so something was up.

And indeed it was. Clients were shuttled back to their office or homes in an R8. And this shuttle team was doing this all over the country to promote the brand and what it stands for. And their luggage? You know the R8 packs awesome oomph – but space for luggage is at a serious premium.

“Took my Audi in for service on Thursday, drop-off was arranged with appointment. Great surprise when I was transported home in style by the most friendly and professional driver in this most awesome car,” said Erick Schafner. Theodora Mdhuli was another satisfied client, but she was too stunned to speak.

The R8 is the sporty spearhead of the Audi model line-up. This is high-performance par excellence. Kitted with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, the line-up comprises three different engine variants: the R8 V8, the R8 V10, in both Coupé and Spyder guise; and the new R8 V10 plus, available only in the Coupé and prices start at R1,622,500. And yes, you probably feel a little dizzy after that piece of information.

This icon was launched to the South African market in 2007 initially only in V8 Coupé form and then by the Spyder in 2010. The complete body is made from an aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) which weighs just 210 kilograms, while the R8 V10 weighs in at 1,570 kilograms.

The interior conveys a car racing atmosphere on the luxury level; its dominant feature is the “monoposto” – the long arc curve running around the cockpit in the area of the driver.
The eight-cylinder engine powering the Audi R8 V8 Coupé and Spyder produces 316kW and 430Nm of torque. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, it accelerates the R8 Coupé from zero to 100 km/h in 4,3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300km/h, while the Spyder needs only 0,2 seconds more.

The Coupé range is fitted with a the new R8 V10 plus with 404kW and 540Nm of torque. Equipped with the S tronic, it catapults from zero to 100km/h and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h. The R8 V10 plus is not available as a Spyder.

Power is delivered to the road via the quattro® permanent all-wheel drive system with a heavy rear-axle bias. The heart of the system is a viscous coupling mounted on the front axle. A mechanical limited slip differential at the rear axle improves the traction. Did the shuttle drive home or the office include some spirited driving or was it an all Miss Daisy affair? My lips are sealed…