Why I’d Buy an Audi R8 V10 Instead of a Lamborghini

Don’t sleep on the “bargain-basement” supercar.

byMichael Thompson|
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The 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus shares its bones with the spectacular Lamborghini Huracán. That makes it not only a bargain-basement Lambo, but also a bargain-basement supercar. (Relatively speaking.) Bottom line: You should buy the new R8 instead of the Lamborghini Huracán. Here’s why.

The virtual cockpit. The R8 has a 12.3-inch display and nifty infotainment suite. That keeps all the information you need in front of you, and your focus on the road ahead.

It looks almost as good as the Lamborghini. Sure, looks are subjective, but the Audi R8 V-10 Plus is still damn good-looking. With the newest model, Audi removed the R8’s signature one-piece side blades, and its stance, sharp headlights and presence make it a head turner.

It packs sophisticated mechanicals. There is a locking mechanical rear differential, and it has the ability to send 100% of the power to the front or rear wheels.

It has huge brakes. Beefy 8-piston front calipers, and optional carbon ceramics. So you’ll be able to spill your coffee everywhere any time you want.

It’s got some racing chops. You can purchase the Audi R8 LMS, which recently took home a one-two-three podium finish at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

It has a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10. Finally, a supercar without turbos. The Drive team says thank you.

So it’s fast. That naturally aspirated V-10 engine produces 602 horsepower. So the R8 V10 Plus does 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, en route to a top speed of 205 mph. That’s fast. Sounds like it, too: That ten packs an auditory blast that really, honestly, needs no explanation.

It’s cheaper than the Huracán. The Audi R8 V10 Plus has a sticker price of $173,500. The Lamborghini Huracán costs $237,250. The virtual cockpit, big brakes, the all-wheel drive and 5.2-liter engine—you get all those in the Huracán, too, just at an upcharge of $75k. Whereas the last generation R8 and Gallardo had some major differences, that’s not the case any longer. So if you can live without the badge cache, the Audi—and its nigh-Lambo configuration—is a no-brainer.

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